U.S. Dollar Weakens On Unchanged Fed Forecasts
Dear Traders,
The market’s response to the FOMC announcement was as expected. The Federal Open Market Committee raised its benchmark interest rate to a range of 0.75-1.00 percent and continued to project two more hikes in 2017. In a nutshell, since the Fed’s rate hike path remained unchanged from December 2016 there was no new hawkish guidance which would have helped to boost the U.S. dollar. Thus, yesterday’s rate hike is interpreted as a ‘dovish hike’.
The U.S. dollar slipped on the unsurprising decision as well as unchanged forecasts and both euro and pound climbed toward higher targets in return. The euro touched a high of 1.0746 while euro bulls were able to pocket a good profit. The euro received an additional boost after a large majority of Dutch voters have rejected anti-European populists. Conservative Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has beaten his far-right rival Geert Wilders in the Dutch elections.
On balance, that’s good news for the euro but what can we expect from a technical perspective? There could still be some room for further upward momentum toward 1.08. If the euro climbs above 1.0750 it may head for a test of 1.08 but gains could be limited until that level. For the euro to continue to rally, it may require a break above 1.0830. If the 1.08-level remains unbroken we expect some corrections towards 1.0650 and 1.0550.
Eurozone Consumer Prices are scheduled for release at 10:00 UTC but those figures are not expected to surprise the market.
The British pound slightly strengthened on a weakening greenback but gains have been limited until the 1.23-resistance area. In case the pound will be able to overcome that hurdle we anticipate a run for 1.24. On the downside, we will wait for a significant break below 1.22 in order to favor a bearish bias. The 1.2230/10-area could act as a current support-zone for the pound.
Today’s major risk event will be the Bank of England’s monetary policy announcement at 12:00 UTC. While no changes are expected, the BoE’s statement could trigger large market moves in the GBP/USD. Let us be surprised.
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