EUR/USD Forecast: Struggling at the triple-bottom, break or bounce? Italy has the cards


  • The EUR/USD is trading at the lowest levels since August 21st.
  • Concerns about Italy and further strengthening of the US Dollar push the pair lower.
  • The charts point to oversold conditions for the pair.

The EUR/USD dipped under 1.1530, a level that supported it in September and is trading at levels last seen in August. It is a one-two punch for the world's most popular currency pair.

The European Union does not like the new Italian budget and its 2.4% deficit, above 2% set by the Commission. Comments by EU Commission President Jean-Claude Juncker and others weigh on Italian stocks, bonds, and the common currency. Italian ministers will convene later in the day. So far, they have been defiant and insist on pushing forward with the tax cuts and the Citizens' Income program. 

5-Star Leader Luigi di Maio said that France would not be treated this way. Claudio Borghi, the head of the budget committee and a Lega member said that if Italy had its currency, it would "solve most of Italy's problems." He later had a more conciliatory tone. The clash with Europe continues. 

The US Dollar continues gaining strength across the board. This is a result of the tightening policy by the Federal Reserve. After hiking rates last week, the Fed intends to increase rates four more times until the end of 2019. The ISM Manufacturing PMI for September came out at 59.8 points, slightly below expectations but still reflecting robust growth.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell will speak later in the day, at 14:45 GMT. He will talk about the outlook for employment and inflation, a topic relevant to markets. On the other hand, Powell made several public appearances of late and may find it hard to surprise markets. 

Euro-zone PPI is expected to rise once again and may have a minor influence on the Euro. However, developments in Italy will likely have a more significant effect.

Another factor for the euro is Brexit. The British government is due to present new ideas for resolving the issue for the Irish border. Former Foreign Minister Boris Johnson may throw his hat into the ring and present his candidacy to replace Prime Minister Theresa May. The Euro often moves on Brexit headlines, albeit the movements are minuscule in comparison to those seen in the GBP/USD.

EUR/USD Technical Analysis

EUR USD technical analysis chart October 2 2018

The Relative Strength Index (RSI) on the four-hour chart is below 30, indicating oversold conditions. This may result in a bounce. Other indicators are bearish: the pair trades below the 50 and 200 Simple Moving Averages and Momentum is to the downside.

1.1530 was a triple bottom in September, and the break below this level still needs to be confirmed. Lower, 1.1495 was a swing low in mid-August and is the next level to watch. Stronger support awaits at 1.1445 that temporarily capped the pair on its way up. Further down, 1.1365 and 1.1300 await.

Looking up, 1.1565 supported the pair in September and is the initial resistance line. 1.1605 served as support last month, and it is followed by 1.1650 which had the same role back then. 1.1720 and 1.1750 are next up.

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.

If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.

FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.

The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.

Recommended Content


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD clings to gains above 1.0750 after US data

EUR/USD clings to gains above 1.0750 after US data

EUR/USD manages to hold in positive territory above 1.0750 despite retreating from the fresh multi-week high it set above 1.0800 earlier in the day. The US Dollar struggles to find demand following the weaker-than-expected NFP data.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD declines below 1.2550 following NFP-inspired upsurge

GBP/USD declines below 1.2550 following NFP-inspired upsurge

GBP/USD struggles to preserve its bullish momentum and trades below 1.2550 in the American session. Earlier in the day, the disappointing April jobs report from the US triggered a USD selloff and allowed the pair to reach multi-week highs above 1.2600.

GBP/USD News

Gold struggles to hold above $2,300 despite falling US yields

Gold struggles to hold above $2,300 despite falling US yields

Gold stays on the back foot below $2,300 in the American session on Friday. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield stays in negative territory below 4.6% after weak US data but the improving risk mood doesn't allow XAU/USD to gain traction.

Gold News

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: Should you buy BTC here? Premium

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: Should you buy BTC here?

Bitcoin (BTC) price shows signs of a potential reversal but lacks confirmation, which has divided the investor community into two – those who are buying the dips and those who are expecting a further correction.

Read more

Week ahead – BoE and RBA decisions headline a calm week

Week ahead – BoE and RBA decisions headline a calm week

Bank of England meets on Thursday, unlikely to signal rate cuts. Reserve Bank of Australia could maintain a higher-for-longer stance. Elsewhere, Bank of Japan releases summary of opinions.

Read more

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures