Dollar Slips and Gold Rallies to a Record High as the US Government Shuts Down

Core Insights - The dollar index fell by -0.06%, reaching a 1-week low, primarily due to the US government shutdown and weak labor market data [1] - The unexpected decline in the September ADP employment change by -32,000, the largest drop in 2.5 years, has increased the likelihood of a Fed rate cut to 100% for the upcoming FOMC meeting [2][3] - The ISM manufacturing index for September rose to a 7-month high of 49.1, which provided some recovery for the dollar after its initial losses [1][3] Labor Market - The September ADP employment change unexpectedly fell by -32,000, contrasting with expectations of a +51,000 increase, marking the largest decline in 2.5 years [2] - The August ADP employment figure was revised down from +54,000 to -3,000, indicating a weaker labor market than previously thought [2] Manufacturing Sector - The ISM manufacturing index increased by +0.4 to 49.1, surpassing expectations of 49.0, indicating a stronger manufacturing sector [3] - The ISM price paid sub-index fell by -1.8 to an 8-month low of 61.9, which was weaker than the expected 62.7 [3] Eurozone Insights - The euro rose by +0.02%, supported by dollar weakness and an upward revision of the Eurozone September S&P manufacturing PMI to 49.8 [4][5] - Eurozone September CPI increased by +2.2% year-on-year, aligning with expectations, while core CPI remained unchanged at +2.3% year-on-year [5] Central Bank Divergence - The market perceives the ECB as nearing the end of its rate-cut cycle, while the Fed is anticipated to cut rates approximately two more times by the end of the year [5][6] - Swaps indicate a 1% chance of a -25 basis point rate cut by the ECB at the October 30 policy meeting [6] Currency Movements - The USD/JPY fell by -0.55%, with the yen reaching a 2-week high against the dollar due to increased safe-haven demand following the US government shutdown [7] - Positive economic indicators from Japan, including an increase in the Q3 Tankan large manufacturing sentiment index and an upward revision of the September S&P manufacturing PMI, contributed to the yen's strength [7]