As XAG/USD spot values reflect caution, all eyes are on the Federal Reserve's imminent policy direction amid rate hike whispers.
Silver’s (XAG/USD) cautious movement on Wednesday mirrors the market’s broader sentiment as everyone keenly awaits the Federal Reserve’s policy directive. Although the current consensus leans towards the Fed maintaining its existing interest rates, whispers of upcoming rate hikes later in the year are growing louder.
U.S. Treasury yields, particularly the 10-year yield, have surged to heights not witnessed in nearly 16 years. This is primarily in response to the imminent updates from the Federal Reserve’s September assembly. Simultaneously, the U.S. dollar stands resilient.
The dollar index, benchmarked against a diversified basket of currencies, hovered around 105.13, underscoring the market’s eager anticipation of the Fed’s resolution.
The prevalent market prediction, backed by the CME FedWatch tool, posits that the Fed will maintain the status quo on rates, set between 5.25% and 5.50%. However, there’s a simmering speculation of a quarter-point spike either in November (30% probability) or December (40% likelihood).
The economic landscape further muddies with Treasury yields sustaining their elevated trajectory. Such behavior is emblematic of a market gearing up for a ‘hawkish hold’ stance by the Fed. Further layers of complexity are added by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s remarks on aligning U.S. growth rates with ideal rates to meet inflationary targets. Concurrently, skyrocketing oil prices indicate prolonged periods of heightened rates, potentially suppressing silver’s allure.
The silver market, much like other commodities, hinges on the upcoming Federal Reserve meeting. The central question: Will there be any interest rate adjustments?
The broader financial sector, bolstered by insights from the CME’s FedWatch Tool, overwhelmingly expects unchanged rates post this meeting, yet holds a 35% belief in another rate increment before 2024 concludes.
The pivotal element in this unfolding drama will be Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s commentary, potentially shedding light on the bank’s future game plan. However, there remains an ambient uncertainty about the post-meeting trajectory of monetary policy.
The key? Gleaning insights from the Fed’s disclosures and the subsequent press briefing. Additionally, past data and statements suggest the possibility of further rate hikes, contingent on economic indicators.
In essence, the scales tip towards the Fed persisting in its hawkish stance, striving to pull inflation closer to the 2% mark – a development that might not bode well for silver. Meanwhile, upcoming meetings at international central banks, such as the Bank of Japan and Bank of England, are poised to further influence silver’s short-term journey.
The current 4-hour price of Silver stands at 23.21, showing a slight increase from the previous 4-hour close at 23.07. When observing the moving averages, the price is below the 200-4H moving average of 23.34 but above the 50-4H moving average of 23.02. This suggests a potential consolidation phase. The 14-4H RSI reading is 54.65, indicating a modestly bullish momentum, being just above the neutral threshold.
Moreover, the price is hovering above the main support area between 22.70 to 22.28 but remains below the main resistance area spanning from 25.00 to 25.27. Given the proximity to key support and the mildly positive RSI, the market sentiment leans slightly bullish, but caution is advised as it is nearing the 200-4H moving average resistance.
With the Fed announcements looking and given that XAG/USD is consolidating between the 50-4H and 200-4H moving averages, traders should brace for volatility and potential breakouts in either direction.
James is a Florida-based technical analyst, market researcher, educator and trader with 35+ years of experience. He is an expert in the area of patterns, price and time analysis as it applies to futures, Forex, and stocks.