• AUD/USD
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  • EUR/JPY
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  • EUR/USD
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    CHG
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  • GBP/USD
    SELL
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  • USD/CAD
    SELL
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  • USD/CHF
    SELL
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US dollar, yields fall amid Fed Powell testimony as traders flock to gold, BTC

Dive into market reactions following Powell's 2024 rate cut hints: USD drops, gold reaches record highs, and crypto rallies.
Source: Bloomberg
Picture of Frank Kaberna
Frank Kaberna
Director of Strategy, Chicago

Data current as of 3/6/2024

Key points

  • Fed Powell: interest rate cuts likely, "this year": (1:11)
  • EUR/USD above 1.0900; AUD/USD nears 0.6600: (3:49)
  • US yields decline toward 4.0%: (5:14)
  • Gold prices rise to new all-time high above $2,150: (6:54)
  • BTC rallies back to $67,000; ETH hits $3,800: (8:09)

Fed Powell: interest rate cuts likely, "this year"

In his semi-annual testimony to congress, Fed Chair Jerome Powell signaled that interest rate cuts are still on the horizon for 2024. This announcement comes amid strong US data that convinced traders early in 2024 that rates could stay elevated for the foreseeable future. Investors and traders alike are closely monitoring these indications, as lower interest rates could have wide-reaching effects across financial markets, from boosting investment to altering currency valuations.

EUR/USD above 1.0900; AUD/USD nears 0.6600

Following Fed Chair Powell's comments, the US dollar experienced a decline, dropping more than 50 pips against major currencies such as the Australian dollar and the euro. Specifically, EUR/USD soared above 1.0900, while the AUD/USD approached the 0.6600 mark. This weakening of the USD on Powell's dovish tone underscores the currency's sensitivity to shifts in monetary policy outlooks.

US yields decline toward 4.0%

US Treasury yields, historically aligned with the Federal Reserve's interest rate movements, are now trending lower toward the 4.0% threshold. This decline reflects market expectations for the forthcoming rate cuts promised by Powell, as yields inversely react to the anticipated easing of monetary policy. Lower yields and the prospect of reduced rates could influence various sectors of the economy, particularly in terms of borrowing costs and investment returns.

Gold prices rise to new all-time high above $2,150

In response to Powell's testimony and the expected shift in Federal Reserve policy, gold prices surged to a new all-time high, exceeding $2,150. Given gold's historical negative correlation with interest rates, this uptick aligns with investor behavior during periods of reduced rates, where gold (a non-interest-bearing asset) often serves as a hedge against currency devaluation and inflation risks.

BTC rallies back to $67,000; ETH hits $3,800

The cryptocurrency market has also reacted positively to the anticipated changes in Federal Reserve policy, with Bitcoin rallying back to $67,000 and Ethereum reaching $3,800. This resurgence highlights cryptocurrencies as beneficiaries of expansionary monetary policies, as investors are more incentivized to seek alternative assets amidst expectations of lower interest rates and potential inflationary pressures.

How to trade US dollar

  1. Open an account to get started, or practice on a demo account
  2. Choose your forex trading platform
  3. Open, monitor, and close positions on USD pairs

Trading forex requires an account with a forex broker like tastyfx. Many traders watch major forex pairs like EUR/USD and USD/JPY for potential opportunities based on economic events such as inflation releases or interest rate decisions. Economic events can produce more volatility for forex pairs, which can mean greater potential profits and losses as risks can increase at these times.

You can help develop your forex trading strategies using resources like tastyfx’s YouTube channel. Our curated playlists can help you stay up to date on current markets and understanding key terms. Once your strategy is developed, you can follow the above steps to opening an account and getting started trading forex.

Your profit or loss is calculated according to your full position size. Leverage will magnify both your profits and losses. It’s important to manage your risks carefully as losses can exceed your deposit. Ensure you understand the risks and benefits associated with trading leveraged products before you start trading with them. Trade using money you’re comfortable losing.

Reviewed by:
Glen Frybarger
Senior Content Strategist, Chicago

This information has been prepared by tastyfx, a trading name of tastyfx LLC. This material does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. You should not treat any opinion expressed in this material as a specific inducement to make any investment or follow any strategy, but only as an expression of opinion. This material does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation or needs and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for you. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of the above information. tastyfx accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. See our Summary Conflicts Policy, available on our website.