Markets Expect Many Rate Hikes from the ECB, But EUR/USD Daily Chart Doesn’t Agree


Most major central banks have gone into a frenzy of interest rate hikes since late last year, apart from the Bank of Japan (BOJ) and the European Central Bank (ECB). Although the latter is expected to start raising rates next month, the BOJ is at a more comfortable place as CPI (consumer price index) inflation remains at reasonable levels. The odds of the ECB going into a frenzy after the first hike are increasing, as inflation keeps surging.

MUFG Research discusses the ECB policy outlook and argues that the rate market is ahead of itself in pricing an aggressive tightening cycle from the ECB over the coming year. “We continue to believe that the European rate market is pricing in too much tightening from the ECB in the year ahead in light of downside risk to the growth outlook. The European rate market has recently scaled back rate hike expectations but is still pricing in 150bps of hikes by year end and 225bps hikes by this time next year.

On the other hand, the ECB still feels hesitant to commit to such a policy. Lagarde made some soft comments yesterday:

  • Commitment to rate hikes is data dependent
  • Intend to raise rates by 25 bps in July
  • There is an optionality to raise by more in September
  • If inflation we will have sufficient information to move faster
  • Beyond September, a “gradual but sustained” path of further rate increases will be appropriate
  • In addressing fragmentation, ECB will use flexibility in reinvesting redemptions coming due under PEPP
  • Also decided to accelerate the completion of the design of a new instrument
  • The new instrument will have to be effective, while being proportionate and containing sufficient safeguards to preserve sound fiscal policy
  • Full speech

EUR/USD Daily Chart – Is the Larger Bearish Trend Resuming?

The 50 SMA pushing EUR/USD down

So, I guess the Euro is going with the market view of a slower rate hike pace. This pair has been on a bearish trend for more than a year and the downtrend has picked up pace as well in recent months, although this is partly due to the USD strengthening. Yesterday we saw a reversal down after another rejection by the 50 SMA.

EUR/USD Live Chart 

EUR/USD
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Skerdian Meta
Lead Analyst
Skerdian Meta Lead Analyst. Skerdian is a professional Forex trader and a market analyst. He has been actively engaged in market analysis for the past 11 years. Before becoming our head analyst, Skerdian served as a trader and market analyst in Saxo Bank's local branch, Aksioner. Skerdian specialized in experimenting with developing models and hands-on trading. Skerdian has a masters degree in finance and investment.

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