CAPITAL MARKETS OUTLOOK FED DECISION LOOMS: HOW INTEREST RATES WILL SHAPE GOLD, STOCKS, AND THE DOLLAR A Fundamental and Technical Analysis. by Tamas Horvath 18.03.25 Will the FED Crash the Market? Here’s What You Need to Know. KEY TAKEAWAYSFed to Keep Rates Unchanged: 97% probability of holding rates at 4.25% – 4.50% (CME FedWatch Tool).Inflation & Jobs Data Key Factors: Sticky inflation and a strong labor market are influencing a cautious Fed stance.Market Focus on Fed’s Forward Guidance: Future rate cut expectations will shape investor sentiment across asset classes. As the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) convenes this week, market participants are closely monitoring the anticipated interest rate decision and the accompanying Summary of Economic Projections (SEP). These announcements are poised to influence various financial markets, including gold, major stock indices such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite, as well as the U.S. dollar. FEDERAL RESERVE’S INTEREST RATE DECISION AND ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS According to the CME FedWatch Tool, there is a 97% probability that the Federal Reserve will maintain the federal funds rate at its current range of 4.25% to 4.50% during the upcoming meeting. This expectation aligns with recent economic indicators, including a slight uptick in inflation and robust labor market data.The SEP will offer insights into the Fed’s outlook on future rate movements, inflation trends, and economic growth projections. Notably, previous projections indicated a more cautious approach to rate cuts in 2025, with policymakers anticipating just two reductions totaling 50 basis points, compared to earlier expectations of more aggressive easing. IMPACT ON GOLD Gold prices have recently surpassed the $3,000 per ounce mark, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and investor demand forsafe-haven assets. The Fed’s decision to hold interest rates steady could sustain gold’s appeal, as stable rates maintain the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold.However, any indications from the Fed regarding a slower pace of future rate cuts may temper gold’s rally, given the metal’s sensitivity to monetary policy expectations. Chart 1: XAUUSD 1 H Time Frame Technical Analysis The above gold (XAU/USD) 1-hour chart presents the potential price movement projections ahead of key Federal Reserve events on March 19, 2025. The chart outlines two possible scenarios: a bullish breakout above $3,005-$3,016 (new ATH) or a retracement towards support around $2,973- $2,963 before a potential rebound. Key Fed-related events, including the FOMC interest rate decision, economic projections, and press conference, are expected to drive volatility. The price action remains in an upward channel and mostly sideways movement with traders likely awaiting confirmation from fundamental catalysts before committing to a direction. IMPACT ON THE DOW JONES AND NASDAQ Equity markets have experienced heightened volatility in anticipation of the Fed’s policy announcement. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite have both faced significant fluctuations, reflecting investor uncertainty regarding economic growth and monetary policy direction. A decision to maintain current interest rates is largely priced into the markets; however, the Fed’s forward guidance will be pivotal. A more cautious stance on future rate cuts could dampen investor sentiment, potentially leading to market corrections. Conversely, a dovish outlook might rejuvenate risk appetite, supporting equity valuations. The below Dow Jones Industrial Average (US30) 2-hour chart illustrates a breakout from a descending channel, suggesting a potential trend reversal. The price is currently testing a key resistance level around 41,260, with possible bullish scenarios leading towards 41,511 – 41,918 if momentum continues. Alternatively, a rejection at current levels could trigger a retracement towards 41,008 – 40,602 before another attempt at an upward move. The chart outlines both bullish and bearish scenarios, with pivot levels acting as key decision points for traders. Chart 2: Dow Jones 2H Time Frame Technical Analysis IMPACT ON THE U.S. DOLLAR The U.S. dollar has shown resilience amid global economic uncertainties. A decision to keep interest rates steady may exert minimal immediate pressure on the dollar. However, if the Fed signals a slower pace of future rate reductions, it could bolster the dollar’s strength, as expectations of prolonged monetary easing would be tempered. CONCLUSION The Federal Reserve’s forthcoming interest rate decision and the accompanying Summary of Economic Projections are critical events for financial markets. While the Fed is expected to maintain the current rate, its guidance on future monetary policy will play a crucial role in shaping investor sentiment and market dynamics across gold, equities, and the U.S. dollar. Market participants should brace for potential volatility as they interpret the Fed’s assessments and projections in the context of ongoing economic and geopolitical developments.
