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US Dollar Forecast: Fed’s 25 bps Rate Cut Expected; GBP/USD and EUR/USD Outlook

By:
Arslan Ali
Updated: Sep 18, 2024, 11:39 GMT+00:00

Key Points:

  • The US Dollar remains under pressure as markets anticipate a 25 bps rate cut from the Federal Reserve in the upcoming FOMC meeting.
  • Core retail sales grew by only 0.1%, missing expectations of 0.2%, while overall retail sales rose 0.1%, beating the forecasted -0.2%.
  • Fed’s expected rate cut could drop the Federal Funds Rate to 5.25%, with traders seeking clues on future policy direction.
US Dollar Forecast: Fed’s 25 bps Rate Cut Expected; GBP/USD and EUR/USD Outlook

In this article:

US Dollar Awaits Fed Decision

The US Dollar remains under pressure following mixed retail sales data. Core retail sales grew by 0.1%, below the expected 0.2%, while overall retail sales also increased by 0.1%, contrasting with the forecasted -0.2% decline.

Markets now await the FOMC meeting on Wednesday, where the Federal Reserve is expected to cut the Federal Funds Rate by 25 basis points to 5.25%.

The FOMC statement and press conference could provide further direction for the dollar, particularly as traders seek guidance on future rate cuts or pauses.

US Dollar Index (DXY) – Technical Analysis 

The Dollar Index (DXY) is trading at $100.864, down 0.16%, hovering right around its pivot point at $100.860. This indicates the index is at a critical juncture.

Immediate resistance sits at $101.047, followed by higher targets at $101.204 and $101.351. On the downside, key support levels to watch are $100.555, $100.322, and $100.106.

Dollar Index Price Chart - Source: Tradingview
Dollar Index Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

The 50-day EMA at $101.117 suggests near-term bearish momentum, while the 200-day EMA at $101.890 reinforces a broader downtrend.

A break above the $100.860 pivot could shift momentum toward a bullish bias, but as long as prices remain below this level, the outlook remains bearish.

UK Inflation Steady at 2.2%, Sterling Holds Ground

The UK’s CPI remained steady at 2.2% year-over-year, in line with expectations. The stable inflation data kept the British Pound (GBP) relatively flat, as traders now focus on the upcoming Bank of England meeting for further clues on monetary policy.

Any signals of rate adjustments could influence the next moves in the currency market.

GBP/USD Technical Forecast

The GBP/USD is trading at $1.31860, holding steady just above the pivot point of $1.31564, indicating a potential continuation of its upward trend. Immediate resistance is seen at $1.32272, followed by $1.32665 and $1.33108.

On the downside, the first support sits at $1.31142, with further levels at $1.30653 and $1.30111.

GBP/USD Price Chart - Source: Tradingview
GBP/USD Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

The 50-day EMA at $1.31424 supports the current bullish momentum, while the 200-day EMA at $1.30481 reinforces the longer-term uptrend.

As long as the pair stays above the $1.3156 pivot, the upward channel remains intact, suggesting more buying interest. A break below this level, however, could shift the bias towards selling.

Euro Steady as CPI Matches Forecast; Eyes on Buba Speech

The Euro (EUR) remains stable following the release of Final CPI, which held at 2.2% year-over-year, matching expectations. Core CPI also aligned at 2.8%.

Markets now shift focus to the upcoming speech from German Buba President Nagel, which could offer insights into future European Central Bank policy direction and impact the Euro’s outlook.

EUR/USD Technical Forecast

The EUR/USD pair is currently trading at $1.11188, up 0.08%, and hovering just above its pivot point at $1.11107, signaling potential bullish momentum. Immediate resistance is seen at $1.11453, with higher targets at $1.11753 and $1.12007.

On the downside, key support levels are at $1.10827, followed by $1.10525 and $1.10213.

EUR/USD Price Chart - Source: TradingView
EUR/USD Price Chart – Source: TradingView

The 50-day EMA at $1.10880 and the 200-day EMA at $1.10355 support a near-term bullish bias. A breakout above $1.1110 suggests buying opportunities, while a break below could trigger a sharp sell-off.

For now, the pair remains bullish above the $1.11107 pivot, with traders eyeing the next resistance level for confirmation of a stronger uptrend.

About the Author

Arslan, a webinar speaker and derivatives analyst, has an MBA in Finance and MPhil in Behavioral Finance. He guides financial analysis, trading, and cryptocurrency forecasting. Expert in trading psychology and sentiment.

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