This Week: Fed, BoJ & ECB Rate Decisions
- Triple central-bank week to drive global FX moves
- Fed seen cutting 25bp; dovish tone may hit dollar
- BoJ likely holds; hawkish risk could lift the yen
- ECB steady; tone on inflation to guide euro
- Key data, big tech earnings may add volatility
A central-bank triple-header lands next week: the Federal Reserve, the Bank of Japan, and the European Central Bank. Consensus leans dovish at the Fed (rate cut expected), steady at the ECB, and steady-with-hawkish-risks at the BoJ.
With the U.S. dollar still soft on the year and markets already tilting into month-end, the tone and forward guidance from these three banks will matter as much as the headline policy decision, especially for the USDInd, USDJPY and EURUSD.
Events Watchlist:
Wednesday, Oct 29: Fed interest rate decision – USDInd
The Fed funds target rate stands at 4.00%–4.25%, and markets currently expect a 25 bp cut at this meeting. A cut, especially with dovish guidance, would likely weigh on the dollar and pull the USD Index down. If the Fed holds or signals less clarity on cuts, dollar strength could re-assert.
Thursday, Oct 30: BoJ Interest rate decision - USDJPY
The BOJ’s policy rate is 0.50%. Markets mostly expect a hold next week, with polls shifting the next 25bp hike to December/January. That said, recent dissent and hawkish commentary from board members keep the risk of a hawkish surprise alive. A hawkish move or guidance would likely strengthen the yen (USDJPY lower).
Thursday, Oct 30: ECB interest-rate decision – EURUSD
The ECB is expected to hold its 2.00% rate steady, with attention on inflation guidance and its data-dependent stance. A hawkish tone highlighting persistent price risks could lift EUR/USD, while a neutral or dovish message stressing weak growth would likely pressure the euro toward lower levels.
Other major events this week:
Monday, Oct 27
- EUR: Germany Ifo Business Climate (Oct)
- MXN: Mexico Balance of Trade (Sep)
- CAD: Canada New Housing Price Index (Sep)
- USD: US Durable Goods Orders (Sep); Dallas Fed Manufacturing Index (Oct)
Tuesday, Oct 28
- GER40: Germany GfK Consumer Confidence (Nov)
- FRA30: France Unemployment Rate (Sep)
- MXN: Mexico Unemployment Rate (Sep)
- WTI: US API Crude Oil Stock Change (w/e Oct 24)
Wednesday, Oct 29
- AUD: Australia Inflation Rate (Q3)
- JP225: Japan Consumer Confidence (Oct)
- SPN35: Spain GDP (Q3)
- GBP: BoE Consumer Credit (Sep); Mortgage Approvals/Lending (Sep)
- USD: Fed Interest Rate Decision; US Goods Trade Balance (Sep); Wholesale Inventories (Sep); Retail Inventories Ex Autos (Sep)
- CAD: BoC Interest Rate Decision
- WTI: US EIA Crude Oil Stocks Change (w/e Oct 24)
- Major Earnings: Microsoft, Alphabet, Meta Platforms
Thursday, Oct 30
- NZD: New Zealand Business Confidence (Oct)
- JPY: BoJ Interest Rate Decision; Unemployment Rate (Sep); Industrial Production (Sep); Retail Sales (Sep)
- FRA40: France GDP (Q3)
- SPN35: Spain Inflation Rate (Oct); Business Confidence (Oct)
- EUR: ECB Interest Rate Decision; Germany GDP (Q3); Germany Inflation Rate (Oct); Eurozone GDP (Q3)
- MXN: Mexico GDP (Q3)
- USD: US GDP (Q3); Initial Jobless Claims (w/e Oct 25)
- Major Eearnings: Apple, Amazon
Friday, Oct 31
- CNY: China NBS Manufacturing (Oct); Non-Manufacturing PMI (Oct)
- GER40: Germany Retail Sales (Sep)
- CHF: Swiss Retail Sales (Sep)
- FRA40: France Inflation Rate (Oct)
- EUR: Eurozone Inflation Rate (Oct)
- CAD: Canada GDP (Aug)
- USD: US Core PCE (Sep); Personal Income & Spending (Sep)
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Disclaimer: This material should not be viewed as financial advice. The content provided, including views and opinions, is for information purposes only.