|

ECB: Comments suggesting that rate cuts may still be a long way off would be positive for EUR – Commerzbank

Economists at Commerzbank analyze EUR outlook after the ECB hiked its key rate last Thursday and ECB President Christine Lagarde signalled that the ECB is now likely to have reached the end of the rate hike cycle.

FX market will largely wait and see what surprises the Fed might have in store

In the coming days and weeks, there should be increasing clarity about the extent to which there may still be a willingness in the ECB's monetary policy council to perhaps raise interest rates again. Or what conditions would have to be met for such a step. Such comments should tend to benefit the EUR, as the market currently seems to be betting on an end to the rate hike cycle, which could clear the way for rate cuts next year. Comments suggesting that rate cuts may still be a long way off would also be positive for the EUR.

However, it may also turn out that the Council members are largely in agreement that the end of the rate hike cycle has been reached. The market is then more likely to interpret this as a dovish stance by the ECB and the EUR could come under depreciation pressure.

In the short term, however, the focus is of course on the US Fed. Ahead of the rate decision on Wednesday the FX market will largely wait and see what surprises the Fed might have in store.

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD: Gains remain capped below 1.1800

EUR/USD consolidates its upside below 1.1800 in the European trading hours on Monday. The pair trades listlessly amid a tepid market mood, despite a broadly subdued US Dollar. Mid-tier US Pending Home Sales are next in focus. 

GBP/USD hovers around 1.3500 amid cautious markets

GBP/USD is oscillating around 1.3500 in the European session on Monday, supported by broad US Dollar softness. But the upside appears limited due to thin market conditions heading into the New Year holiday break. 

Gold corrects from record high as profit-taking sets in

Gold price retreats from a record high near $4,550 in European trading on Monday as traders book some profits ahead of holidays. If the US Dollar finds renewed demand, it could also weigh on the precious metal, as it makes Gold more expensive for non-US buyers.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP bulls regain strength

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple record roughly 3% gains on Monday, regaining strength mid-holiday season. Despite thin liquidity in the holiday season, BTC and major altcoins are regaining strength as US President Donald Trump pushes peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The technical outlook for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple gradually shifts bullish as selling pressure wanes.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Avalanche struggles near $12 as Grayscale files updated form for ETF

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.