Dollar Weakens As Market Prices In Rate Cut, Questions Path For 2026

Core Viewpoint - The first week of December exhibited a dip-buying seasonal pattern with major indices rising, while significant price movements occurred in the forex market due to changing central bank expectations and improved global risk sentiment [1] Forex Market Analysis - The U.S. Dollar underperformed against G10 currencies, influenced by softer private employment data, mixed labor indicators, and a decrease in the Fed's preferred inflation gauge to its lowest year-on-year level since May, reinforcing expectations for a rate cut [2] - Despite a rebound in longer-dated Treasury yields, this did not significantly boost the Dollar as investors shifted towards higher-beta currencies amid improved risk sentiment [3] Currency Performance - The Swiss Franc lagged as defensive positioning faded, with rising yields outside Switzerland and stable equity markets [4] - The Euro struggled to gain traction despite the Dollar's weakness, hindered by concerns over the euro area's growth and yield advantages [4] - The Australian Dollar rose sharply, driven by market speculation that the RBA may need to resume tightening in 2026, supported by comments from Governor Michele Bullock regarding inflation risks [4][5] - The Canadian Dollar also strengthened due to robust labor market data, leading to expectations that the Bank of Canada will maintain rates into 2026, while Sterling benefited from positive sentiment following the Autumn Budget [5] Market Focus and Expectations - The upcoming week is centered on the Fed's December decision, with the CME FedWatch tool indicating a nearly 90% probability of a rate cut [10] - With the rate cut already priced in, the focus will shift to how the Fed communicates its easing trajectory into 2026 and whether upcoming market data supports a more aggressive rate-cut profile [11]