- Powell warns inflation remains “too high,” signaling potential for more aggressive rate hikes to bring it down to 2%.
- Despite two months of positive data, Powell insists there’s a “long way to go” to achieve the Fed’s 2% inflation target, leaving markets jittery.
- Economic growth and a robust job market could be double-edged swords, possibly warranting further Fed action to cool down inflation and maintain stability.
The EUR/USD pair trades volatile in a 40 pip range, as the Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell warns that inflation remains “too high” in his Jackson Hole speech. At the time of writing, the EUR/USD is trading at around the 1.0815-40 range.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s hawkish tone sent EUR/USD into a tailspin.
US Fed Chair Jerome Powel commented that the central bank is prepared to hike rates further, if appropriate, until inflation moves “sustainable down to 2%.” He emphasized that the Fed would remain data-dependent and proceed “carefully” when pulling the trigger and lifting rates.
Powell said there’s a long way to go, and just two months of good data is the beginning of the Fed’s road to tame inflation towards the 2% target. When talking about a neutral rate level, policymakers remain uncertain. Fed Chair acknowledged that current monetary policy faces risks on both sides regarding growth and inflation.
Regarding economic growth and the labor market, Powell added that growth has surprised to the upside, and it might be a reason for more rate hikes while adding that the job market not cooling could also warrant more Fed action. He added, he expects July Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE) at 3.3%, while core PCE at 4.3%.
EUR/USD reaction
The EUR/USD hourly chart shows the pair skyrocketed towards 1.0839 before reversing its course and found bids at 1.0810. Since then, the major skyrocketed towards 1.0841 but has retreated below the daily pivot point at around 1.0830. US Treasury bond yields are failing to gain traction, while the US Dollar Index is pairing some of its earlier losses, is down 0.06%, and sits at 103.930.
EUR/USD 5 minute chart
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
EUR/USD turns negative near 1.0760
The sudden bout of strength in the Greenback sponsored the resurgence of the selling pressure in the risk complex, dragging EUR/USD to the area of daily lows near 1.0760.
GBP/USD comes under pressure and challenges 1.2500
GBP/USD now rapidly loses momentum and gives away initial gains, returning to the 1.2500 region on the back of the strong comeback of the US Dollar.
Gold retreats from highs on stronger Dollar, yields
XAU/USD trims part of its initial advance in response to the jump in the Dollar's buying interest and the re-emergence of the upside pressure in US yields.
XRP tests support at $0.50 as Ripple joins alliance to work on blockchain recovery
XRP trades around $0.5174 early on Friday, wiping out gains from earlier in the week, as Ripple announced it has joined an alliance to support digital asset recovery alongside Hedera and the Algorand Foundation.
Week ahead – US inflation numbers to shake Fed rate cut bets
Fed rate-cut speculators rest hopes on US inflation data. After dovish BoE, pound traders turn to UK job numbers. Will a strong labor market convince the RBA to hike? More Chinese data on tap amid signs of slow Q2 start.