US: Focus on FOMC meeting minutes, Yellen speech and durable goods – Kiwibank

Analysts at Kiwibank suggest that the US data week is shortened due to the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and the Fed Chair Janet Yellen is due to give a speech overnight Wednesday NZT will be keenly watched.

Key Quotes

“While Yellen’s time as Chair is coming to a close, she does have the option to stay on in a regional Governor capacity. Her continued tenure at the Fed would likely be viewed as favourable by the market. There is growing speculation that she may announce a decision on the matter during her Wednesday speaking engagement. By contrast, Thursday morning’s FOMC minutes are not expected to deliver any surprises. They may however shed additional light on the individual views of members regarding the persistent issue of low inflation despite the economy being at or near full-employment.”

“Prior to the FOMC minutes we have October durable goods data. An expectation-beating print, especially when stripping out the transportation component (aircraft, trains, and even cars can skew the headline number), will likely further entrench the perception of further interest rate increase from the Fed during 2018.”