Euro maintains the positive performance just below 1.0700
- The Euro clings to daily gains vs. the US Dollar.
- Stocks in Europe are seen closing with marked losses.
- EUR/USD shifts its focus to a potential test of 1.0700.
- The USD Index (DXY) remains mildly offered in the low-105.00s.
- The FOMC gathering will be the salient event this week.
- The US NAHB index takes centre stage later in the session.
The Euro (EUR) gains momentum against the US Dollar (USD), motivating bullish sentiment that pushes EUR/USD towards the vicinity of daily highs, reaching around 1.0680 as the new week begins.
Although the Greenback experiences some mild downward pressure, it still holds its position above the crucial 105.00 level, as indicated by the USD Index (DXY). This is happening amidst the mixed trend in US yields across various timeframes.
Regarding monetary policy, investors are still evaluating the recent dovish rate hike conducted by the European Central Bank (ECB) and maintaining their anticipation of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve (Fed) taking place in the second quarter of 2024.
On another front, EUR net longs extended the downtrend and reached levels last seen in mid-November 2022, according to the latest positioning report by the CFTC for the week ended on September 12. The period under study saw the pair climb to the 1.0750 region and quickly lose ground soon afterwards the ECB event on September 14.
The absence of data releases in the euro docket should shift attention to the US calendar, where the NAHB Housing Price Index and Long-Term TIC Flows are due in the American session.
Daily digest market movers: Euro remains under pressure below 1.0827
- The EUR looks to consolidate the bounce off recent multi-month lows vs. the USD.
- US and German yields have started the week in a mixed fashion.
- Investors see the Fed keeping rates unchanged this week.
- Fitch agency confirms Germany’s AAA rating with a stable outlook.
- Traders see potential rate cuts by the Fed in H1 2024.
- Expectations of an impasse in the ECB’s hiking cycle appear to be gathering traction.
- The Bundesbank's monthly report sees the German economy contracting in Q3.
- ECB's Peter Kazimir rules out further interest rate raises.
Technical Analysis: Euro keeps the door open to another test of 1.0630
EUR/USD looks to extend Friday’s rebound from multi-week lows near 1.0630.
If the EUR/USD breaks below its September 15 low of 1.0631, it may revisit the March 15 low of 1.0516 before reaching the 2023 bottom of 1.0481 seen on January 6.
On the upside, the critical 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) is located at 1.0827. Bullish momentum may develop if the pair breaks through this key barrier, leading it to a test of the provisional 55-day SMA at 1.0922 ahead of the August 30 high of 1.0945. This scenario may open the way for a rally towards the psychological level of 1.1000 and the August 10 top of 1.1064. If the pair clears this region, it may relieve some of the bearish pressure and go for the July 27 peak at 1.1149, followed by the 2023 high at 1.1275 from July 18.
As long as the EUR/USD is below the 200-day SMA, the pair might continue to fall.
Euro FAQs
What is the Euro?
The Euro is the currency for the 20 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day.
EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% off all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%).
What is the ECB and how does it impact the Euro?
The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy.
The ECB’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means either controlling inflation or stimulating growth. Its primary tool is the raising or lowering of interest rates. Relatively high interest rates – or the expectation of higher rates – will usually benefit the Euro and vice versa.
The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde.
How does inflation data impact the value of the Euro?
Eurozone inflation data, measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), is an important econometric for the Euro. If inflation rises more than expected, especially if above the ECB’s 2% target, it obliges the ECB to raise interest rates to bring it back under control.
Relatively high interest rates compared to its counterparts will usually benefit the Euro, as it makes the region more attractive as a place for global investors to park their money.
How does economic data influence the value of the Euro?
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact on the Euro. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the single currency.
A strong economy is good for the Euro. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the ECB to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen the Euro. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Euro is likely to fall.
Economic data for the four largest economies in the euro area (Germany, France, Italy and Spain) are especially significant, as they account for 75% of the Eurozone’s economy.
How does the Trade Balance impact the Euro?
Another significant data release for the Euro is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period.
If a country produces highly sought after exports then its currency will gain in value purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
Author
Pablo Piovano
FXStreet
Born and bred in Argentina, Pablo has been carrying on with his passion for FX markets and trading since his first college years.
