💲 Markets await Powell after 25 bp hike

📆 Markets wait for Powell's presser after 'hawkish' 25 bp rate hike

The Federal Reserve delivered a 25 basis point rate hike. While this was the second slowdown in rate hike cycle in a row, market reaction shows that it was seen as hawkish. This is because there were no mentions or hints at a possible end of the rate hike cycle in the United States. Fed repeated in a statement that ongoing rate increases are appropriate and did not signaled that it plans to stop hiking anytime soon. Market continues to price in only one more 25 basis point rate hike after today and if this is true, some hints from Fed would be more than welcome. Having said that, attention turns to press conference of Fed Chair that is set to begin at 7:30 pm GMT with journalists likely to pressure Powell whether more hikes are coming. A live coverage of Powell's press conference will be available in 'News' section on xStation platform.

US dollar gained and US equity indices dropped following FOMC rate announcement. However, Wall Street has managed to fully recover from those losses already with US500 trading around 10 points above pre-announcement levels. EURUSD managed to recover back above 1.09 handle and trades near pre-announcement levels.

EURUSD experienced wild swings after Fed decision but is ultimately trading little changed compared to pre-announcement levels. Source: xStation5