empty
25.01.2024 01:48 PM
EUR/USD: Ahead of the ECB meeting

This image is no longer relevant

The markets have quieted down, and investors are in a waiting mode ahead of the publication (at 13:15 GMT) of the ECB's decision on interest rates. Looking ahead, it is widely expected that ECB leaders will not change the parameters of monetary policy and will maintain a cautious stance, leaving interest rates at their previous levels: the key rate at 4.50%, the deposit rate at 4.00%, and the marginal rate at 4.75%.

Eurostat recently reported that the final assessment of December consumer price indices in the Eurozone mostly matched the preliminary data, except for the core CPI. It turned out to be slightly higher than the preliminary estimate (+0.5% versus preliminary +0.4%). Overall, the Eurozone's annual CPI accelerated in December to +2.9% from +2.4% a month earlier (with a forecast of +3.0%), while the annual core CPI slowed down to +3.4% from 3.6% in November (with a forecast of +3.5%).

In turn, the inflation macrostatistics from Germany published last Tuesday also failed to support the euro: December's revised inflation data recorded no changes compared to November's data when the consumer price index was +0.1% (+3.7% on an annual basis).

The producer price index in Germany decreased in December from -0.5% to -1.2% and from -7.9% to -8.6% on an annual basis, exceeding expectations. The German industry remains under pressure from the decline in demand for products and the volume of orders, forcing companies to reduce prices.

Although the data indicates still high inflation in the Eurozone (the ECB's target consumer inflation level is close to 2.0%), there is also a trend of its slowdown (previous annual CPI values: +2.4%, +2.9%, +4.3%, +5.2%, +5.3%, +5.5%, +6.1%, +6.1%, +7.0%, +6.9%, +8.5%, +8.6% (in January 2023), while risks of recession persist.

The continuing slowdown of the overall European economy is also evidenced by the PMIs published on Wednesday. The preliminary PMI in the German manufacturing sector adjusted in January to 45.4 (from 43.3 earlier), the services sector to 47.6 (from 49.3 earlier), and the composite to 47.1 (from 47.4 earlier). The corresponding Eurozone PMI rose to 46.6 (against 44.4 in December and a forecast of 44.8), while in the services sector, it decreased in January to 48.4 (from 48.8 earlier with a forecast of 49.0). All indicators remain below the 50 mark, which separates growth in activity from a slowdown, indicating that business activity in the Eurozone continues to slow down. Economists believe that the downturn may be longer than previously expected.

The deterioration in the business climate was also evidenced by the IFO business climate index published today in Germany, which fell in January to 85.2 (from 86.3 in December with a forecast of 86.7). The index of assessment of current economic conditions was 87.0 (below the December figure of 88.5 and the forecast of 88.6), and the IFO expectations index, reflecting company forecasts for the next six months, fell to 83.5 from 84.8 earlier.

In other words, these data reinforce market expectations regarding today's neutral ECB decision on interest rates. The greatest interest will be in the press conference. It will begin at 13:45 (GMT), and ECB President Christine Lagarde will explain the bank's decision and likely outline near-term plans regarding monetary policy. It's possible that, as early as April or May, the ECB will begin to ease its policy and announce a reduction in the interest rate by 0.25%. If Lagarde speaks of such intentions of the ECB leadership, it is logical to expect a sharp fall in the euro and, consequently, in the EUR/USD pair. Conversely, a tough tone in her speech regarding the central bank's monetary policy will strengthen the euro.

This image is no longer relevant

But these are not all the main events of today's trading day.

Investors will also closely monitor data from the USA: At 13:30 (GMT), statistics on the dynamics of GDP for the 4th quarter of 2023 and the number of jobless claims will be published. The growth of the American economy in the 4th quarter is assumed to be +2.0%. This would give an average annual increase for 2023 in the range of 2.8%–3.0%. Strong U.S. GDP data could increase the likelihood not only of maintaining the Fed's interest rate at high levels for a longer time but also of another increase. However, weaker data could signal the Fed to lower borrowing costs. Most likely, this refers to the first half of this year.

This image is no longer relevant

From a technical point of view, EUR/USD remains to trade in the zone of the medium-term bull market, above the key support level of 1.0805, and in the zone of the long-term bear market, below the key resistance level of 1.1000.

At the same time, technical indicators on the daily and weekly charts of the pair also show mixed dynamics. Thus, the outcome of today's ECB meeting could give the EUR/USD pair a new impulse for movement in either direction – in any.

Jurij Tolin,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

The USD/JPY pair is holding above the key 144.00 level amid continued weakness in the U.S. dollar. Strong household spending data released today in Japan has strengthened expectations

Irina Yanina 18:12 2025-07-04 UTC+2

NZD/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The NZD/USD currency pair is recovering after bouncing from the 0.6030 level, which marks a weekly low, and is attempting to gain further positive momentum. This suggests a break

Irina Yanina 18:08 2025-07-04 UTC+2

USD/CAD. Analysis and Forecast

On Friday, the USD/CAD pair remains near a three-week low, trading below the key 1.3600 level. The U.S. dollar is struggling to extend its gains following yesterday's stronger-than-expected Nonfarm Payrolls

Irina Yanina 17:59 2025-07-04 UTC+2

The Market Celebrates a Victory

Financial markets responded positively to the release of U.S. employment statistics for June. Payrolls rose by 143,000, exceeding Bloomberg analysts' forecasts. April and May figures were revised upward

Marek Petkovich 10:15 2025-07-04 UTC+2

Next Week May Begin on a Positive Note for the Markets (Possible Resumption of Growth in #SPX and #NDX)

The U.S. labor market data, published by the Department of Labor, instilled cautious optimism among investors, extending the rally in U.S. equity markets, supporting the dollar, and weakening gold prices

Pati Gani 10:09 2025-07-04 UTC+2

The Market is Preparing for Another Shock

Just yesterday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his administration would begin sending letters to trade partners on Friday, outlining unilateral tariff rates that, according to him, countries will

Jakub Novak 09:55 2025-07-04 UTC+2

Strong U.S. Employment Report Exceeds All Expectations

The U.S. dollar surged against a range of risk assets as the key figures in June's employment report convinced the Federal Reserve that there is no need to lower interest

Jakub Novak 09:49 2025-07-04 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on July 4? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

No macroeconomic reports are scheduled for Friday. As previously mentioned, today is a public holiday in the United States, known as Independence Day. All banks and stock exchanges will

Paolo Greco 07:59 2025-07-04 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – July 4: Reeves Cried — Did the Pound Collapse?

The GBP/USD currency pair also traded fairly calmly throughout Thursday until the start of the U.S. trading session. Recall that a day earlier, the British currency had plummeted by nearly

Paolo Greco 03:56 2025-07-04 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – July 4: Trump's Third Trade Deal Didn't Help the Dollar Either

The EUR/USD currency pair traded very calmly throughout Thursday, until unemployment and labor market reports were released in the United States. However, we will discuss those reports in other articles

Paolo Greco 03:56 2025-07-04 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback