EUR/USD Analysis
- FOMC minutes boost USD.
- German CPI beats estimates.
- Central bank divergence remains.
- Technical pattern could lead to further EUR/USD downside.
EURO FUNDAMENTAL BACKDROP
The Euro kicked off 2022 on the back foot which extended yesterday after the Fed’s hawkish rhetoric was heightened in the December FOMC minutes. Key talking points from the minutes include:
- Rapid rate hikes
- Reduction in bloated balance sheet
- Omicron indifference
EUR/USD ECONOMIC CALENDAR
German CPI (see calendar below) hit 5.3% for the December period beating both forecasts as well is the previous print. Initial reactions were slightly bullish but relatively muted because of the well-articulated guidance on rate hikes and tapering by the ECB in December 2021.
Later today the ISM Non-Manufacturing PMI (DEC) release is due and could hold more significant insights into the U.S. economy than the smaller manufacturing sector. Services holds more sway over the U.S. dollar and in particular, employment and price metrics (inflation).
Tomorrow’s NFP data should bring about some currency volatility pre and post-announcement and may result in significant price fluctuation should the print follow in the footsteps of yesterday’s ADP numbers – although the relationship between the two is tenuous at best.
Source: DailyFX Economic Calendar
EUR/USD TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
EUR/USD DAILY CHART
Chart prepared by Warren Venketas, IG
Technically, daily EUR/USD price action reflects a consolidatory pattern since later November 2021. The pattern resembles that of a rising wedge or bear flag; traditionally bearish continuation patterns. Should prices break below wedge/flag support (yellow), this will open up further downside towards subsequent support levels.
Momentum remains bearish with prices trading below all three EMA levels with the Relative Strength Index (RSI) reading slightly below 50.
Resistance levels:
Support levels:
- Wedge/flag support
- 1.1186 (November swing low)
IG CLIENT SENTIMENT DATA POINTS TO SHORT-TERM UPSIDE
IGCS shows retail traders are currently distinctly long on EUR/USD, with 59% of traders currently holding long positions (as of this writing). At DailyFX we typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment and the fact traders are net-long is suggestive of a bearish inclination however, the recent net changes in longs and shorts point to a bullish bias.
Contact and follow Warren on Twitter: @WVenketas
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