Trading Week Ahead: Fed’s Last Move of the Year

A highly anticipated week lies ahead as the Federal Reserve prepares for its final rate decision of the year. With a potential cut from 4.00% to 3.75% on the table, alongside key labour and wage data, markets could see sharp moves across the dollar, yields, and equities. 

Watch these three events that could reshape rate expectations and set the tone for the next year.

👉 FOMC Statement - The Fed is expected to lower rates to 3.75%. Market focus will be on guidance and Powell’s tone as traders assess the 2026 policy path.

👉 JOLTS Job Openings - Forecast at 7.2 million for October, unchanged from the previous print. A drop may signal weakening labour demand and support dovish bets.

👉 Employment Cost Index - Wage growth will be closely watched. A strong number could lift yields and the dollar, while a softer print

Date	Time	Instrument	Event
Tuesday, Dec. 9	4:00 PM	USD	JOLTS Job Openings
Wednesday, Dec. 10	2:30 PM	USD	Employment Cost Index
	3:45 PM	CAD	BOC Rate Statement
	8:00 PM	USD	FOMC Statement
	8:30 PM	USD	FOMC Press Conference
Friday, Dec. 12	8:00 AM	GBP	GDP
		EUR	German CPI

*All times in the table are in GMT+1