empty
06.05.2025 12:50 AM
Fed Rate Cut Probability Is Near Zero

This image is no longer relevant

This week marks the third Federal Reserve meeting of the year. At the first two meetings, monetary policy parameters remained unchanged, and there is virtually no chance of a rate cut or hike on May 7. I say "cut or hike" because Trump's trade policy could, at some point, force the FOMC even to tighten monetary policy. That may sound hard to believe now, but just a couple of months ago, few market participants expected such a rally from the U.S. dollar or such a disruption of the global trade balance from Trump.

Trump's policies could significantly raise inflation in the U.S. — inflation the Fed has been trying to tame for years. The Fed may raise interest rates if inflation returns to problematic levels. Let's recall that Powell and other Fed governors have frequently emphasized the dual mandate of the central bank: full employment and low inflation. As labor market and unemployment data showed on Friday, the situation did not worsen in April. Inflation also remains relatively low, so at the moment, the best decision is to pause. Powell also stated that the first effects of the new trade policy won't become visible before summer — or possibly even fall. Thus, it's reasonable to assume that the Fed won't change interest rates at least until then.

This image is no longer relevant

As for market expectations, only 1.8% of economists foresee a 25 basis point rate cut on May 7. For the June meeting, the probability of a rate cut (according to the CME FedWatch tool) stands at 33.6%. By year-end, most economists expect three to four rounds of easing. This means that most of the market anticipates a notable deterioration in U.S. economic indicators during the summer, pushing the Fed to actively lower rates in the second half of the year. If the market barely reacts to rate cuts by the European Central Bank or Bank of England, I have little doubt that it will react to Fed easing. Based on the current wave count, further dollar depreciation remains the primary scenario — and the news backdrop supports this view.

Wave Analysis of EUR/USD:

Based on the analysis of EUR/USD, I conclude that the pair continues to form an upward trend segment. In the near term, the wave count will depend entirely on the position and actions of the U.S. president. That must be constantly kept in mind. According to wave theory alone, I had expected a three-wave correction pattern within Wave 2. However, Wave 2 has already completed as a single-wave correction. Wave 3 of the upward trend is now underway, with targets potentially reaching the 1.2500 area. Their attainment depends solely on Trump. At the moment, Wave 2 within Wave 3 appears close to completion. Therefore, I am considering long positions with targets above 1.1572, corresponding to the 423.6% Fibonacci extension level.

This image is no longer relevant

Wave Analysis of GBP/USD:

The wave count for GBP/USD has transformed. We are now dealing with a bullish, impulsive trend segment. Unfortunately, under Donald Trump, markets may face many shocks and reversals that defy wave counts and any kind of technical analysis. The upward Wave 3 is unfolding, with nearby targets at 1.3541 and 1.3714. It would be ideal to see a corrective Wave 2 within Wave 3 before the rally resumes. But for that to happen, the dollar must strengthen, requiring someone to buy it. Trump must stop imposing tariffs.

Core Principles of My Analysis:

  1. Wave structures should be simple and clear. Complex structures are hard to trade and often lead to changes.
  2. If you're uncertain about what's happening in the market, it's better not to enter.
  3. There is never 100% certainty in market direction. Always use Stop Loss protection.
  4. Wave analysis can be combined with other types of analysis and trading strategies.
Chin Zhao,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

What to Pay Attention to on May 22? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

There are several important macroeconomic reports scheduled for release on Thursday. Business activity indexes for May's services and manufacturing sectors will be released in Germany, the Eurozone, the United Kingdom

Paolo Greco 06:31 2025-05-22 UTC+2

The Bank of England to Slow Down the Pace of Policy Easing

The Bank of England recently cut interest rates for the second time in 2025, justifying its decision with slowing inflation and steady movement toward the target level. But no sooner

Chin Zhao 00:05 2025-05-22 UTC+2

The Dollar Sawed Off the Branch It Was Sitting On

Can the euro be considered a strong currency? I have significant doubts about that. An independent group of economic advisors to Friedrich Merz forecasts that the German economy will enter

Marek Petkovich 00:05 2025-05-22 UTC+2

The Yen Goes on a Buyer Strike

A collapse in confidence in the U.S. dollar, rumors of coordinated currency intervention, and capital repatriation to Japan are driving USD/JPY back into a downtrend. The music playing

Marek Petkovich 00:05 2025-05-22 UTC+2

EUR/USD: Continued Weakness in the U.S. Dollar

The four-week-long southern impulse we saw in EUR/USD has fully faded. Last week, sellers pushed the pair to a monthly low at 1.1066, but then seemed to "fear their

Irina Manzenko 18:59 2025-05-21 UTC+2

High Inflation Supports the Pound. GBP/USD Outlook

The UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose from 2.6% to 3.5% in April, surprising the market, which had expected an increase to 3.3%. The core CPI also exceeded forecasts

Kuvat Raharjo 18:47 2025-05-21 UTC+2

USD/CAD. Analysis and Forecast

The USD/CAD pair is attracting sellers for the third consecutive day. A break below the 1.3900 level signals increased selling pressure, which could lead to further downside. Rising oil prices—driven

Irina Yanina 18:41 2025-05-21 UTC+2

USD/CHF. Analysis and Forecast

For the third consecutive day, the USD/CHF pair continues to lose ground. The fundamental backdrop suggests that the path of least resistance remains to the downside. The pair has been

Irina Yanina 18:38 2025-05-21 UTC+2

GBP/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Following the release of UK consumer inflation data, which came in above expectations, the GBP/JPY pair slightly pared back its intraday losses. However, it failed to attract significant buying interest

Irina Yanina 11:25 2025-05-21 UTC+2

Will Global Central Banks Continue to Cut Interest Rates? (Bitcoin May Resume Growth and USD/JPY May Decline)

Among the economically developed nations—those that belong to the Western wing of the global economy—there is an important rule: a target of 2% inflation, specifically consumer inflation. Achieving this target

Pati Gani 09:46 2025-05-21 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.