- EUR/USD remains under pressure around 1.0740 on the stronger USD on Thursday.
- The ECB is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged at its April meeting on Thursday.
- The US CPI figure rose 0.4% MoM in March, compared with the 0.3% gain estimated.
The EUR/USD pair remains on the defensive near 1.0740 during the early Asian session on Thursday. An unexpected rise in US CPI inflation data in March propelled the US Dollar (USD) to yearly highs and weighed on the major pair. Investors will closely monitor the European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate decision and press conference later on Thursday, along with the release of the US Producer Price Index (PPI) report.
The ECB is anticipated to keep interest rates steady at a record high at its April meeting on Thursday, but ECB President Christine Lagarde is likely to discuss about inflation data and the possibilities of a June rate cut. The Federal Reserve (Fed) might delay the easing cycle this year due to the robust economy and upside surprises in inflation. The ECB insists on setting policy independently, but the divergence of interest rates between the Fed and ECB might exert some selling pressure on the Euro (EUR) and create a headwind for the EUR/USD pair.
An unexpected rise in the US inflation data in March triggered speculation that the US central bank would delay cutting the interest rate. The Greenback rose to fresh yearly highs north of 105.30 after the data. The US Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 0.4% MoM in March, compared with the 0.3% gain estimated. On an annual basis, the CPI climbed 3.5% YoY versus the expectation of a 3.4% rise, according to the Labor Department on Wednesday.
The Core CPI figure, excluding volatile food and energy, jumped 0.4% MoM in March, compared with the market consensus of a 0.3% rise. Meanwhile, the Core figure grew by 3.8%, against the expectation of a 3.7% increase. Later on Thursday, the US Producer Price Index for March and weekly Initial Jobless Claims will be due. Also, the Fed’s Williams, Collins, and Bostic are set to speak.
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
Editors’ Picks

AUD/USD stuck in a familiar range above 0.6400
AUD/USD struggles for a firm near-term direction and remains confined in a multi-week-old trading range. The RBA's dovish outlook on Tuesday and the domestic political turmoil held the Aussie bulls from placing fresh bets. However, the US-China trade optimism and a broadly weaker USD support the currency pair amid a generally positive risk tone.

USD/JPY bears retain control near two-week low, break below 144.00 awaited
USD/JPY languishes near a two-week low despite the disappointing release of Japan's trade balance data, as hawkish BoJ expectations continue to underpin the JPY. Meanwhile, the USD remains depressed amid Fed rate cut bets and a downgrade of the US government's credit rating last Friday, which exerts additional pressure on the currency pair and favors bearish trades.

Gold price looks to build on its recent strength beyond $3,300 mark
Gold price advances to over a one-week top during the Asian session on Wednesday, with bulls now awaiting a sustained move and acceptance above the $3,300 mark before placing fresh bets. Moody's downgrade of America's top sovereign credit rating and Fed rate cut bets keep the USD depressed near a two-week low. Apart from this, persistent geopolitical uncertainty benefits the safe-haven XAU/USD.

Top gainers Aave, Curve DAO, Jito: Altcoins continue strong performance despite Bitcoin dominance rebound
The cryptocurrency market started the week on a positive note, supported by broader bullish sentiment. Select altcoins like Aave (AAVE), Curve DAO (CRV) and Jito (JTO) are extending gains on Tuesday, following closely in Bitcoin’s (BTC) footsteps.

China April slowdown shows the impact of economic uncertainty
Trade war uncertainty is denting Chinese confidence, resulting in slower economic activity in April. Retail sales and fixed-asset investment both underperformed forecasts amid heightened caution. Yet the impact on manufacturing was less than feared.