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USD/CAD rose to 1.3923 last week but dived sharply from there. Initial bias is turned neutral this week first. Price actions from 1.3538 are seen as a corrective pattern. As long as 1.3720 support holds, another rise could still be seen. However, upside should be limited by 1.4014 cluster resistance (38.2% retracement of 1.4791 to 1.3538 at 1.4017). Meanwhile, firm break of 1.3720 will argue that the corrective bounce has already completed, and bring retest of 1.3538 low.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 1.4791 medium term top could either be a correction to rise from 1.2005 (2021 low), or trend reversal. In either case, further decline is expected as long as 1.4014 resistance holds. Next target is 61.8% retracement of 1.2005 (2021 low) to 1.4791 at 1.3069.

In the long term picture, as long as 55 M EMA (now at 1.3514) holds, up trend from 0.9056 (2007 low) should still resume through 1.4791 at a later stage. However, sustained trading below 55 M EMA will argue that the up trend has already completed, with rise from 1.2005 to 1.4791 as the fifth wave. 1.4791 would then be seen as a long term top and deeper medium term down trend should then follow.

GBP/JPY's corrective pattern from 200.26 extended with a dip to 197.84 last week, but quickly recovered. Initial bias stays neutral this week first. While another fall cannot be ruled out, near term outlook will stay bullish as long as 195.01 support holds. On the upside, firm break of 2002.6 will resume the whole rise from 184.35 to 100% projection of 180.00 to 199.79 from 184.35 at 204.14.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 208.09 (2024 high) are seen as a correction to rally from 123.94 (2020 low). The pattern might still extend with another falling leg. But in that case, strong support should be seen from 38.2% retracement of 123.94 to 208.09 at 175.94 to contain downside. Meanwhile, decisive break of 208.09 will confirm long term up trend resumption.

In the long term picture, there is no sign that the long term up trend from 122.75 (2016 low) has concluded. But firm break of 208.09 is needed to confirm resumption. Otherwise, more medium term range trading could still be seen.

EUR/JPY gyrated in range below 172.99 last week and outlook is unchanged. Overall price actions from 173.87 are seen as a corrective pattern. On the downside, below 170.94 support will bring deeper fall to 169.69 and possibly below. But downside should be contained by 38.2% retracement of 161.06 to 173.87 at 168.97 to bring rebound. On the upside, above 172.99 will bring retest of 173.87.

In the bigger picture, considering current strong momentum as seen in the rally from 154.77, corrective pattern from 175.41 could have already completed. Decisive break of 154.77 will confirm long term up trend resumption. Next target is 61.8% projection of 124.37 to 175.41 from 154.77 at 186.31. However, rejection by 175.41, followed by firm break of 55 D EMA (now at 170.15) will delay this bullish case.

In the long term picture, up trend fro 94.11 (2021 low) is still in progress. On resumption, next target is 138.2% projection of 94.11 to 149.76 (2014 high) from 114.42 (2020 low) at 191.32.

EUR/GBP's extended rebound last week argues that corrective pattern from 0.8752 has completed with three waves down to 0.8595. Initial bias stays mildly on the upside for retesting 0.8752 high. On the downside, below 0.8638 minor support will turn intraday bias neutral again first. Sustained trading below 38.2% retracement of 0.8354 to 0.8752 at 0.8600 will indicate near term bearish reversal and target 61.8% retracement at 0.8506.

In the bigger picture, the structure from 0.8221 medium term bottom are not impulsive enough to suggest that it's reversing the down trend from 0.9267 (2022 high). But even if it's a correction, further rise is expected to 61.8% retracement of 0.9267 to 0.8221 at 0.8867. This will remain the favored case as long as 55 W EMA (now at 0.8502) holds.

In the long term picture, price action from 0.9499 (2020 high) is seen as part of the long term range pattern from 0.9799 (2008 high). Range trading should continue between 0.8201 and 0.9499, until there is clear signal of imminent breakout.

EUR/AUD surged through 1.8094 to resume the rally from 1.7245 last week. As a temporary top was formed at 1.8155, initial bias is neutral this week first. Further rally is expected as long as 1.7942 support holds. Above 1.8155 will target 61.8% projection of 1.7245 to 1.8094 from 1.7671 at 1.8196. Sustained break there will target 100% projection at 1.8520, which is close to 1.8554 high. However, break of 1.7942 will bring deeper fall back to 1.7671 support instead.

In the bigger picture, price actions from 1.8554 medium term top are seen as a corrective pattern. Such pattern could extend further with another falling leg. But even in that case, downside should be contained by 38.2% retracement of 1.4281 (2022 low) to 1.8554 at 1.6922 to bring rebound. Uptrend from 1.4281 is expected to resume at a later stage.

In the longer term picture, rise from 1.4281 is seen as the second leg of the pattern from 1.9799 (2020 high), which is part of the pattern from 2.1127 (2008 high). As long as 55 M EMA (now at 1.6419) holds, this second leg could still extend higher.

EUR/CHF edged higher to 0.9452 last week but failed to sustained above 0.9445 resistance and retreated. Nevertheless, with a temporary low formed at 0.9359, initial bias stays neutral this week first. On the upside, above 0.9400 will bring retest of 0.9452. Firm break there will rebound whole rebound from 0.9218. On the downside, however, sustained trading below 55 D EMA (now at 0.9366) will argue that the rebound from 0.9128 has completed as a corrective move. Deeper fall would then be seen to 0.9265 support for confirmation.

In the bigger picture, the down trend from 0.9204 (2018 high) might still be in progress considering that EUR/CHF is staying well inside the long term falling channel. However, with bullish convergence condition in W MACD, downside potential should be limited in case of another fall. Instead, firm break of 0.9660 resistance will be an important sign of medium term bullish trend reversal.

In the long term picture, overall long term down trend is still in progress in EUR/CHF. Outlook will continue to stay bearish as long as 55 M EMA (now at 0.9860) holds.

Monday, Aug 25, 2025

Tuesday, Aug 26, 2025

Wednesday, Aug 27, 2025

Thursday, Aug 28, 2025

Friday, Aug 29, 2025

Week in review

Wall Street's main indexes surged on Friday after Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hinted at a possible interest rate cut during his speech at the Jackson Hole Symposium.

The Dow Jones rose 887.83 points (1.99%) to a record high of 45,680.14. The S&P 500 gained 102.14 points (1.61%) to 6,472.31, and the Nasdaq climbed 421.85 points (2.00%) to 21,520.79.

Ten of the 11 S&P 500 sectors were up, with consumer discretionary stocks jumping nearly 3% and communication services rising 2.3%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index soared 3.3%, while major growth stocks also saw gains, led by Tesla, which rose 5.7%.

The Russell 2000 Index, which is sensitive to interest rates, surged 3.9%, reaching its highest level this year.

Source: LSEG

Fed Chair Powell Pivots. September Cut Incoming?

Chair Powell’s Jackson Hole speech represented a marked shift in tone from the Fed’s July minutes earlier this week. The minutes suggested that most FOMC members saw the upside risks to inflation as “more salient” than the downside risks to inflation, but Chair Powell acknowledged today that the balance of risks "appears to be shifting”.

Chair Powell's speech highlighted a tricky situation: inflation risks are rising, while employment risks are falling. He explained that when these goals conflict, the Fed's approach is to balance both. He noted that interest rates are now much closer to a neutral level than they were a year ago, and the steady unemployment rate gives the Fed room to carefully consider any policy changes. However, since rates are already high, the changing economic outlook might require adjustments to policy.

Powell's tone was more cautious (or "dovish") than expected. He didn’t push back against the idea of a rate cut, keeping his options open. A key point was his reduced concern about inflation caused by tariffs, likely due to signs of a weakening job market. Markets reacted strongly to his comment about "shifting risks may warrant adjusting policy," as many had feared he would take a more aggressive (or "hawkish") stance.

As a result:

• Short-term bond yields dropped below 3.7%.
• -The 10-year yield also fell, nearing 4.25%.
• The chances of a rate cut in September jumped back to 90%, up from less than 70% before his speech.

The dollar index dropped 0.96% to 97.66 after Powell's comments. It had been around 98.7 earlier in the day.

The euro rose 1.06% to $1.1728, hitting $1.1742 at one point, its highest since July 28. The dollar weakened 1.08% against the Japanese yen, falling to 146.77.

The British pound gained 0.86%, reaching $1.3527. The Australian dollar climbed 1.14% to $0.6492.

In cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin jumped 4.10%, reaching $117,035.

Gold received a much needed shot in the arm rising close to the $3380/oz mark after Fed Chair Powell's speech.

The Week Ahead

The week ahead will be all talk around a potential Fed Pivot while high impact data from the US and Japan will be in focus.

Asia Pacific Markets - BoJ in Focus as Ueda Speaks at Jackson Hole, Tokyo Inflation Next Week

From China we will get July's industrial profits data, released on Wednesday, is expected to show ongoing declines. To address issues like deflationary price wars, policies to reduce excessive competition and industrial overcapacity will be important.

However, these measures may have side effects and are likely to be implemented slowly. As a result, profits could stay weak throughout the year.

Over the weekend we will hear from BoJ Governor Ueda who will be speaking at the Jackson Hole Symposium. Market participants will be hoping for signs of whether a rate hike will be coming anytime soon especially after headline inflation hit an 8 month low.

Tokyo's inflation data is highly anticipated, with overall prices expected to slow to 2.6% in August from 2.9% in July, mainly due to lower energy costs, though fresh food prices are still rising. Core inflation (excluding fresh food and energy) is likely to stay above 3%, giving the Bank of Japan more confidence that underlying inflation is nearing its 2% target.

Industrial production is predicted to drop by 1.2% in July, partly reversing June's 2.1% increase, as temporary output boosts from tariff-related demand return to normal. However, retail sales are expected to grow, helped by strong wage increases. The unemployment rate is likely to stay at 2.5%, reflecting a tight job market that could lead to more stable wage growth over time.

Euro Area Economic Sentiment and the Feds Preferred Inflation Gauge

Eurozone sentiment will be closely monitored next week to see if it matches the positive results of last Thursday's PMI. The strong manufacturing data gave hope that the trade war's impact has been smaller than expected. If the European Commission's data confirms this, it would strengthen the outlook for a better-performing eurozone economy.

The Fed's preferred inflation measure is expected to match the 0.3% month-on-month increase seen in core CPI. However, there's a chance it could come in slightly lower. While producer price data was strong, the parts that directly impact core PCE were more mixed.

For all market-moving economic releases and events, see the MarketPulse Economic Calendar. (click to enlarge)

Chart of the Week - US Dollar Index (DXY)

This week's Chart of the week is the US Dollar Index (DXY).

The DXY rallied earlier this week before running into the long-term descending trendline. This coincided with Fed Chair Powell's speech which sent the Dollar Index tumbling.

The index has broken below the ascending triangle which was in play from the July low at 96.37.

This leaves the index vulnerable to further downside with immediate support now at 96.90.

The period-14 RSI also broke back below the 50 neutral level which hints at a shift to bearish momentum once more.

US Dollar Index (DXY) Daily Chart - August 22, 2025

Source:TradingView.Com (click to enlarge)

Key Levels to Consider:

Support

• 96.90
• 96.36
• 95.00

Resistance

• 98.60
• 98.98
• 99.57

Canadian Highlights

• Shorter-term core inflation metrics cooled in July, lifting the odds BoC rate cut on September 17th. However, the odds are still low, according to markets.
• Next week’s second quarter GDP report should show a sizeable contraction, indicating increased economic slack.
• However, the Canadian economy has been more resilient than initially feared, with this week’s housing starts and retail sales volumes reports adding to this narrative.

U.S. Highlights

• In his Jackson Hole speech, Fed Chair Powell highlighted that the downside risks to employment have risen. This shifts the balance of risks on employment and inflation, and opens the door for a September rate cut more widely.
• Odds of a September rate cut rose after his speech, boosting stock markets.
• Also this week, July housing data improved but did not change the overall slow market trend.

Canada – Dovish Inflation Reports Helps BoC Rate Cut Odds

We have long believed that economic slack from a softening Canadian economy would help ease inflationary pressures, counterbalancing the upward push on consumer prices caused by retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods, efforts to diversify exports away from the U.S., and Canadian firms seeking new suppliers. The July inflation data aligned closely with this narrative. Headline inflation remained mild at 1.7% year-over-year, with the continued effects of the April carbon tax removal and falling gasoline prices weighing on the overall number—though gasoline prices are on track to stabilize in August.

More crucially, core inflation trends have shown encouraging signs of cooling. The Bank of Canada’s (BoC’s) preferred measures of core inflation remained elevated on a year-over-year basis, but shorter-term momentum slowed notably. On a three-month annualized basis, the average of the BoC’s key metrics (CPI-Median and CPI-Trim) eased to 2.4%, the slowest pace seen in nearly a year. Similarly, more traditional core measures—CPI excluding food and energy, and CPIX—both dropped by over one percentage point to about 2.2%. These trends prompted a market reaction, with both bond yields and the Canadian dollar slipping, and modestly raised expectations for a possible BoC rate cut at the September 17th meeting.

Even with the CPI report, markets are still only assigning a 33% chance of a rate cut at the September meeting. And, the BoC has a chance to review another round of jobs and inflation data before its next rate announcement. Next week’s second-quarter GDP report is also highly anticipated; we expect an annualized contraction of about 1.5%, signaling increased slack in the economy and adding further downward pressure on inflation. This economic backdrop could pave the way for two more rate cuts this year (see our updated economic forecast here), given that the current policy rate still sits at the midpoint of what the Bank considers neutral for the economy. Trade was the main drag on second-quarter growth, with exports dropping due to softer U.S. demand (amid tariffs) and an unwinding of earlier gains prompted by anticipation of tariffs.

Despite an expected weak GDP report for the second quarter, the Canadian economy has shown more resilience than we expected a few months ago. This week offered more glimpses of this durability (Chart 2), with July housing starts reaching their highest level since 2022, as the rental market is receiving a tailwind from powerful past population growth and government programs targeting this sector. Meanwhile, retail sales volumes advanced 1.5% month-on-month, supported by gains in a broad range of categories. Encouraging as these results may be, significant uncertainty remains. The country also continues to face tariffs and a notable slowdown in population growth. Reports indicate that some progress may come on the tariff front, with the Canadian government to remove some retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods to restart stalled trade talks. However, in the near-term, these factors remain in play, and the economy will be hard pressed to generate strong momentum in the third quarter.

U.S. – Fed Chair Powell Opens Door for Rate Cuts

Financial markets appeared set to finish slightly lower for the week. However, following Chair Powell’s keynote speech on Friday morning at the Federal Reserve’s annual symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming—where he indicated the possibility of rate cuts—equities rallied. The 10-year yield declined from around 4.33% earlier in the day to 4.26%, while the S&P 500 rose by 1.4% at the time of writing, surpassing last week’s close.

With few major data releases during the week (only two main housing reports), attention was focused on developments related to the central bank. The FOMC minutes provided additional context regarding the July decision not to cut rates. Participants highlighted risks associated with both sides of the Committee’s dual mandate, referencing “upside risk to inflation and downside risk to employment.” In July, most participants considered the inflation risk to be more significant, citing uncertain tariff effects and concerns about inflation expectations.

In his Jackson Hole speech this Friday morning, Chair Powell suggested a change in the Fed’s position. He noted that with policy currently restrictive, adjustments may be warranted given the outlook and balance of risks (see commentary). The key shift in Powell’s messaging relative to July reflects the recent jobs data and acknowledges that downside risks to employment are rising. This both tips the balance on the Fed’s dual mandate to greater concern about fostering maximum employment, and reduces the risks that tariff-driven inflation leads to a wage-price spiral. By emphasizing downside risks to employment and reduced risks of persistent inflation, Chair Powell has opened the door for a rate cut in September. There is still an employment and an inflation report for the Fed to parse before deciding whether to walk through the door. This is a key shift from Chair Powell, and not surprisingly market odds of a September rate cut jumped back up following his speech (Chart 1).

Lower rates can’t come fast enough for the housing market. Existing home sales increased moderately in July (up 2% month-over-month), but overall activity remained subdued, with sales levels near those seen during the Global Financial Crisis. Soft demand and some inventory growth have contributed to slower home price appreciation, particularly in the West and South Census regions (Chart 2). There was a notable rise in multifamily starts in July, primarily in the South, though this series is volatile and permitting data suggest a weaker outlook. Single-family starts showed little change from subdued levels, in tune with looser conditions in the new home market. Should the Federal Reserve lower rates later in the year as expected, mortgage rates should decline further, supporting housing activity in the future.

All told, barring any major surprises in payroll and inflation data, it is widely expected that the Federal Reserve will resume rate cuts in mid-September.

Summary

United States: Is the Housing Drag Intensifying?

• Housing was the focus of attention this week as markets prepared for Chair Powell's speech at Jackson Hole. All told, upside surprises in existing home sales and housing starts during July conceal a weakening trend in residential activity.
• Next week: New Home Sales (Mon.), Durable Goods Orders (Tue.), Personal Income & Spending (Fri.)

International: Easing Bias and Uneven Global Data

• This week saw a mix of monetary policy decisions and economic data across G10 economies. The Reserve Bank of New Zealand delivered a dovish rate cut, while Sweden’s Riksbank held rates steady. In Canada, July CPI came in softer than expected, while UK inflation surprised to the upside. Meanwhile, Eurozone and UK PMIs showed modest improvement and Norway’s Q2 GDP pointed to strengthening momentum.
• Next week: Canada GDP (Fri.), India GDP (Fri.)

Interest Rate Watch: Powell Keeps Options Open for September Rate Cut

• With upside risks to inflation and downside risks to employment keeping the FOMC's dual mandate in tension, Chair Powell was careful not to pre-commit to a policy change at Jackson Hole. However, he kept the prospects for a September rate cut alive and reconfirmed the Committee's existing bias for rate cuts later this year.

Credit Market Insights: Hope Meets Headwinds

• Last month, the NFIB Small Business Optimism Index rose 1.7 points to 100.3, hitting just above the historical average of 98. While the headline suggests improved sentiment, elevated uncertainty weighs on small businesses.

Topic of the Week: The Forces Behind Stronger Productivity Growth

• Productivity growth is firming, driven less by labor shifts and more by technology, innovation and capital investment. Generative AI and R&D could lift it further, though trade policy and immigration constraints pose risks to sustaining long-term economic potential growth.

Full report here.