CAPITAL MARKETS OUTLOOK FED DECISION LOOMS: HOW INTEREST RATES WILL SHAPE GOLD, STOCKS, AND THE DOLLAR A Fundamental and Technical Analysis. by Tamas Horvath 18.03.25 Will the FED Crash the Market? Here’s What You Need to Know. KEY TAKEAWAYSFed to Keep Rates Unchanged: 97% probability of holding rates at 4.25% – 4.50% (CME FedWatch Tool).Inflation & Jobs Data Key Factors: Sticky inflation and a strong labor market are influencing a cautious Fed stance.Market Focus on Fed’s Forward Guidance: Future rate cut expectations will shape investor sentiment across asset classes. As the Federal Reserve’s Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) convenes this week, market participants are closely monitoring the anticipated interest rate decision and the accompanying Summary of Economic Projections (SEP). These announcements are poised to influence various financial markets, including gold, major stock indices such as the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite, as well as the U.S. dollar. FEDERAL RESERVE’S INTEREST RATE DECISION AND ECONOMIC PROJECTIONS According to the CME FedWatch Tool, there is a 97% probability that the Federal Reserve will maintain the federal funds rate at its current range of 4.25% to 4.50% during the upcoming meeting. This expectation aligns with recent economic indicators, including a slight uptick in inflation and robust labor market data.The SEP will offer insights into the Fed’s outlook on future rate movements, inflation trends, and economic growth projections. Notably, previous projections indicated a more cautious approach to rate cuts in 2025, with policymakers anticipating just two reductions totaling 50 basis points, compared to earlier expectations of more aggressive easing. IMPACT ON GOLD Gold prices have recently surpassed the $3,000 per ounce mark, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and investor demand forsafe-haven assets. The Fed’s decision to hold interest rates steady could sustain gold’s appeal, as stable rates maintain the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold.However, any indications from the Fed regarding a slower pace of future rate cuts may temper gold’s rally, given the metal’s sensitivity to monetary policy expectations. Chart 1: XAUUSD 1 H Time Frame Technical Analysis The above gold (XAU/USD) 1-hour chart presents the potential price movement projections ahead of key Federal Reserve events on March 19, 2025. The chart outlines two possible scenarios: a bullish breakout above $3,005-$3,016 (new ATH) or a retracement towards support around $2,973- $2,963 before a potential rebound. Key Fed-related events, including the FOMC interest rate decision, economic projections, and press conference, are expected to drive volatility. The price action remains in an upward channel and mostly sideways movement with traders likely awaiting confirmation from fundamental catalysts before committing to a direction. IMPACT ON THE DOW JONES AND NASDAQ Equity markets have experienced heightened volatility in anticipation of the Fed’s policy announcement. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the Nasdaq Composite have both faced significant fluctuations, reflecting investor uncertainty regarding economic growth and monetary policy direction. A decision to maintain current interest rates is largely priced into the markets; however, the Fed’s forward guidance will be pivotal. A more cautious stance on future rate cuts could dampen investor sentiment, potentially leading to market corrections. Conversely, a dovish outlook might rejuvenate risk appetite, supporting equity valuations. The below Dow Jones Industrial Average (US30) 2-hour chart illustrates a breakout from a descending channel, suggesting a potential trend reversal. The price is currently testing a key resistance level around 41,260, with possible bullish scenarios leading towards 41,511 – 41,918 if momentum continues. Alternatively, a rejection at current levels could trigger a retracement towards 41,008 – 40,602 before another attempt at an upward move. The chart outlines both bullish and bearish scenarios, with pivot levels acting as key decision points for traders. Chart 2: Dow Jones 2H Time Frame Technical Analysis IMPACT ON THE U.S. DOLLAR The U.S. dollar has shown resilience amid global economic uncertainties. A decision to keep interest rates steady may exert minimal immediate pressure on the dollar. However, if the Fed signals a slower pace of future rate reductions, it could bolster the dollar’s strength, as expectations of prolonged monetary easing would be tempered. CONCLUSION The Federal Reserve’s forthcoming interest rate decision and the accompanying Summary of Economic Projections are critical events for financial markets. While the Fed is expected to maintain the current rate, its guidance on future monetary policy will play a crucial role in shaping investor sentiment and market dynamics across gold, equities, and the U.S. dollar. Market participants should brace for potential volatility as they interpret the Fed’s assessments and projections in the context of ongoing economic and geopolitical developments.