In a broader macroeconomic context, the current economic situation is ambiguous, with various signals coming from labor markets, inflation, and central bank policies. In particular, the inflation data from the United States is noteworthy, as it will be crucial for the Federal Reserve's future decisions.
Upcoming publications of inflation indicators, such as Core CPI m/m, CPI m/m, CPI y/y, and Core CPI y/y, are significant for shaping expectations regarding monetary policy. Forecasts predict that the CPI m/m will drop from 0.5% to -0.1%, indicating a slowdown in the pace of price growth. Meanwhile, Core CPI m/m is expected to remain at 0.2%, suggesting that core inflation is more stable. On a yearly basis, CPI is expected to decrease from 4.2% to 3.8%, and Core CPI from 2.9% to 2.8%. Such declines could be interpreted as a signal of easing inflationary pressures, which could give the Fed more room to potentially pause further interest rate hikes.
However, the U.S. labor market is showing some signs of slowdown. Recent data on Non-Farm Employment Change showed an increase of 57 thousand, significantly below expectations of 114 thousand. On the other hand, the unemployment rate slightly decreased to 4.2% from the projected 4.3%, which may suggest some stability in the labor market. Similarly, average hourly earnings grew at a rate of 0.3% m/m, in line with expectations, indicating moderate wage pressure that should not significantly impact inflation.
Central bank policies remain in the spotlight for investors. The Federal Reserve currently maintains interest rates in the range of 3.50-3.75%, with the next FOMC meeting scheduled for July 29, 2026. Current probabilities indicate a 54.6% chance of keeping rates at the current level and a 45.4% chance of raising them to the range of 3.75-4.00%. In the context of the anticipated slowdown in inflation, the Fed may decide to take a more cautious approach to further rate hikes.
In Canada, the labor market showed signs of strength, with employment rising by 18.2 thousand, above forecasts of 11.2 thousand. The unemployment rate slightly decreased to 6.5% from the expected 6.6%, which may suggest that the Canadian economy is maintaining stability. Meanwhile, data on economic growth, measured by the monthly GDP indicator, indicated a growth of 0.5%, exceeding expectations of 0.4%.
The Australian economy is facing different challenges. The unemployment rate remained at 4.4%, but inflation measured by the CPI m/m dropped by 0.7%, a larger decline than the expected -0.4%. On a yearly basis, inflation was at 4.0%, slightly below forecasts of 4.3%. These indicators may suggest that the Australian economy is experiencing a disinflationary trend, which could prompt the local central bank to reconsider its monetary policy.
In financial markets, investor sentiment is stable, though somewhat cautious, as reflected by the Fear & Greed Index at 44/100, indicating moderate fear. Compared to the previous month, when the index was at 35/100, there is a slight improvement in sentiment, although still far from optimism.
In the coming hours, investors are also drawn to the speeches of Fed Chair Kevin Warsh and Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey. Their statements may provide additional insights into future monetary policy in light of changing macroeconomic conditions. In particular, comments on inflation, economic growth, and financial stability may influence market expectations and the investment strategy of market participants.