EUR/USD clings to small gains as investors get ready for FOMC


After refreshing its weekly high at 1.2006 during the early trading hours of the European session, the EUR/USD pair fell back into the negative territory before the NA session went underway, but gained traction on the mixed-macro data from the United States. As of writing, the pair was trading in a tight range around 1.1980, gaining 0.2% on the day.

A Reuters report on Tuesday, citing unknown ECB sources, claimed that some elements of the decision regarding the QE tapering could be postponed to December and weighed on the shared currency. Furthermore, the report also noted that concerns over the euro's strength were creating uncertainty and division among the Governing Council. 

Despite the retreat triggered by this development, the pair didn't have a difficult time recovering its losses as the poor macroeconomic data from the U.S. didn't allow the greenback to gather strength against its competitors. The US Dollar Index, which tested the 92 handle on Monday, is now moving sideways around the 91.70 mark, losing 0.13% on the day.

Ahead of tomorrow's FOMC decisions and the updated economic projections, the pair is likely to remain directionless as investors will look to eliminate the uncertainty regarding another rate hike in December. Valeria Bednarik, Chief Analyst at FXStreet, writes, "unless a surprise rate hike is announced, with doors opened for also a December hike, dollar possible gains won't be sustainable in time. The US administration has hinted that the tax reform will be discussed by the end of September, so a hawkish Fed, plus some positive news on the issue by the end of the month, could be the beginning of the end of dollar's decline, but that's the most it could be said at this point."

Technical outlook

Although the RSI indicator on the daily graph is rising slowly above the 50 mark, the pair is unlikely to make a sharp move in the short-term. The initial support could be seen at 1.1940 (20-DMA) ahead of 1.1845 (Sep. 14 low) and 1.1800 (psychological level). On the flip side, 1.2000 (psychological level) is the first critical hurdle followed by 1.2090 (Sep. 8 high) and 1.2170 (Dec. 31, 2014, high). 

Today's data from the U.S.:

Share: Feed news

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 edges lower toward 1.0700 post-US PCE

EUR/USD edges lower toward 1.0700 post-US PCE

EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure but manages to hold above 1.0700 in the American session on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) gathers strength against its rivals after the stronger-than-forecast PCE inflation data, not allowing the pair to gain traction.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD retreats to 1.2500 on renewed USD strength

GBP/USD retreats to 1.2500 on renewed USD strength

GBP/USD lost its traction and turned negative on the day near 1.2500. Following the stronger-than-expected PCE inflation readings from the US, the USD stays resilient and makes it difficult for the pair to gather recovery momentum.

GBP/USD News

Gold struggles to hold above $2,350 following US inflation

Gold struggles to hold above $2,350 following US inflation

Gold turned south and declined toward $2,340, erasing a large portion of its daily gains, as the USD benefited from PCE inflation data. The benchmark 10-year US yield, however, stays in negative territory and helps XAU/USD limit its losses. 

Gold News

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC’s next breakout could propel it to $80,000 Premium

Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC’s next breakout could propel it to $80,000

Bitcoin’s recent price consolidation could be nearing its end as technical indicators and on-chain metrics suggest a potential upward breakout. However, this move would not be straightforward and could punish impatient investors. 

Read more

Week ahead – Hawkish risk as Fed and NFP on tap, Eurozone data eyed too

Week ahead – Hawkish risk as Fed and NFP on tap, Eurozone data eyed too

Fed meets on Wednesday as US inflation stays elevated. Will Friday’s jobs report bring relief or more angst for the markets? Eurozone flash GDP and CPI numbers in focus for the Euro.

Read more

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures