Major Risk Events Loom Before Easter Holiday

This holiday-shortened week is loaded with economic event risk. Before the Easter holiday and the French presidential election on Sunday, market participants are eyeing inflation risk with the U.S. CPI scheduled for release on Tuesday. On Thursday, the European Central Bank will deliver its interest rate decision while no monetary policy changes are expected. Nonetheless, traders should expect some hawkish commentary for the euro.

While other major central banks are already tightening monetary policy, the ECB seems to be behind the curve. Market participants brought forward their calls for interest rate hikes, now seeing moves in September and December. The format of Thursday’s ECB press conference is yet to be decided after ECB President Christine Lagarde tested positive for Covid-19.

EUR/USD – Opening gap

The euro opened higher versus the U.S. dollar this week amid some relief over the French election. However, the upside gap was closed in the early morning hours of trading.

Technically, the pair finds itself in oversold territory which is making corrections towards 1.11 more likely ahead of Thursday’s policy decision. However, there is also potential for disappointment, so potential gains might be limited. A crucial support is seen around 1.08.

GBP/USD – Will the 1.30-support hold?

The cable slid below 1.30 but found some halt at around 1.2980. If sterling bulls are unable to push the pair back above 1.31, we expect further losses and a test of 1.29 in the near-term.

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