Dollar Weaker and Gold Posts a Record High on Dovish Fed

Group 1: Dollar Index and Economic Indicators - The dollar index (DXY00) is down -0.02%, influenced by dovish comments from Fed Governor Michelle Bowman regarding the need for decisive action to lower interest rates due to a weakening labor market [1][4] - The US Q2 current account balance showed a deficit of -$251.3 billion, which was smaller than the expected deficit of -$256.6 billion, providing some support for the dollar [3] - The September S&P manufacturing PMI for the US fell -1.0 to 52.0, which was weaker than the expected 52.2, contributing to the dollar's decline [1][3] Group 2: Federal Reserve and Interest Rates - Markets are currently pricing in a 91% chance of a -25 basis point rate cut at the next FOMC meeting scheduled for October 28-29 [4] - Fed Governor Michelle Bowman emphasized the need for the FOMC to act decisively in response to deteriorating labor market conditions [4] Group 3: Eurozone Economic Performance - The euro is down -0.03% after the Eurozone September S&P manufacturing PMI fell -1.2 to 49.5, which was weaker than the expected no change at 50.7 [5][6] - Despite the decline in manufacturing PMI, the Eurozone's September S&P composite PMI rose +0.2 to 51.2, marking the strongest pace of expansion in 16 months [5][6]