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Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 70% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Risk event for the week starting 21 August: USD on Jackson Hole symposium

The central bankers’ get-together could provide a trading opportunity for the US dollar, according to DailyFX analyst Warren Venketas. He suggests that a hawkish message could provide an opportunity to sell the dollar basket.

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Jackson Hole Economic Symposium

The big event to keep an eye on this week is the Jackson Hole Economic Symposium. It's a gathering where experts talk about the US economy, specifically the value of the US dollar.

Right now, the US economy is doing pretty well. Inflation is rising, but not as fast as the Federal Reserve (Fed) wants it to. However, the job market is strong, with fewer people filing for unemployment recently.

Jerome Powell

One thing to watch for at the conference is what Jerome Powell, the head of the Federal Reserve, has to say. If he gives a "dovish" message, meaning he's cautious about raising interest rates, it could cause the US dollar to drop in value.

USD trading patterns

Technically, the US dollar is at an important point in terms of its trading patterns. It's currently around the 200-day moving average and the 103.60 swing high. There's still a chance it could go up some more, maybe hitting 104. But some traders might get nervous and start selling at that point, causing the dollar to drop back to 103.60.

If Powell announces a more "accommodative" monetary policy, meaning he's planning to keep interest rates low, the US dollar could drop even further, maybe hitting around 102.50.

Overall, this week is expected to be a bit more volatile in the trading world because of the Jackson Hole Symposium. Traders will be closely watching what Powell says, because it could have a big impact on how the US dollar performs.

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

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