- EUR/USD reached an eight-month high of 1.1087 on Tuesday.
- CME’s FedWatch Tool indicates a 76.5% chance of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Fed in September.
- The Euro holds minor losses ahead of the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices data from the European Monetary Union on Tuesday.
EUR/USD trades around 1.1080 during the Asian session on Tuesday after pulling back from an eight-month high of 1.1087. This downside is attributed to the improved US Dollar (USD) amid risk aversion sentiment. However, the Greenback may struggle due to rising odds of a 25 basis point rate cut by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in September.
According to the CME’s FedWatch Tool, rate markets are pricing in a 23.5% chance of a 50 basis point rate cut by the Fed, while there is a 76.5% probability of a 25 basis point cut in September.
Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari stated on Monday that it would be appropriate to discuss potential US interest rate cuts in September due to concerns about a weakening labor market, per Reuters.
The Jackson Hole Economic Symposium, set to begin on Thursday, will mark the start of a multi-day event featuring central bankers. All eyes are now on Fed Chair Jerome Powell's upcoming speech at Jackson Hole on Friday.
In the Eurozone, key data on business activity and consumer prices that could influence the European Central Bank's (ECB) September decision are awaited. Investors anticipate that the European Central Bank (ECB) will gradually reduce interest rates. ECB policymakers have hesitated to commit to a specific rate-cut path due to concerns that price pressures could reaccelerate.
The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) data from the European Monetary Union and Producer Price Index figures from Germany will be released on Tuesday. These figures may guide the ECB’s policy trajectory.
EUR/USD recently touched a slight new high just above 1.1050, reflecting broader USD losses with minimal other influences, according to Shaun Osborne, Chief FX Strategist at Scotiabank.
Read More: EUR/USD: No data reports from the Eurozone today – Scotiabank
Euro FAQs
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%).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 looks at the RBA for near-term direction
AUD/USD resumed its rebound and briefly surpassed the 0.6600 barrier on the back of the renewed and marked resurgence of the downward bias in the US Dollar. Investors, in the meantime, expect the RBA to keep its rates unchanged on Tuesday.
EUR/USD: Price action hinges on the US election and the Fed
EUR/USD managed to trespass the key 1.0900 hurdle and print new highs following the Greenback’s offered stance as investors warmed up for the US election and the FOMC event later in the week.
Gold trades around $2,730
Gold price is on the defensive below $2,750 in European trading on Monday, erasing the early gains. The downside, however, appears elusive amid the US presidential election risks and the ongoing Middle East geopolitical tensions.
Ethereum Price Forecast: ETH struggles below $2,500 amid State of Michigan pension fund investment in ETH ETF
Ethereum (ETH) is trading near $2,420, down about 1% on Monday, but could bounce off a key descending trendline close to the $2,258 historically high demand zone.
US presidential election outcome: What could it mean for the US Dollar? Premium
The US Dollar has regained lost momentum against its six major rivals at the beginning of the final quarter of 2024, as tensions mount ahead of the highly anticipated United States Presidential election due on November 5.
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads
VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.