FOREX Fundamental analysis for EUR/USD on November 15, 2024
When fresh data is added to the "Trump trade" confirming the strength of the American economy, the competing currencies of the US dollar are rapidly losing ground. The EURUSD pair fell by 6% from September highs, reaching a more than one-year low. This happened against the background of accelerating inflation in the United States and Jerome Powell's hints that the Fed would not rush to reduce the federal funds rate.
Will the U.S. economy remain as stable during Donald Trump's second term? This is the key issue. The reaction of the markets to his victory resembles the scenario of 2016. At that time, the dollar strengthened immediately after the elections, but by 2020, the USD index fell by 10% due to the pandemic that caused the recession. The EURUSD is the same: after the elections 8 years ago, the pair fell, but a year later it was able to grow by 5.6%.
The "America first" thesis works as long as the economy shows strength. Now this scenario is confirmed: the number of applications for unemployment benefits fell to the lowest in May, and the consumer and production price index accelerated in October. If such trends continue, the Personal Consumption Expenditure Index (PCE), the Fed's preferred inflation indicator, could rise to 2.7–2.8%. This will offset the Fed's success in fighting inflation and cast doubt on forecasts of a decline in PCE by the end of the year to 2.6%, which was the Central Bank's target.
Jerome Powell stressed that there is no need for hasty decisions on the part of the Central Bank. On the contrary, the stability of the economy allows the Fed to carefully consider steps to reduce rates. If the incoming data requires a slowdown, the Fed is ready to follow this course, which seems logical.
Powell's statement changed the dynamics of the futures market. After the publication of CPI data, expectations of maintaining the rate at 4.75% in December fell from 41% to 17%. However, a day later, the odds returned to 41%, supporting the dollar. The greenback, as in 2016, is strengthening simultaneously with the growth of stock indices, thanks to the effect of "American exceptionalism".
Trump-trade will continue as long as the U.S. economy remains strong. However, it is worth remembering that recessions can occur not only because of pandemics. The Fed's overly strict policy is one of the main risks to economic growth. High rates can cause a recession.
So far, this is only a theoretical threat. After reaching the previous EURUSD target of 1.05, traders are advised to pay attention to the new target of 1.035 and continue selling euros against the US dollar.