EUR/USD Price Analysis – July 31, 2024
Daily Price Outlook
During the European trading session, the EUR/USD currency pair maintained its upward trend and drew further bids around $1.0842, hitting an intra-day high of $1.0848. However, this rise was driven by stronger-than-expected Eurozone inflation for July and a notable decline in the US Dollar.
The higher Eurozone inflation has fueled speculation about whether the European Central Bank (ECB) might resume its policy easing cycle at the upcoming September meeting.
Concurrently, the US Dollar has weakened in anticipation of dovish guidance from the Federal Reserve, which is expected to keep interest rates unchanged for the eighth consecutive time within the 5.25%-5.50% range. This combination of factors has supported gains in the EUR/USD pair.
Eurozone Inflation Surge Challenges ECB Rate Cuts and Boosts EUR/USD
On the EUR front, the shared currency pair has gained traction as Eurozone inflation surged unexpectedly in July. This has raised doubt on whether the European Central Bank (ECB) will continue its planned policy easing in the September meeting. investors had anticipated that the ECB would cut interest rates two more times this year.
However, the persistent inflation data suggests that returning to the 2% target will face challenges, potentially delaying this goal until 2025.
On the data front, the preliminary Eurozone Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) report revealed that both headline and core inflation, which excludes volatile items like food and energy, accelerated more than anticipated.
Headline HICP increased to 2.6%, defying expectations of a drop to 2.4% from June's 2.5%. Core HICP also rose to 2.9%, surpassing the forecast of 2.8%.
Therefore, the unexpected rise in Eurozone inflation and the potential delay in ECB rate cuts have bolstered the EUR/USD pair. The higher inflation figures support the euro, contributing to its strength against the US dollar.
Impact of Weakening USD and Fed Expectations on EUR/USD Pair
On the US front, the broad-based US dollar has lost its traction and edged lower ahead of the Federal Reserve (Fed) policy announcement at 18:00 GMT. This decline is driven by expectations that the Fed will provide dovish guidance on interest rates, keeping them unchanged for the eighth consecutive time in the 5.25%-5.50% range.
Investors are also awaiting the ADP Employment Change data, set for release at 12:15 GMT, which is expected to show 150K new private sector jobs added in July, similar to June’s figure.
Therefore, the US dollar decline, driven by dovish Fed expectations, could boost the EUR/USD pair. Meanwhile, the stable Fed and positive ADP data may further support the euro's strength against the dollar.
EUR/USD - Technical Analysis
EUR/USD is trading at $1.08142, up 0.01% on the day. The 4-hour chart indicates a mixed sentiment, with the pair hovering just below the pivot point at $1.08358. Immediate resistance is identified at $1.08701, followed by $1.09025 and $1.09288.
On the downside, immediate support is seen at $1.08021, with further support levels at $1.07772 and $1.07533.
Technical indicators provide a neutral to slightly bearish outlook. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 42, suggesting the pair is not in overbought or oversold territory, but leaning towards bearishness.
The 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) stands at $1.08530, indicating a potential resistance level if prices attempt to rally.
The recommended trade setup is to enter a sell position below $1.08264, with a take profit target at $1.07765 and a stop loss at $1.08720. This strategy aims to capitalize on the bearish momentum while managing risk effectively.
Overall, the technical outlook for EUR/USD suggests a cautious approach with a slight bearish bias below the pivot point at $1.08358. A sustained move above immediate resistance at $1.08701 could signal a shift towards a bullish trend, targeting higher resistance levels.
Conversely, a break below immediate support at $1.08021 may reinforce the bearish trend, aiming for lower support levels.
In conclusion, traders should monitor the EUR/USD closely for potential bearish opportunities below $1.08358, while remaining vigilant for any signs of a trend reversal at key resistance levels.
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