Ahead of the Federal Reserve’s meeting on Wednesday, EUR/USD has been fluctuating within the upper 1.0800s range. There’s growing speculation that the Fed might adjust its expected number of interest rate cuts for 2024. Additionally, several ECB policymakers are set to speak at a conference on monetary policy.
The EUR/USD pair has been wavering between small gains and losses on Wednesday, settling within the upper 1.0800s range. This movement comes after a rebound from Tuesday’s lows around 1.0830, fueled by increased expectations that the Federal Reserve could cut interest rates by June.
Interest rates, managed by central banks, play a crucial role in forex markets. Lower interest rates often lead to currency depreciation, while higher rates attract more foreign capital.
The rebound in EUR/USD comes ahead of the Federal Reserve’s March FOMC meeting, with outcomes expected to be announced later. Speculation is mounting that the Fed might initiate interest rate cuts by June, as indicated by the CME FedWatch Tool.
The Fed’s potential adjustment to its forecasts and accompanying statements could influence the outlook for interest rates and consequently impact the valuation of the US Dollar (USD).
EUR/USD could experience volatility post-Fed meeting, with expectations that the Federal Reserve might revise its economic forecasts in the Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) and the “dot plot.”
In Europe, discussions revolve around the timing of interest rate cuts, with two camps emerging. Some prefer waiting until the ECB’s June meeting, while others advocate for an early spring rate cut.
A series of ECB officials are scheduled to speak at a conference, providing further insights into the ECB’s stance, potentially affecting EUR/USD volatility.
Meanwhile, technical analysis indicates that EUR/USD has fallen below a key level, suggesting a possible reversal of the short-term uptrend. The price may continue to decline towards the next support level at around 1.0800. However, bullish reversal signals have also been observed, indicating a potential recovery in EUR/USD.
EURO FAQS
What is the Euro?
The Euro is the currency for the 20 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% off all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%).
What is the ECB and how does it impact the Euro?
The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy. The ECB’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means either controlling inflation or stimulating growth. Its primary tool is the raising or lowering of interest rates. Relatively high interest rates – or the expectation of higher rates – will usually benefit the Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde.
How does inflation data impact the value of the Euro?
Eurozone inflation data, measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), is an important econometric for the Euro. If inflation rises more than expected, especially if above the ECB’s 2% target, it obliges the ECB to raise interest rates to bring it back under control. Relatively high interest rates compared to its counterparts will usually benefit the Euro, as it makes the region more attractive as a place for global investors to park their money.
How does economic data influence the value of the Euro?
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact on the Euro. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the single currency. A strong economy is good for the Euro. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the ECB to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen the Euro. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Euro is likely to fall. Economic data for the four largest economies in the euro area (Germany, France, Italy and Spain) are especially significant, as they account for 75% of the Eurozone’s economy.
How does the Trade Balance impact the Euro?
Another significant data release for the Euro is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought after exports then its currency will gain in value purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.