Slowdown in inflation likely to be welcomed by Fed officials
"Reducing inflation is likely to require a sustained period of below-trend growth. Moreover, there will very likely be some softening of labor market conditions," Powell said.
The rupee appreciated by 8 paise to close at 79.84 against the US dollar on Friday, supported by a weak dollar in the overseas markets and a positive trend in domestic equities. However, higher crude prices in the international markets restricted the rupee's gain, forex dealers said. At the interbank forex market, the local unit opened at 79.87 against the greenback. It witnessed an intra-day high of 79.81 and a low of 79.94 against the American currency during the session. It finally ended at 79.84 against the US dollar, up 8 paise from its previous close of 79.92. "Rupee continued to consolidate in a narrow range ahead of the Jackson Hole symposium. Dollar weakened against its major crosses after the GDP number released from the US came in line with expectation," said Gaurang Somaiya, Forex & Bullion Analyst, Motilal Oswal Financial Services. Market participants remained cautious as they waited for a speech by the Federal Reserve chairman. "The Fed Chairman's speech in Jackson
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell delivered a stark message on Friday: The Fed will likely impose more large interest rate hikes in coming months and is resolutely focused on taming the highest inflation in four decades. Powell acknowledged that the Fed's continued tightening of credit will cause pain for many households and businesses as its higher rates further slow the economy and potentially lead to job losses. These are the unfortunate costs of reducing inflation, Powell said in the written version of a high-profile speech he is giving at the Fed's annual economic symposium in Jackson Hole. But a failure to restore price stability would mean far greater pain. Powell's message may disappoint investors who were hoping for a signal that the Fed might soon moderate its rate increases later this year if inflation were to show further signs of easing. After hiking its key short term rate by three-quarters of a point at each of its past two meetings part of the Fed's fastest pace
Powell struck a hawkish tone, as was widely expected, and said that the Fed's overarching focus is to bring price pressures back down to the Fed's target of 2%.
Brent crude futures climbed $1.53, or 1.54%, to $100.87 a barrel by 1051 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures rose $1.20 cents, or 1.3%, to $93.72.
Oil prices rose as much as $1 on signs of improving fuel demand, although further gains were capped as the market awaited clues from the US Federal Reserve chairman
Gold prices edged higher as the dollar slipped, while investors looked forward to a speech by U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell at the Jackson Hole symposium for clues on interest rate hikes
Spot gold rose 0.2% to $1,751.16 per ounce by 0854 GMT, trading in a $9 range. It advanced 0.7% in the previous session. U.S. gold futures rose 0.1% to $1,763.60.
The Chinese currency has weakened to two-year lows against the dollar this week, reacting to expectations of further aggressive interest rate hikes from the Fed and a domestic economic slowdown
The US dollar steadied just below recent peaks, as investors waited to hear from the Federal Reserve and pondered whether weak US data may slow the pace of rate hikes
US composite PMI at lowest since February 2021; Zoom tumbles on weak forecast; Macy's shares rise on earnings beat
Gold snapped a six-session losing streak while Wall Street was little changed on hopes the Fed will turn dovish
According to stock exchange data, foreigners have invested $6.4 billion in Indian equities since the start of July, after dumping over $27 billion-worth over the previous six months.
Profit-booking after over 17 per cent gains in just two months added to this fall
The change in their stance, analysts said, stems from the hope that the global central banks, especially US Fed may go soft on rate hikes as inflation cools off over the next few months.
Extending losses into a sixth session, spot gold was down 0.7% to $1,736.03 per ounce by 11:23 a.m. EDT (1523) GMT after hitting its lowest level since July 27 earlier in the session.
The partially convertible rupee fell 0.1% to 79.875, having dropped to its lowest level since July 27 at 79.9125.
U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell headlines a host of policy makers at Jackson Hole later in the week and the risks are that he will not meet investor hopes for a dovish pivot on policy.
Economists in a Reuters poll lean toward a 50 basis-point increase with recession risks on the rise