Powell and Lagarde stress the static 2% inflation aim amid global inflation, spurring cautious optimism for the Euro against the Dollar.
The Euro experienced a slight uptick against the U.S. Dollar early this week, as market participants gauged potential monetary shifts following the statements of Fed Chair Jerome Powell and ECB’s Christine Lagarde at the recent Jackson Hole Symposium.
Speculation surrounding potential adjustments to the longstanding 2% inflation aim of both the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank was quelled by the unequivocal stances of their respective leaders. Both Powell and Lagarde asserted that the target remains unchanged and is pivotal for future monetary policy decisions.
The world witnessed a notable inflation surge post-pandemic, primarily fueled by heightened demand juxtaposed with supply chain disruptions and labor market challenges. Despite decisive rate hikes by prominent central banks, inflation rates in both Europe and the U.S. hover above the desired 2% mark.
Addressing the concept of adjusting the inflation aim, Lagarde expressed her reluctance. She metaphorically conveyed the importance of consistent rules throughout the “game” of monetary policy. She emphasized that shifting the inflation target might jeopardize the stability of inflationary expectations.
In light of central banks’ firm stance on inflation targets amidst enduring global inflation, there’s a cautious yet promising sentiment for the Euro against the Dollar. The age-old dilemma for traders and investors remains: balancing fundamental dynamics against technical indications.
While the U.S. Dollar’s ascendancy is rooted in fundamentals, technical signs hint at a possible Euro resurgence. Balancing the U.S. Dollar’s evident strength with the Euro’s near oversold status sets the stage for market turbulence. Prudence is advised, leaning slightly towards a short-term Euro recovery.
The EUR/USD is currently trading right at the main support area of 1.0804, having marginally declined from its previous 4-hour position of 1.0808. This closely aligns the pair with its 50-4H moving average of 1.0859, indicating a bearish sentiment as it trades below this shorter-term average. The 200-4H moving average stands at 1.1005, making it a significant upward distance to cross for a bullish reversal. The 14-4H RSI is positioned at 41.43, slightly below the neutral 50 mark, signifying a weaker momentum.
With the price closely nestled at the main support and beneath both moving averages, the current sentiment leans bearish. Yet, the proximity to the support may offer a potential counter-trend rebound opportunity.
James Hyerczyk is a U.S. based seasoned technical analyst and educator with over 40 years of experience in market analysis and trading, specializing in chart patterns and price movement. He is the author of two books on technical analysis and has a background in both futures and stock markets.