GBPUSD eases from multi-day high, still well bid below mid-1.1400s amid softer USD

• GBPUSD gains traction for the second successive day amid sustained USD selling.
• Hopes for less aggressive Fed rate hikes, the risk-on impulse weighs on the buck.
• The BoE's gloomy outlook might act as a headwind for the Sterling and cap gains.

The GBPUSD pair attracts some buying following an early dip to the 1.1290 area on Monday and is building on the previous session's goodish rebound from a two-week low. This marks the second successive day of a positive move and lifts spot prices to the 1.1475 region, or a three-day high during the mid-European session.

The US Dollar adds to the post-NFP heavy losses and drops to over a one-week low, which, in turn, is seen as a key factor pushing the GBPUSD pair higher. The mixed results from Friday's release of the US jobs report fueled speculations that the Federal Reserve might slow the pace of its policy tightening. This, along with a generally positive tone around the equity markets, continues to weigh on the safe-haven greenback.

That said, worries about the headwinds stemming from China's commitment to maintaining its economically disruptive zero-COVID policy might keep a lid on the optimism. Moreover, the markets are still pricing in the possibility of at least a 50 bps Fed rate hike move in December. This remains supportive of elevated US Treasury bond yields, which should act as a tailwind for the buck and cap the upside for the GBPUSD pair.

Apart from this, the Bank of England's dovish rate hike last week warrants some caution for aggressive bullish traders. It is worth recalling that the UK central bank raised interest rates by 75 bps - its most forceful act to tame inflation since 1989 - but indicated a lower terminal peak than is currently priced into markets. Moreover, the BoE said that it expects a recession to last for all of 2023 and the first half of 2024.

This, in turn, suggests that any subsequent move up might still be seen as a selling opportunity and runs the risk of fizzling out rather quickly. There isn't any major market-moving economic data due for release on Monday. Hence, the US bond yields, along with the broader market risk sentiment, will play a key role in influencing the USD price dynamics and produce short-term trading opportunities around the GBPUSD pair.

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Stronger USD heading into year-end amid higher terminal rate expectations – MUFG

The US Dollar has continued to trade at stronger levels after the Fed dashed hopes again for a dovish policy pivot. Higher terminal rate expectations for Fed's hiking cycle are set to continue strengthening the greenback into year-end, economists at MUFG Bank report.

The Fed is shifting to plans for a slower but more extended hiking cycle

“The US rate market is now pricing in 62 bps of hikes at the December FOMC meeting as it weighs up whether the Fed will deliver one final 75 bps hike or step down to a 50 bps hike.” 

“The updated policy statement added as well that the Fed would take into account ‘the cumulative tightening of monetary policy, the lags with which monetary policy affects economic activity and inflation, and economic and financial developments’.”

“The comments signal that the Fed is shifting to plans for a slower but more extended hiking cycle. The increase in market expectations for the Fed’s terminal policy rate support our outlook for an even stronger US dollar heading into year-end.” 

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GBP/USD could test 1.1300 on a dovish BoE – ING

GBP/USD continues to fluctuate at around 1.15. But a USD-positive FOMC and a dovish surprise by the Bank of England (BoE) could drag cable down to 1.13, economists at ING report.

EUR/GBP may climb back into the 0.8650-0.8700 area

“We continue to highlight the risk of a dovish surprise (50 bps hike) by the BoE tomorrow. The combination of a USD-positive FOMC and a GBP-negative BoE means cable could test 1.1300 by the end of the week.”

“EUR/GBP may climb back into the 0.8650-0.8700 area in the coming days.”

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 EUR/USD Price Analysis: The next hurdle comes at 1.0050

• EUR/USD surpasses the parity in a sustainable fashion.
• There is scope for a visit to the 1.0050 level in the near term.

The weekly upside in EUR/USD remains healthy and manages to leave behind the key parity zone on Wednesday.

The surpass of this key region could spark a more serious recovery in the short-term horizon. Against that, the immediate barrier is expected at the weekly top at 1.0050 (September 20).

In the longer run, the pair’s bearish view should remain unaltered while below the 200-day SMA at 1.0516.

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GBP will likely continue to be under pressure in the time to come – Nordea

In the UK, rates have continued their fall on a policy U-turn. Still, economists at Nordea see more pain ahead for the British pound.

