March Consumer Sentiment Rises to Pandemic High, USD Stronger

Consumer Sentiment and US Dollar Talking Points:

  • Consumer Sentiment Printed Strongly at 83.0 vs. forecast of 78.5.
  • One Year Inflation Expectations Fell Slightly Following Subdued CPI and PPI Prints.
  • The US Dollar Dropped Following the Release Before Rebounding Higher as Yields Rise.

March Consumer Sentiment Rises to Pandemic High, USD Stronger

The University of Michigan’s preliminary consumer sentiment index for March printed at 83.0 vs. a forecast of 78.5, handily beating the forecast. This print marks the index’s highest point since last March, before the pandemic and related containment measures took effect. While sentiment remains well below its pre-pandemic levels, the solid print in March demonstrates that the outlook of consumers is improving.

Other components of the University of Michigan report also point to the improving economic outlook. Five Year Inflation Expectations held steady at 2.7% and One Year Inflation Expectations tightened slightly, falling from 3.3% to 3.1%. Consumer Expectations rose from 70.7 in February to 77.5 in March, surpassing the forecast of 74.0. Current Conditions printed at 91.5, above the forecast of 88.3.

DAILYFX ECONOMIC CALENDAR (MARCH 12TH, 2021)

UMich, University of Michigan, Consumer Sentiment, Inflation

DailyFX Economic Calendar

Friday’s prints are further examples of the strengthening outlook for the US economy. A muted February CPI print on Wednesday and a similarly-weak PPI print earlier Friday has helped to put inflation fears on the backburner. President Biden signed his stimulus bill into law on Thursday, which will provide a strong boost to the economic recovery. US vaccination efforts are continuing effectively, with nearly 100 million doses administrated. This combination of stimulus and vaccinations look to put the economy back on track sooner rather than later. Policymakers are expecting a strong H2 2021.

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After hitting a nearly three year low in early 2021, the US Dollar resurged as longer-term Treasury yields moved higher. Falling to a nearly two-month low around 89.70 in late February, the DXY rebounded back above the 90.00 level and has remained there since. While 10yr Treasury yields have consolidated between 1.5% and 1.6% since late February’s volatility, the DXY has remained strong above the 91.00 level.

US Dollar Index (DXY) & US 10YR Treasury Yields – 1 Minute Time Frame

US 10yr, US DXY, US Dollar, US Dollar and Yields, TradingView

Chart created by Izaac Brook, Source: TradingView

US 10yr Treasury Yields rose to new pandemic highs above the 1.60% level on Friday morning. The DXY whipsawed in reaction to the UMich prints, falling from 91.83 to 91.78 before rebounding higher alongside the upward move in Treasury yields, rising to currently trade around the intraday high of 91.95.

Further price action in the US Dollar and in US Treasury yields may hold off until March’s FOMC meeting, where Fed policy makers will likely discuss the rise in longer-term yields and weigh if a response is necessary. The FOMC will also release an updated version of its dot plot, showing when members expect rate hikes to occur.

— written by Izaac Brook, DailyFX Research Intern

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