EUR/USD Price Analysis – Dec 13, 2023

Daily Price Outlook

Despite the German ZEW Indicator surpassing expectations at 12.8, the EUR/USD currency pair failed to halt its downward trend and dipped to the 1.0790 level during early European trading hours on Wednesday. However, the primary reason for this downward movement can be attributed to modest strength in the US Dollar. Meanwhile, traders appear cautious about taking strong positions as the Federal Reserve (Fed) and the European Central Bank (ECB) are set to announce their decisions on monetary policy on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

US Inflation Stability and Fed Rate Expectations Impacting EUR/USD Dynamics

It's worth noting that the recent US inflation report largely aligned with expectations. In November, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) edged up by 0.1% from October, with the yearly rate showing a slight easing to 3.1%. The Core CPI, which excludes volatile items, saw a monthly increase of 0.3% and an annual rise of 4.0%, consistent with predictions.

Looking ahead, the market expects the Federal Reserve to keep interest rates between 5.25% and 5.5% in December. There's an 80% chance of a rate cut in May, and the market predicts further cuts totaling a full percentage point by year-end, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.

The US inflation report meeting expectations brings stability. It might influence the EUR/USD pair, with the market anticipating the Federal Reserve to maintain rates, potentially impacting the pair's dynamics.

ECB's Rate Decision and Positive Economic Sentiment Boost Euro Against Dollar

Moreover, the European Central Bank (ECB) is likely to keep interest rates steady in its December meeting, despite eurozone inflation nearing the 2.0% target. The ECB aims to delay expectations of a rate cut, emphasizing potential upward price risks, especially from rising wages. ECB President Christine Lagarde stressed the need for clear evidence that tight labor markets won't trigger inflation.

In recent news, the German ZEW Economic Sentiment improved, coming in at 12.8 compared to the previous 9.8, exceeding the expected 8.8. However, the Current Situation Index dipped to -77.1 from -79.8, below the anticipated -75.5. The Eurozone ZEW Economic Sentiment also rose to 23.0 from 13.8, surpassing the estimated 12.0.

Therefore, the ECB's decision to maintain interest rates and the positive German ZEW Economic Sentiment will support the Euro (EUR) against the US Dollar, potentially influencing the EUR/USD pair positively.

EUR/USD - Technical Analysis

On December 13th, the EUR/USD pair is exhibiting a subtle downward movement, currently trading at 1.07863, marking a 0.08% decline. This movement reflects the pair's response to broader market dynamics and impending economic decisions.

In the current trading session, the EUR/USD pair is navigating a critical juncture defined by significant technical levels. The pivot point is identified at $1.0690, offering a baseline for potential shifts in the currency's trajectory. On the upper side, the pair faces immediate resistance at $1.0792, followed by higher barriers at $1.0861 and $1.0967. Conversely, should the pair succumb to bearish pressures, it will encounter support at $1.0623, with subsequent levels at $1.0521 and $1.0417.

The technical indicators provide a deeper insight into the pair's current state. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is positioned at 50, indicating a neutral market sentiment neither leaning towards overbought nor oversold conditions. The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) shows a value of 0.00063, slightly above its signal line at -0.00045, suggesting a potential, albeit uncertain, upward momentum.

Notably, the 50-Day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at $1.0783 is acting as a significant resistance level. The presence of Doji and spinning top candles just under this EMA level hints at a selling bias among traders, especially as the market anticipates the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) meeting's outcome.

In conclusion, while the EUR/USD pair demonstrates a bearish tendency below the $1.0783 mark, the overall trend is somewhat indecisive. Traders and investors are likely to maintain a cautious stance, waiting for clearer signals from the upcoming FOMC decision, which could significantly influence the pair's short-term direction.

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