The policy U-turn will lessen the GBP blow, but it is not enough

“The proposal of the UK government – lower taxes and higher spending financed by more debt – broke havoc in the gilt markets while sending the pound in a free fall. Since then UK markets have stabilised. But it takes a long time to build up trust which can be easily lost in a moment.”

“Investors are unlikely to have strong renewed confidence in UK’s governance no matter who take over the helm – trust takes years to build, seconds to break and forever to repair.”

“The poor economic fundamentals in the UK, sky-high inflation, financial imbalances and pension funds under strain will continue to weigh upon the pound.”

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 EUR/USD regains some ground lost and re-targets 0.9800

• EUR/USD bounces off lows near the 0.9750 region.
• German 10-year bund yields surpass the 2.45% level.
• Weekly Claims, Philly Fed index, Fedspeak come next in the NA session.

The European currency regains a small smile and motivates EUR/USD to rebound from earlier lows in the mid-0.9700s on Thursday.

EUR/USD supported near 0.9750 so far

EUR/USD manages to regain some buying interest and recoup part of the ground lost following Wednesday’s strong decline, retargeting the 0.9800 region amidst the so far tepid downside momentum in the dollar.

Also underpinning the daily uptick in spot, the German 10-year benchmark bund yields rise past the 2.45% level for the first time since August 2011, in line with the uptrend observed in their US pees across the curve.

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EUR/USD Price Analysis: There is an interim hurdle at the 55-day SMA

EUR/USD trades without conviction around the 0.9830 region.

Next on the upside aligns the 55-day SMA at 0.9956.

EUR/USD gives away the initial advance to the 0.9870 region and deflates to the 0.9830 area on Tuesday

Further recovery in the pair looks probable in the very near term. Against that, the 55-day SMA at 0.9956 emerges as the next temporary hurdle prior to the more relevant October top at 0.9999 (October 4).

In the longer run, the pair’s bearish view should remain unaltered while below the 200-day SMA at 1.0561.

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GBP/USD eases from daily high, still well bid around 1.1050 area as traders await FOMC minutes

mixed signals about BoE's bond-buying program prompt some short-covering around GBP/USD.

Subdued USD price action provides an additional lift, though the uptick lacks bullish conviction.

Investors now look to FOMC minutes for a fresh impetus ahead of the US CPI report on Thursday.

The GBP/USD pair stages a goodish bounce from the 1.0925 area, or a nearly two-week high set earlier this Wednesday and snaps a five-day losing streak. Spot prices, however, struggle to capitalize on the move and retreat around 40-50 pips from the vicinity of the 1.1100 round-figure mark.

The British pound attracts some buyers amid reports that the Bank might be willing to extend its purchases beyond Friday and prompts short-covering around the GBP/USD pair. This, along with subdued US dollar price action, offers additional support to the major. That said, BoE Governor Andrew Bailey said on Tuesday that the central bank will stop buying UK government bonds on October 14. Apart from this, the dismal UK macro data contributes to capping the upside for the major.

The UK Office for National Statistics reported that the economy unexpectedly shrank by 0.3% in August, reinforcing the BoE's prediction for a recession this year. Furthermore, expectations that the Fed will continue to tighten its monetary policy at a faster pace to tame inflation acts as a tailwind for the greenback. This further holds back traders from placing bullish bets around the GBP/USD pair ahead of the crucial FOMC meeting minutes, due later during the US session.

The focus will then shift to the latest US consumer inflation figures on Thursday, which should play a key role in influencing the Fed's future rate-hike path. This, in turn, will drive the USD demand in the near term and provide a fresh directional impetus to the GBP/USD pair. In the meantime, elevated US Treasury bond yields might underpin the greenback and continue to keep a lid on any meaningful gains for the major amid concerns about the UK government's fiscal plans.

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GBP/USD: Break below 1.0905 to set up a test of 1.0540 – BBH

GBP/USD traded below 1.10 briefly before bouncing modestly. The pair could test the September 28 low near 1.0540 on failure to hold 1.0905, economists at BBH report.

Bank of England announced more measures to support the gilt market

“A break below 1.0905 would set up a test of the September 28 low near 1.0540.”

“The BoE will now buy inflation-linked debt in order to maintain orderly markets. It said it would buy up to GBP10 bln of gilts daily until its emergency program ends, double the GBP5 bln in place. Can the new measures prevent another gilt crash? Only time will tell but we note that whatever measures the BoE takes, it can only address the symptoms (disorderly markets) and not the underlying malady (irresponsible fiscal policy). Only the government can turn this thing around.”

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AUD/NZD to slide towards the 1.12 level – OCBC

AUD/NZD continued to trade with a heavy downside bias amid growing policy divergence between the Reserve Bank of Australia and the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. Economists at OCBC Bank maintain a short bias targeting 1.12.

Risks remained skewed to the downside

“RBNZ’s accompanying MPS was slightly more hawkish than expected as it noted that the MPC considered 50, 75 bps at this meeting; core CPI is ‘too high’ and lower NZD if sustained poses further upside risk to CPI.”

“We maintain our tactical short play on AUD/NZD, targeting 1.12, 1.1050 objectives.”

“Daily momentum is bearish while RSI fell. Risks remained skewed to the downside.”

“Support at 1.1240, 1.1210 levels.”

“Resistance at 1.1305 (21 DMA), 1.1380 levels.”

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EUR/USD Price Analysis: Bears now target 0.9500

EUR/USD drops for the seventh straight session and tests 0.9535.

Below the 2022 low at 0.9535 comes the 0.9500 region.

EUR/USD extends the leg lower to the proximity of 0.9530 earlier on Wednesday, an area last traded back in June 2002.

Odds for extra weakness in the European currency remain well on the table so far with the immediate target at the 2022 low at 0.9552 (September 26). A deeper drop could challenge the round level at 0.9500 ahead of the weekly low at 0.9411 (June 17 2002).

In the longer run, the pair’s bearish view should remain unaltered while below the 200-day SMA at 1.0667.

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US Dollar Index Price Analysis: Bearish moves seen as buying opportunities

DXY climbs to fresh highs near 112.00 before losing momentum.

Further upside remains well on the cards for the dollar near term.

DXY corrects lower after two consecutive daily advances, including new 20-year highs just below the 112.00 mark earlier on Thursday.

The prospects for extra gains in the dollar should remain unchanged as long as the index trades above the 7-month support line near 106.80. That said, occasional bouts of weakness could be deemed as buying opportunities with the immediate target at the 2022 high at 111.81 (September 22).

In the longer run, DXY is expected to maintain its constructive stance while above the 200-day SMA at 101.95.

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NZD/USD struggles near its lowest level since April 2020 as another big Fed rate hike looms

• NZD/USD drops to its lowest level since April 2020 amid sustained USD buying interest.
• Retreating US bond yields, the risk-on mood caps the buck and limits losses for the pair.
• Investors now seem to move to the sidelines and await the crucial FOMC policy decision.

The NZD/USD pair recovers a few pips from its lowest level since April 2020 touched in the last hour and is currently placed in neutral territory, around the 0.5885 region. That said, any meaningful recovery still seems elusive as investors gear up for another supersized rate hike by the Federal Reserve.

The stronger US CPI report released last week reaffirmed expectations that the USD central bank will continue to tighten its monetary policy at a faster pace. This remains supportive of a strong follow-through US dollar move up to a fresh 20-year peak, which, in turn, should continue to act as a headwind for the NZD/USD pair.

That said, a softer tone surrounding the US Treasury bond yields and a generally positive risk tone keep a lid on any further gains for the safe-haven greenback. Apart from this, slightly oversold conditions on short-term charts offer some support to the risk-sensitive kiwi and help limit losses for the NZD/USD pair.

Apart from this, the intraday bounce could further be attributed to some repositioning trade ahead of the highly-anticipated FOMC policy decision, scheduled to be announced later during the US session. The Fed is widely expected to stick to its aggressive policy tightening path and hike interest rates by at least 75 bps.

Apart from this, the focus will be on the updated economic projections and the dot plot. Furthermore, Fed Chair Jerome Powell's remarks at the post-meeting press conference will be looked upon for clues about future rate hikes. This, in turn, will influence the USD and provide a fresh directional impetus to the NZD/USD pair.

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GBP/USD remains on the defensive amid modest USD uptick, eyes US data for fresh impetus

GBP/USD comes under renewed selling pressure on Thursday, though lacks follow-through.

Aggressive Fed rate hike bets revive the USD demand and exert some downward pressure.

A positive risk tone caps the safe-haven buck and helps limit the downside for the major.

The GBP/USD pair struggles to capitalize on the previous day's modest uptick and meets with a fresh supply on Thursday. Spot prices remain on the defensive through the first half of the European session, though manage to hold above the 1.1500 psychological mark.

The US dollar catches fresh bids amid expectations for a more aggressive policy tightening by the Fed and turns out to be a key factor exerting some downward pressure on the GBP/USD pair. The stronger US consumer inflation data released on Tuesday all but confirmed that the Fed will hike interest rates at a faster pace. In fact, the implied odds for a full 1% lift-off at the September FOMC meeting currently stand at 30%.

Furthermore, the markets have been pricing in the possibility of another supersized Fed rate hike move in November. This remains supportive of elevated US Treasury bond yields and continues to underpin the greenback. That said, a generally positive risk tone is capping gains for the safe-haven buck. Apart from this, prospects for a 75 bps rate hike by the Bank of England on September 22 offer support to the GBP/USD pair.

This makes it prudent to wait for strong follow-through selling before positioning for an extension of the post-US CPI sharp retracement slide from a two-week high. In the absence of any relevant economic data from the UK, traders look forward to the US macro releases for some impetus later during the early North American session.

Thursday's US economic docket features the release of monthly Retail Sales figures, Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, Regional Manufacturing Indices, and Industrial Production data. This, along with the US bond yields and the broader risk sentiment, will influence the USD and produce short-term trading opportunities around the GBP/USD pair.

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EU proposes windfall levy to claw back surplus profits from fossil fuel companies

The European Commission announced on Thursday that it proposed a voluntary target for European Union countries to cut overall monthly electricity use by 10% compared to the same period in recent years, as reported by Reuters.

Additional takeaways

"EU Commission proposes 180 euros per megawatt hour revenue cap for non-gas fuelled power generators."

"EU revenue cap would apply to wind, solar, biomass, lignite, nuclear and some hydropower generators."

"EU proposes windfall profit levy to claw back surplus profits from fossil fuel companies."

"EU levy would recoup 33% of oil, gas, coal, refining companies' surplus taxable profits in the fiscal year 2022."

"EU levy would apply to fossil fuels companies that have tax obligations in EU countries."

"EU proposes mandatory target for EU countries to cut electricity use 5% during peak price periods."

Market reaction

The shared currency holds its ground following this development and the EUR/USD pair was last seen rising 0.32% on the day at 1.0002.

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EUR/USD: Further worsening of energy crisis can trigger a drop to the 0.96-0.97 area – ING

Post the European Central Bank (ECB) meeting, the energy crisis should remain the key driver for the euro. Therefore, economists at ING expect the EUR/USD pair to remain skewed to the downside.

The 0.98-0.99 area could prove to be a near-term anchor

“We expect the energy story to return firmly to the driving seat for EUR/USD after the post-ECB reaction. Barring a very hawkish surprise, this should keep EUR/USD below parity and prevent it to reconnect with the more supportive rate differential.” 

“The 0.98-0.99 area could prove to be a near-term anchor for EUR/USD, but a further worsening of the energy crisis and/or further dollar strengthening can trigger a drop to the 0.96-0.97 area.”

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EUR/JPY Price Analysis: The 142.30 region emerges as the next target

EUR/JPY adds to Friday’s small gains below 140.00.

The next hurdle of note turns up at the 142.30 zone.

EUR/JPY alternates gains with losses around 139.00 after bottoming out in earlier lows near 138.70 on Monday.

Extra gains in the cross are now favoured once it clears the recent high at 140.74 (September 2). Beyond this level, another visit of the weekly top at 142.32 (July 21) should re-emerge on the horizon prior to the 2022 peak at 144.27 (June 28).

While above the 200-day SMA at 134.54, the prospects for the pair should remain constructive.

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EUR/USD: Break below 1.01 open up the July 14 cycle low near 0.9950 – BBH

EUR/USD declines toward 1.0100. A drop under this level would set up a test of the July 14 cycle low near 0.9950, economists at BBH report.

German August ZEW consumer survey was weak

“A break below 1.0110 would set up a test of the July 14 cycle low near 0.9950.”

“Expectations came in at -55.3 vs. -52.7 expected and -53.8 in July, while current situation came in at -47.6 vs. -49.0 expected and -45.8 in July. ZEW noted that ‘The still high inflation rates and the expected additional costs for heating and energy lead to a decrease in profit expectations for the private consumption sector’.”

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EUR/USD finally breaks above 1.0300 to print 5-week highs

EUR/USD surpasses the key 1.0300 level post-US CPI.

