USDCHF: Should we look for a weaker franc?!
The USDCHF pair is located between the EMA200 and EMA50 on the 4-hour timeframe and is moving in its ascending channel. In case of a downward correction towards the demand zone, we will be provided with further buying positions in this pair with an appropriate risk-reward ratio.
The continuation of the pair’s rise and its placement in the supply zone will provide us with a selling position.
The President of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), Schlegel, stated in an interview with SRF that while the SNB does not favor negative interest rates, it also cannot completely rule them out. He emphasized that implementing such a policy would not be a decision taken lightly.
In recent weeks, Schlegel has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of negative interest rates, particularly in light of Switzerland’s inflation dropping to 0.6% in December, which has raised concerns about deflation. However, he noted that temporary periods of negative inflation would not necessarily pose a problem.Additionally, Schlegel reaffirmed the SNB’s commitment to maintaining price stability over the medium term, within the 0–2% target range.
Currently, market expectations indicate a 60% probability that the SNB will cut interest rates from 0.5% to 0.25% in March, with a 25% chance of rates reaching 0% by June.
In the United States, GDP data for Q4 2024 showed that the economy grew at an annualized 2.3% rate—below market expectations (2.6%) and lower than the 3.1% growth seen in the previous quarter. However, a 2.5% year-over-year growth rate remains substantial and aligns with the Federal Reserve’s outlook.
A key takeaway from the recent GDP report is the strong performance of U.S. consumers, who exceeded expectations with 4.2% growth in spending. According to CIBC, American consumers have shown a notable preference for durable goods, with spending in this category surging 12.1% last quarter—a figure significantly above pre-pandemic trends.
However, CIBC warns that other sectors of the economy are not as strong. Business investments remain weak, and government spending has played a crucial role in supporting economic growth. Additionally, a 0.9% decline in inventories, driven by weather disruptions and labor strikes, has negatively impacted GDP growth.
These factors are expected to persist into Q1 2025, as businesses stockpile inventory ahead of potential tariffs. However, when stripping out inventory effects, final sales to domestic buyers remain strong at 3.1%, which is nearly in line with the two-year average.
CIBC also believes that consumer spending will remain resilient, supported by rising asset-related incomes and millennials’ enthusiasm for technology and discretionary spending. That said, trade tariffs could ultimately shave 1% off GDP growth, with their effects likely to linger for some time.
Overall, CIBC concludes that while GDP growth may slow slightly under a Trump presidency, the decline is unlikely to cause major concern for the Federal Reserve. Fed Chair Jerome Powell remains more focused on rising prices, their impact on inflation expectations, and wage pressures, as the economy remains strong but inflation is not yet fully controlled.
Today’s data reinforces the Fed’s data-dependent approach. Underlying growth is still around 3%, and there is no indication that consumers are scaling back spending, suggesting that they can absorb moderate price increases.
As a result, Nomura now expects the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged through the end of 2025, revising its earlier forecast, which had anticipated at least one rate cut in 2025.
The continuation of the pair’s rise and its placement in the supply zone will provide us with a selling position.
The President of the Swiss National Bank (SNB), Schlegel, stated in an interview with SRF that while the SNB does not favor negative interest rates, it also cannot completely rule them out. He emphasized that implementing such a policy would not be a decision taken lightly.
In recent weeks, Schlegel has repeatedly mentioned the possibility of negative interest rates, particularly in light of Switzerland’s inflation dropping to 0.6% in December, which has raised concerns about deflation. However, he noted that temporary periods of negative inflation would not necessarily pose a problem.Additionally, Schlegel reaffirmed the SNB’s commitment to maintaining price stability over the medium term, within the 0–2% target range.
Currently, market expectations indicate a 60% probability that the SNB will cut interest rates from 0.5% to 0.25% in March, with a 25% chance of rates reaching 0% by June.
In the United States, GDP data for Q4 2024 showed that the economy grew at an annualized 2.3% rate—below market expectations (2.6%) and lower than the 3.1% growth seen in the previous quarter. However, a 2.5% year-over-year growth rate remains substantial and aligns with the Federal Reserve’s outlook.
A key takeaway from the recent GDP report is the strong performance of U.S. consumers, who exceeded expectations with 4.2% growth in spending. According to CIBC, American consumers have shown a notable preference for durable goods, with spending in this category surging 12.1% last quarter—a figure significantly above pre-pandemic trends.
However, CIBC warns that other sectors of the economy are not as strong. Business investments remain weak, and government spending has played a crucial role in supporting economic growth. Additionally, a 0.9% decline in inventories, driven by weather disruptions and labor strikes, has negatively impacted GDP growth.
These factors are expected to persist into Q1 2025, as businesses stockpile inventory ahead of potential tariffs. However, when stripping out inventory effects, final sales to domestic buyers remain strong at 3.1%, which is nearly in line with the two-year average.
CIBC also believes that consumer spending will remain resilient, supported by rising asset-related incomes and millennials’ enthusiasm for technology and discretionary spending. That said, trade tariffs could ultimately shave 1% off GDP growth, with their effects likely to linger for some time.
Overall, CIBC concludes that while GDP growth may slow slightly under a Trump presidency, the decline is unlikely to cause major concern for the Federal Reserve. Fed Chair Jerome Powell remains more focused on rising prices, their impact on inflation expectations, and wage pressures, as the economy remains strong but inflation is not yet fully controlled.
Today’s data reinforces the Fed’s data-dependent approach. Underlying growth is still around 3%, and there is no indication that consumers are scaling back spending, suggesting that they can absorb moderate price increases.
As a result, Nomura now expects the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates unchanged through the end of 2025, revising its earlier forecast, which had anticipated at least one rate cut in 2025.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.
Disclaimer
The information and publications are not meant to be, and do not constitute, financial, investment, trading, or other types of advice or recommendations supplied or endorsed by TradingView. Read more in the Terms of Use.