EUR/GBP: euro is declining due to the ECB's rhetoric
The European currency remains under pressure in the EUR/GBP pair, showing weak dynamics during the Asian session. The instrument is moving within the downtrend formed on January 23, testing the 0.8360 level and updating the minimum values since January 9.
The main factor in the decline of the euro was the outcome of the meeting of the European Central Bank (ECB). As analysts predicted, the regulator reduced key interest rates by 25 basis points: the base interest rate is now 2.90%, and the deposit rate is 2.75%. In an official commentary, ECB representatives expressed concern about the potential acceleration of inflation and said they would continue to closely monitor macroeconomic indicators. At the same time, wage growth rates are beginning to stabilize, which, according to experts, will have a restraining effect on inflation risks in the future. There were no clear signals regarding further monetary policy, but a significant number of analysts believe that the ECB may continue to cut rates at each subsequent meeting until mid-summer.
Additional support for the pound was provided by the data on lending published the day before: in December, the volume of consumer loans increased from 0.905 billion pounds to 1.045 billion pounds, exceeding expectations of 0.95 billion pounds. The net consumer lending rate also showed significant growth, from 3.5 billion pounds to 4.6 billion pounds, reaching its highest level since September 2022. In addition, the number of approved mortgage applications increased from 66,061 thousand to 66,526 thousand, while forecasts suggested a decrease to 65,400 thousand. These figures indicate the continued steady demand for loans, which increases investor optimism about the prospects for the UK economy, despite the increase in the tax burden planned in the new budget. In addition, the Reuters news agency presented the results of the latest survey of experts: the overwhelming majority of respondents expect that at the next meeting the Bank of England will cut the interest rate from 4.75% to 4.50%, after which it will take a break to assess the effectiveness of its policy.
- Resistance levels: 0.8370, 0.8384, 0.8400, 0.8419.
- Support levels: 0.8350, 0.8340, 0.8326, 0.8310.
NZD/USD: a cautious correction before the statistics on the US PCE index
The New Zealand dollar shows moderate growth in the NZD/USD pair during the Asian session, consolidating near 0.5646 after weakening during the week. The technical correction contributes to the recovery, as market participants prefer to refrain from active transactions ahead of the publication of key data on inflation in the United States. Investors' attention is focused on statistics on the Personal Consumption Expenditures Index (PCE), which is a guideline for the Federal Reserve when making monetary policy decisions. The base index is projected to increase from 0.1% to 0.2% in December, maintaining the annual value at 2.8%, while the overall index may strengthen to 0.3% month-on-month and 2.6% year-on-year.
Macroeconomic data from New Zealand published on the eve reflected a decline in business confidence: the index from the Reserve Bank of New Zealand (RBNZ) decreased from 62.3 to 54.4 points, and the indicator of forecasted business activity from ANZ fell from 50.3% to 45.8%. At the same time, the situation in foreign trade improved: December exports increased from 6.42 billion to 6.84 billion New Zealand dollars, while imports decreased from 6.85 billion to 6.62 billion dollars. As a result, the monthly trade balance entered a positive zone, recording a surplus of $219 million against a deficit of $435 million in November.
Meanwhile, RBNZ Chief Economist Paul Conway noted that New Zealand is losing ground in the global economy, losing ground not only to its largest trading partners, but also to emerging economies. According to his forecasts, the GDP growth rate in the next three years will be 1.5%-2.0% per year, which is significantly lower than historical figures. According to Conway, the key reasons for the slowdown were the weak dynamics of foreign trade, lack of foreign investment, lack of financing for innovative developments and lack of qualified personnel.
- Resistance levels: 0.5650, 0.5672, 0.5700, 0.5723.
- Support levels: 0.5633, 0.5607, 0.5571, 0.5540.
USD/CAD: US GDP slowed to 2.3% at the end of the year, contrary to forecasts
The USD/CAD pair remains under pressure from fundamental factors, holding in the area of 1.4480 and demonstrating the potential for updating local highs.
The US currency is showing a moderate correction, rising to around 108.00 in the USDX index on the back of fresh macroeconomic data. According to published statistics, the US GDP growth rate in the fourth quarter slowed from 3.1% to 2.3%, falling short of analysts' forecasts of 2.7%. At the same time, the number of initial applications for unemployment benefits decreased from 223.0 thousand to 207.0 thousand in a week, which temporarily supported the dollar. Investors are also closely monitoring the upcoming introduction of import tariffs, which are expected to take effect tomorrow. US President Donald Trump has confirmed that the new restrictions will affect shipments from Canada, Mexico and several other countries. According to the American leader, the imposition of duties is due to the inability of these states to control illegal migration, as well as their policy of significant subsidies that create a trade imbalance to the detriment of the United States.
- Resistance levels: 1.4520, 1.4740.
- Support levels: 1.4410, 1.4170.
Crude Oil market overview
The quotes of WTI Crude Oil continue to move within the corrective trend, again approaching the important level of 72.00. The upward momentum is supported by the ongoing uncertainty regarding the trade policy of the US Republican administration, which forces investors to exercise caution.
The latest statistics on raw material stocks had an additional impact on price dynamics. Thus, data from the American Petroleum Institute (API), published on Wednesday, showed only a slight increase in oil volumes in storage — by 2,860 million barrels after an increase of 1,000 million a week earlier. A similar report from the Energy Information Administration (EIA) showed an increase in inventories of 3.463 million barrels, while previous figures recorded a decrease of 1.017 million barrels. This information increased the pressure on oil prices, contributing to the persistence of negative market sentiment.
Meanwhile, traders are paying attention to the latest statistics from the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). According to the latest report, the volume of net speculative positions decreased from 306.3 thousand to 298.8 thousand contracts in a week. Despite this pullback, the indicator remains at a fairly high level, which increases the likelihood of sharp price fluctuations in the coming trading sessions.
- Support levels: 72.10, 69.00.
- Resistance levels: 74.00, 77.00.