Strong CPI & Surprise in Retail Sales drifts EURUSD to 1.2275

EURUSD, H1

The dollar rallied following the mix of data, where CPI headline and core came in firmer than forecasts, while retail sales were softer than expected. EURUSD fell from 1.2350 to 1.2275, as USDJPY popped to 107.55 from under 107.54. Equity futures plunged, now indicating a sharply lower Wall Street open. Dow futures had been up 150 points, and are now down 300 after the data.

U.S. January retail sales fell 0.3%, with the ex-auto component unchanged. U.S. CPI surged 0.5% in January with the core rate 0.3% higher, both hotter than expected. Gains were broadbased. The December headline and core rates were each 0.2% higher (revised from 0.1% and 0.3%, respectively following benchmarking). The 12-month headline rates were steady at 2.1% y/y for the headline and 1.8% y/y for the core. Internals showed energy rose 3.0% from the prior -0.2%. Services prices were 0.3% higher. Housing costs increased 0.2%, with the owners’ equivalent rent measure up 0.3%. Food/beverage prices edged up 0.2%. Apparel costs climbed 1.7%. Transportation costs were 1.8% higher. Medical care was up 0.4%. Tobacco prices increased 0.3%.

In my report published on Monday, I wrote : “Inflation worries should continue to weigh on Treasuries. Hence if the January CPI figure on Wednesday, ratifies that inflation is back and therefore a restriction on inflation is necessary, hence the concern of up to 4 tightenings this year might be reasonable enough. Based on this scenario, US equities could spike lower and thus USDIndex could be seen moving higher. Conversely, soft inflation outcome could provide some positive momentum for US equities and thus a downwards momentum on USDIndex.“

The hotter CPI data boost USDIndex higher and therefore  EURUSD lower, with the latter next immediate support areas at 1.2280, 1.2230, 1.2200.