FOREX Fundamental analysis for EUR/USD on April 1, 2025
The prolonged uncertainty surrounding US trade policy continues to put pressure on global markets. According to the IMF, the longer there is uncertainty about future tariff barriers, the more negative this could have for economic growth. The expected introduction of reciprocal import duties on the "Day of America's Liberation" casts doubt on the prospects for sustainable GDP expansion in the United States. Against this background, recession risks continue to increase, which creates additional pressure on the US dollar and supports the recovery movements of the EUR/USD pair.
Leading financial institutions are consistently revising forecasts for the likelihood of an economic downturn in the United States. Goldman Sachs raised its forecast from 20% to 35%, while JP Morgan and Moody's Analytics analysts estimate the risks at 40%. Such adjustments are associated with increasing uncertainty ahead of the launch of new trade restrictions, which may significantly increase the average level of customs duties from the current 2.2% to historical highs. This situation seriously complicates long-term planning for both businesses and consumers, undermining confidence in the economic outlook.
The Trump administration sets two difficult-to-reconcile goals through the introduction of additional duties. On the one hand, the government expects to increase budget revenues to compensate for the extension of tax benefits. On the other hand, it seeks to put pressure on trading partners, forcing them to lower their own tariff barriers. However, the temporary nature of the planned measures, which are due to take effect on April 2, raises questions about their effectiveness as a tool for sustainable replenishment of the state treasury.
Analysts are particularly concerned about the possible reaction of the main US trading partners to the new restrictions. Traditionally, countries with significant trade surpluses with America have used these excess funds to purchase Treasury bonds. Over the past decade, the volume of foreign investment in treasuries has grown from 6.1 trillion to 8.5 trillion dollars, with Japan remaining the largest holders with 1.06 trillion, China with 759 billion, Luxembourg, representing European investment funds, with 424 billion, and Canada with 379 billion dollars. In the event of a reduction in these investments, the market may face an increase in government bond yields, which will create additional difficulties for the American economy and may force the Fed to accelerate the pace of monetary policy easing.
There is no consensus among analysts about the prospects for the US currency. Goldman Sachs expects the dollar to weaken against the background of a more active reduction in Fed rates, while Wells Fargo experts, on the contrary, predict a strengthening of USD by 1.5-11%, depending on the reaction of international partners to the new trade restrictions.
For the EUR/USD pair, the expected volatility creates potential trading opportunities. A breakout of resistance in the area of 1.0845 may open the way for building up long positions, while consolidation below 1.0780 will create the prerequisites for short trades. The current situation requires special attention to the development of events after April 2 and the reaction of key participants in international trade, which can significantly change existing market trends.