EUR/USD: movement below the resistance line of the channel 1.1260–1.0950
The EUR/USD pair maintains an uptrend, trading at 1.1115, and updates the lows of September 13 against the background of high volatility after the announcement of the decision of the US Federal Reserve on monetary policy.
Despite stable macroeconomic indicators in the eurozone, the euro is showing a corrective movement, trying to return to growth. In August, the consumer price index in the region increased by only 0.1%, which led to a slowdown in annual inflation from 2.6% to 2.2%. Core inflation also fell from 2.9% to 2.8%, which supported the decision of the European Central Bank (ECB) to cut the interest rate by 60 basis points to 3.65%. Nevertheless, with inflation above 2.2%, the risks to the economy remain.
The US dollar is near an annual low, trading at 100.70 on the USDX index. Yesterday, the Fed representatives reduced the cost of borrowing by 50 basis points to 4.75–5.00%, which coincided with the expectations of most analysts. The decision was supported by positive data on the real estate market: the number of construction permits issued in August increased from 1.406 million to 1.475 million, and the volume of construction of new homes increased from 1.237 million to 1.356 million, indicating a retreat from historical lows. The Fed also revised the forecast for the unemployment rate for 2024 from 4.0% to 4.4%, and for 2025 from 4.2% to 4.4%. Experts expect another interest rate cut before the end of the year, most likely in December, to give the regulator time to assess the impact of the measures already taken.
- Resistance levels: 1.1150, 1.1260.
- Support levels: 1.1090, 1.1000.
GBP/USD: attempt to break through the 1.3258 level
The GBP/USD pair is holding near the 1.3259 level after the announcement of the results of the US Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting.
The Bank of England's monetary policy decision is expected to be published today at 13:00 (GMT+2). Experts assume that the interest rate will remain at 5.00%. However, if the statements of the representatives of the Bank of England turn out to be "hawkish", this may give the pound additional support. Investors' attention is also focused on the recent UK inflation data for August. The consumer price index (CPI) rose 0.3% after a decrease of -0.2% in the previous month, maintaining the annual rate at 2.2%. The core CPI index accelerated to 3.6%, which exceeded market expectations of 3.5%. The retail price index (RPI) also showed an increase — from 0.1% to 0.6% on a monthly basis, and slightly adjusted to 3.5% on an annual basis.
The long-term trend for GBP/USD remains upward. After reaching a maximum in the area of 1.3258 in August, the pair went into a downward correction, which stopped at the support level of 1.3005. A new upward movement began from this point, and the August maximum was updated yesterday. If the pair can gain a foothold above the resistance of 1.3258, further growth is likely with a target at 1.3400. A breakdown of this mark will open the way to the February 2022 maximum around 1.3630. If the pair does not overcome the 1.3258 level, we can expect a downward correction with the first target at 1.3605. If the price falls below this mark, a deeper decline to the support of 1.2857 is possible.
- Resistance levels: 1.3258, 1.3400, 1.3630.
- Support levels: 1.3005, 1.2857, 1.2680.
AUD/USD: RBA announced a three-year project on wholesale digital currencies
The AUD/USD pair is showing steady growth, continuing to form a steady "bullish" momentum in the short term. Quotes are trying to overcome the level of 0.6800, which previously could not be fixed. The pair was supported by the decision of the US Federal Reserve System to reduce the interest rate by 50 basis points, which was the first such step since 2020. Additionally, the Fed revised down its inflation forecasts, reinforcing expectations of further monetary policy easing by the end of the year. However, the market reaction was restrained, as participants had already taken into account the results of the September meeting at current prices. Today at 14:30 (GMT+2), the market's attention will be focused on statistics on applications for unemployment benefits in the United States: it is expected that the number of initial applications will remain at 230 thousand, and repeat applications by 1.85 million.
The Australian dollar is strengthening on the back of labor market data for August. The number of employees increased by 47.5 thousand, exceeding the forecasts of analysts who expected an increase of 25 thousand. At the same time, the indicator of full employment decreased by 3.1 thousand, and part-time employment increased by 50.6 thousand, leveling out the decrease last month. The unemployment rate remained at 4.2%, which was in line with expectations.
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has launched a three-year program to develop a wholesale digital currency. After analyzing the limitations and benefits of a retail CBDC designed for mass use, the RBA decided to focus on the wholesale application of digital currency. The project aims to explore new applications, operational models and the impact of digital currency on the Australian financial system. The regulator suggests that wholesale CBDC can significantly improve the efficiency and sustainability of markets by reducing operational risks and reducing the costs associated with mediation.
- Resistance levels: 0.6800, 0.6825, 0.6850, 0.6900.
- Support levels: 0.6775, 0.6750, 0.6732, 0.6700.
USDX: Dollar index shows mixed dynamics
The USDX index is near the 100.85 mark, demonstrating high trading activity, which is associated with the recent decision of the US Federal Reserve on monetary policy.
For the first time since 2020, the Fed lowered the interest rate by 50 basis points, bringing it to 5.00%. This decision was in line with market expectations, although until the last moment investors doubted whether the regulator would decide on such a significant reduction, given the current inflation risks. Previously, rates were in the range of 5.25–5.50% from July 2023 — this is the highest level since 2001. The Fed has been closely monitoring economic indicators, aiming to bring inflation closer to the target level of 2.0%. In addition, the regulator revised GDP growth forecasts: for 2024, they were reduced from 2.1% to 2.0%, while expectations for 2025 remained at 2.0%. Inflation estimates have been adjusted downward: this year the forecast decreased from 2.6% to 2.3%, and next year — from 2.3% to 2.1%. The forecasts also reflect a possible deterioration in the labor market situation — the unemployment rate in 2024 was revised from 4.0% to 4.4%, and in 2025 — from 4.2% to 4.4%. The median forecast of FOMC members suggests that by the end of 2024, the interest rate may decrease to 4.38%, and by the end of 2025 to 3.38%. However, according to Fed Chairman Jerome Powell, further decisions will be made taking into account incoming macroeconomic data.
- Resistance levels: 100.80, 101.20, 101.67, 102.00.
- Support levels: 100.35, 100.00, 99.50, 99.00.