In the world of forex trading, the EUR/USD currency pair has been experiencing some turbulence recently. On Friday, the pair found some temporary support around 1.0220 after reaching its lowest level in over two years. However, experts believe that the pair could continue to fall and may even reach parity due to the divergent views on monetary policy between the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank.
While the Fed is expected to cut interest rates twice this year, the ECB has signaled that it will continue its policy-easing cycle. Fed officials have projected two interest rate cuts in 2025, down from the four cuts forecasted in September. This shift in policy expectations has led investors to reduce their bets on a dovish Fed stance, as they anticipate economic growth and inflationary pressures to pick up in the US.
The US Dollar Index (DXY) remains close to its highest level in two years, above 109.00, despite a slight decline in Friday’s trading session. Market participants will be closely watching a series of US economic indicators, including the ISM Manufacturing PMI data for December, which is expected to show continued contraction in the manufacturing sector.
The EUR/USD pair is expected to face further downside pressure, as traders have priced in multiple interest rate cuts by the ECB this year. ECB officials have also indicated their comfort with market expectations of more rate cuts, given the risks of inflation remaining low and weak economic activity in the Eurozone. Additionally, concerns about the impact of a potential trade war with the US on the Eurozone’s exports sector have fueled ECB dovish bets.
From a technical analysis perspective, the EUR/USD pair remains bearish as major EMAs slope downwards and the RSI indicates strong downside momentum. However, a slight recovery could occur as the pair approaches key support levels. The ISM Manufacturing PMI data will provide further insight into the health of the US manufacturing sector and could affect the direction of the USD.
Overall, the forex market is anticipating further movement in the EUR/USD pair, with the potential for more downside based on divergent central bank policies and economic data. Traders will be closely monitoring key indicators and events to gauge market sentiment and potential trading opportunities.