EUR/GBP: ECB has reduced all key interest rates
The EUR/GBP pair is showing an uncertain decline, continuing to develop the downward trend that began to form the day before. The instrument is testing support at 0.8430, and traders are assessing the consequences of the decision of the European Central Bank (ECB) announced at yesterday's meeting.
The ECB has decided to reduce the key interest rate by 60 basis points to 3.65%, while also reducing the refinancing rate and margin loans. This decision was expected and was due to a decrease in business activity in the region and a slowdown in consumer price growth. Despite this, inflation in the eurozone countries remains high, especially in the service sector, which led to a revision of the forecasts for core inflation for 2024 and 2025. In the updated forecasts, the economic growth rate was adjusted downward — from 0.9% to 0.8% this year and from 1.4% to 1.3% next year. However, disagreements remain within the ECB: Some officials advocate further rate cuts due to the slowdown in economic activity, while others urge caution for fear of renewed inflationary pressures.
Meanwhile, British investors are analyzing possible steps by the Bank of England, although the likelihood of monetary policy easing at the next meeting looks insignificant after the recent 25 basis point rate cut. Economic activity in the UK remains weak — gross domestic product (GDP) showed zero growth in July for the second month in a row. Industrial production is also showing a decline: in annual terms, volumes decreased by 1.2%, and in monthly terms — by 0.8%. The country's manufacturing sectors are facing a more severe slowdown than expected, which raises additional concerns among analysts.
- Resistance levels: 0.8450, 0.8465, 0.8483, 0.8500.
- Support levels: 0.8430, 0.8410, 0.8391, 0.8370.
USD/CHF: dollar lost ground after reaching local peaks
The USD/CHF pair shows a slight decrease, continuing to develop a weak "bearish" trend, which formed after the instrument rolled back from the local highs recorded on August 21. The pair is currently trading near the 0.8500 level, trying to break through this support downwards, in anticipation of the publication of important macroeconomic data that may affect further market dynamics.
Today at 16:00 (GMT+2), the release of five-year inflation expectations and the consumer confidence index from the University of Michigan is expected. Forecasts suggest that inflation expectations will remain at 3.0% or show a slight decrease, and consumer confidence is likely to increase to 68.0 points from the previous 67.9. These data are unlikely to have a strong impact on expectations for the upcoming Fed meeting scheduled for next week. Most analysts predict a 25 basis point reduction in the interest rate, although the probability of a more aggressive 50 basis point reduction is estimated at 20.0-25.0%. It is also expected that the Fed's accompanying statement may signal further rate cuts before the end of the year.
Investors are also analyzing the results of the meeting of the European Central Bank (ECB), which took place the day before. The ECB has decided to reduce the interest rate by 60 basis points to 3.65%, and also allowed for the possibility of further changes in monetary policy before the end of the year. This decision may put pressure on the Swiss National Bank (SNB), which is likely to revise its monetary parameters at a meeting scheduled for September 26.
- Resistance levels: 0.8541, 0.8570, 0.8600, 0.8630.
- Support levels: 0.8500, 0.8450, 0.8400, 0.8365.
USD/TRY: 15.0 thousand companies have closed in Turkey since January
After three days of decline, which led to an update of the minimum of September 9, the USD/TRY pair began to recover and approached the level of 34.0000. However, market activity is noticeably decreasing amid expectations of a meeting of the US Federal Reserve System, where monetary policy issues will be discussed.
At the same time, Turkish business is facing serious difficulties due to high inflation, which exceeded 75% at the beginning of the year, instability of the lira exchange rate, rising electricity prices and a decrease in export orders. In the first seven months of 2024, 15.0 thousand companies in Turkey reported closures, an increase of 28% compared to the same period last year. Markets hope for a stabilization of the situation by the end of the year, but the Central Bank of Turkey has kept the interest rate at 50% for more than five months. Although President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had previously expressed hope for inflation to fall below 50% in September, the latest report for August showed a slowdown in consumer price growth from 61.78% to 51.97%.
Against this background, the international agency Fitch upgraded Turkey's credit rating from "B+" to "BB-", noting an improvement in foreign economic conditions and a reduction in foreign currency liabilities. At the same time, experts warn that premature easing of monetary policy may once again increase inflationary risks and pose a threat to macroeconomic stability and the balance of payments.
- Resistance levels: 34.0000, 34.0939, 34.2325, 34.3000.
- Support levels: 33.9022, 33.8000, 33.6722, 33.5450.
AUD/NZD: New Zealand economic growth puts pressure on AUD
As of September 13, 2024, the AUD/NZD pair is trading near the level of 1.0869, showing slight fluctuations against the background of conflicting data from New Zealand and Australia. After several attempts to break through the support level at 1.0800, the pair shows a tendency to sideways movement, which is associated with instability in both economies.
Economic data from New Zealand, such as strong growth in consumer spending and improved employment figures, support the New Zealand dollar. According to analysts, New Zealand's economic activity may grow by 1.1% in the third quarter, which is higher than expected for Australia, where economic growth is slowing. In turn, Australia is facing weakening demand for commodities and a decline in business activity. The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) recently left the interest rate at 4.10%, which disappointed investors who expected more decisive steps to combat the slowdown in the economy.
Experts note that, despite the short-term strength of the New Zealand dollar, a steady recovery in the Australian economy and a possible increase in RBA interest rates in the future may return the Australian dollar to a more confident position against the New Zealand dollar.
- Resistance levels: 1.0940, 1.1020.
- Support levels: 1.0800, 1.0720.