Germany Final CPI rose 7.5% YoY in July.

US CPI surprised to the downside at 8.5% in July.

EUR/USD sees its upside gathers further traction and advance to new multi-week peaks past the 1.0300 level on Wednesday.

EUR/USD boosted by USD-weakness

EUR/USD quickly left behind the key hurdle at 1.0300 the figure after US inflation figures tracked by the CPI disappointed expectations. Indeed, consumer prices rose 8.5% in the year to July, while the CPI excluding food and energy costs rose 5.9% from a year earlier, coming in also below initial estimates for a 6.1% YoY gain.

The pair’s sharp upside follows the equally abrupt – although in the opposite direction – decline in the greenback, as investors now perceive that the Federal Reserve might save a 75 bps rate hike for later and raise rates by half point instead at the September gathering.

On the latter, the probability of a 75 bps hike by the Fed in September shrank to around 27% from nearly 70% before the CPI data was published, according to CME Group’s FedWatch Tool.

What to look for around EUR

EUR/USD breaks above the 1.0300 hurdle with certain conviction helped by the intense drop in the dollar in the wake of lower-than-expected US CPI prints for the month of July.

Price action around the European currency, in the meantime, is expected to closely follow dollar dynamics, geopolitical concerns, fragmentation worries and the Fed-ECB divergence.

On the negatives for the single currency emerges the so far increasing speculation of a potential recession in the region, which looks propped up by dwindling sentiment gauges and the incipient slowdown in some fundamentals.

Key events in the euro area this week: Germany Final Inflation Rate (Wednesday) – EMU Industrial Production (Friday).

Eminent issues on the back boiler: Continuation of the ECB hiking cycle. Italian elections in late September. Fragmentation risks amidst the ECB’s normalization of monetary conditions. Impact of the war in Ukraine on the region’s growth prospects and inflation.

EUR/USD levels to watch

So far, spot is gaining 1.23% at 1.0340 and faces the next up barrier at 1.0346 (monthly high August 10) seconded by 1.0377 (55-day SMA) and finally 1.0615 (weekly high June 27). On the flip side, a break below 1.0096 (weekly low July 26) would target 1.0000 (psychological level) en route to 0.9952 (2022 low July 14).

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Recession concerns and the impact on long term yields – UOB

UOB Group’s Head of Markets Strategy Heng Koon How, CAIA, Senior FX Strategist Peter Chia, Rates Strategist Victor Yong and Markets Strategist Quek Ser Leang assess the ongoing recession fears and its effect on the long term yield.

Key Takeaways

“The Recession vs Inflation debate has intensified and taken an interesting turn. For now, it would appear that Recession fears are dominating amidst increasing signs of growth slowdown. However, it is important to note that Inflation risks are far from over and the US Federal Reserve (Fed) and other global central banks remain committed to continue their aggressive rate hikes in the months ahead.”

“We maintain our positive core view on a stronger USD and note that this latest USD rally still has legs and with USD strength extending further into this current Fed hiking cycle than in previous cycles. Elevated volatility and increasing safe haven needs are supportive of further USD strength.”

“In the Major FX, we lower our EUR/USD forecast and see risk of parity for the remaining months of the year as a worsening energy crisis in Europe and on-going political crisis in Italy nullify the yield support from the start of the ECB’s rate hiking cycle. On the other hand, USD/JPY is finally seeing prospects of topping out after the retreat in 10-year US Treasuries yield.”

“In terms of short-term rates outlook, we continue to see on-going rate hikes from the US Fed as well as other central banks in the months ahead. As such, the rise in short term rates is not over. We raise our year end forecasts for 3-month compounded SOFR and SORA to 3.30% and 2.60% respectively (from 2.99% and 2.29% previously).”

“As for long term yield outlook, elevated recession fears have started to dampen and weigh on long term yield. We lower our 10-year UST and SGS outlook for end of the year to 3.60% and 3.20% respectively (from 3.80% and 3.40% previously). Consequently, as a result of higher short term rates and the pull back in long term yield, yield curve inversion can persist for longer during high inflation regimes or until evidence that monetary policy tightening has peaked.”

“In terms of technical analysis, we note that after the recent heavy pullback in yield, the risk for 10-year US Treasuries yield is still clearly on the downside; next support levels to monitor are at 2.557% and 2.500%.”

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