The dollar experienced a modest retreat on Monday, with the dollar index (USDX) shedding 0.11% of its recent gains but still hovering right below two-week highs. Investors brace for the upcoming U.S. payrolls data later this week which could be a key indicator, as that could influence the size of an expected interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve.
According to the CME's FedWatch tool, the market is currently pricing in a 69% chance of a 0.25% interest rate reduction by the Federal Reserve in September. While a larger cut of 0.5% is seen as less likely at 31%, there is still a significant probability of further easing in November, with odds currently standing above 41.5%.
U.S. equity futures traded sideways on Monday, as investors shifted their focus to a pivotal week for the American markets. The upcoming labor market report is highly anticipated, especially after the previous month's data fell short of expectations, triggering a sell-off in risk assets, which began with the disappointing ISM Manufacturing PMI the day before. In corporate news, Zscaler will be publishing its quarterly earnings report after US market closes on Tuesday while on Thursday, Q2 earnings from Broadcom are due.
The main cryptocurrencies by market capitalization, Bitcoin and Ethereum, gained sharply on Monday adding 3.24% and 4.63% respectively as the market enters into a pivotal month. Investors eagerly await the outcome of the September 18 FOMC meeting, a potential Kamala-Trump debate, and the TOKEN2049 conference, all of which could significantly impact global markets and cryptocurrency sentiment. The overall cryptocurrency market capitalization stands at 2.16 trillion dollars as at 07:10 AM GMT on Tuesday from highs of 2.78 trillion dollars seen in June.
In the energy sector, both WTI and Brent posted a solid recovery on Monday, following several consecutive sessions of losses the week before, adding 1.10% and 1.24% to their values respectively. The halt in oil exports from Libya, caused by political tensions between rival factions, was a major factor driving the recovery in oil prices. Political turmoil in Libya mainly involves disputes over control of the central bank and oil revenue.
The upcoming week will be marked by the release of several key economic indicators that could significantly impact market sentiment. These include the ISM Manufacturing PMI, initial jobless claims, non-farm payrolls, and the unemployment rate.