In line with the broad-based consolidation theme in the FX universe, EUR/USD trades within a narrow range near the 1.0800 region ahead of the key FOMC event due Wednesday.
EUR/USD Remains Focused On The Fed Gathering
EUR/USD has so far interrupted its weekly recovery and hovered around the 1.0800 zone on Wednesday in response to the generalized directionless mood in the global markets as investors await the interest rate decision by the Federal Reserve, which is expected later in the European evening.
While a pause in the Fed’s hiking cycle is broadly telegraphed, another 25 bps rate rise by the ECB is also anticipated on Thursday. The Fed’s decision to reach an impasse in its tightening program was further propped up by another decline in US inflation figures last month.
However, fast forwarding to July, both central banks are expected to hike interest rates by a quarter-point. In fact, according to the FedWatch Tool by CME Group, the probability of that scenario has approached 62% so far.
Data-wise, industrial production will be the sole release in the euro area, while weekly Mortgage Applications are due across the pond.
What To Look For Around EUR
EUR/USD trades close to the 1.0800 region in response to the consolidative mood in the rest of the global assets in the pre-FOMC trade.
In the meantime, the pair’s price action is expected to mirror the behaviour of the US Dollar closely. It will likely be impacted by any differences in approach between the Fed and the ECB regarding their plans for adjusting interest rates.
Moving forward, hawkish ECB speak continues to favor further rate hikes, although this view appears to be in contrast to some loss of momentum in economic fundamentals in the region.
Key events in the euro area this week: EMU Industrial Production (Wednesday) – Eurogroup Meeting, EMU Balance of Trade, ECB Interest Rate Decision, ECB Lagarde (Thursday) – ECOFIN Meeting, Final EMU Inflation Rate (Friday).
Eminent issues on the back boiler: Continuation of the ECB hiking cycle in June and July (and September?). Impact of the Russia-Ukraine war on the region’s growth prospects and inflation outlook. Risks of inflation becoming entrenched.
EUR/USD Levels To Watch
So far, the pair is losing 0.06% at 1.0786 and faces the next support at 1.0635 (monthly low May 31), seconded by 1.0516 (low March 15) and finally 1.0481 (2023 low January 6). On the other hand, the surpass of 1.0823 (monthly high June 13) would target 1.0877 (55-day SMA) en route to 1.0904 (weekly high May 16).