Fed’s September decision is little reason for USD weakness

In view of the successes of the US economy and the strong labour market in the US the fundamental factors continue to support the US dollar. However, the USD too was under attack today as a result of the risk-off sentiment. At least against the EUR the USD was not the ultimate safe haven today. This is because, the risks in China and the turbulence this causes might cause the Fed to postpone its first rate step in September, states Commerzbank. To December at the earliest, but possibly even to early next year. The market is lowering its rate expectations, which is putting pressure on the US dollar.

Concerns about an end of the cheap money from the US are no doubt contributing to the current nervousness on the FX market. Even though US monetary policy would remain expansionary even after a first rate step. And even if the Fed was to postpone its first rate hike there is little scope for extensive dollar weakness. In that case other central banks would not only have to react to the risks emanating from China and to falling commodity prices, but also to the Fed's hesitant approach - and would probably have to implement further monetary policy steps, says Commerzbank.