empty
11.04.2025 12:42 PM
The ECB May Cut Interest Rates Twice

The euro is showing a sharp rally against the U.S. dollar. The EUR/USD pair has already reached a three-year high and shows no signs of slowing down.

Meanwhile, according to a survey of economists, officials at the European Central Bank are likely to cut borrowing costs several more times, though they are ultimately expected to follow the lead of the U.S. Federal Reserve.

This image is no longer relevant

Respondents anticipate consecutive quarter-point rate cuts in April and June, after which the deposit rate is expected to settle at 2%. Economists warn that U.S. trade policy poses significant risks, threatening to undermine eurozone economic growth. Escalating protectionist measures, including the imposition of tariffs and trade restrictions, could severely disrupt supply chains and reduce demand for European goods. Uncertainty in U.S. trade policy is creating instability in financial markets, deterring investors and complicating long-term planning for European businesses. Additionally, aggressive fiscal policies aimed at boosting domestic demand in the U.S. could strengthen the dollar, making European exports less competitive.

A key concern is the erratic attempts by the U.S. president to reshape the global order. His trade war has already roiled financial markets, fueled fears of a major economic collapse, and left world leaders unsure of how to respond.

The temporary truce proposed by Trump yesterday — a 90-day pause — provides time for negotiations, allowing the European Union to delay countermeasures. However, the U.S.-China standoff continues to intensify. The biggest challenge for the ECB in this situation is having to maintain the appearance of being in control in the face of Trump's unpredictability.

Clearly, the ECB is now operating in a radically different environment as U.S. tariffs become a reality, and the eurozone's monetary policy must adapt accordingly. Against this backdrop, the Governing Council is expected to cut rates by another 25 basis points at its April 17 meeting, ahead of a series of cuts likely later this year.

The latest inflation report from the eurozone indicates that rate cuts are not only possible but necessary — if not now, then when? Recent statements from policymakers suggest that many are open to a pause in April, but a significant number also support further easing.

Most survey respondents expect rates to reach neutral territory only by the third quarter of this year. While half of them pegged the neutral rate — one that neither restricts nor stimulates growth — at 2%, nearly as many economists believe it is already above that level.

Technical Outlook on EUR/USD

At present, buyers need to focus on reclaiming the 1.1325 level. Only then can the pair aim for a test of 1.1388. A break above this level could open the path toward 1.1427, although such a move would be difficult without support from major players. The ultimate bullish target would be the 1.1485 high. If the pair declines, I expect strong buyer interest only around the 1.1260 level. If there is no support there, it may be worth waiting for a retest of the 1.1217 low or opening long positions from the 1.1155 level.

Technical Outlook on GBP/USD

Buyers of the pound must reclaim the nearest resistance at 1.3047. Only then can they target 1.3108, which could be a tough level to breach. The final bullish target is the 1.3156 level. If the pair declines, bears will attempt to regain control at 1.2985. A successful break of this range would significantly damage the bullish outlook and push GBP/USD down toward the 1.2929 low, with the potential to reach 1.2866.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Gold Rebounds as Fiscal Risks Resurface

Gold is swinging between extremes as spring draws to a close. The week ending May 16 was the worst for the precious metal due to optimism that, following a trade

Marek Petkovich 17:31 2025-05-23 UTC+2

AUD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Today, the AUD/JPY pair has started to attract buying interest, halting its pullback from the monthly high as demand for the Australian dollar emerges. Today's talks between U.S. Deputy Secretary

Irina Yanina 17:25 2025-05-23 UTC+2

USD/CAD. Analysis and Forecast

The pair is trending lower, dropping close to the key psychological level of 1.3800 amid broad-based U.S. dollar weakness. Traders have raised their expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts following

Irina Yanina 16:43 2025-05-23 UTC+2

USD declares war on EUR

What's new is often just what's been forgotten. As spring draws to a close, the long-dismissed mantra "sell America" is making a comeback in markets. The phrase gained traction following

Marek Petkovich 14:59 2025-05-23 UTC+2

USD/JPY: what happens with yen?

The USD/JPY pair is experiencing heightened price turbulence. At the end of April, the pair sharply declined, hitting a 7-month low at 139.90. Then, last week, a northbound impulse pushed

Irina Manzenko 13:52 2025-05-23 UTC+2

Market Chaos to Continue (There is a likelihood of continued local declines in #USDX and gold prices)

Markets continue to act blindly amid the chaotic actions of Donald Trump, who is trying to pull the U.S. out of a deep, all-encompassing crisis like Baron Munchausen pulling himself

Pati Gani 10:19 2025-05-23 UTC+2

The Market Tucks Its Tail

A necessary project at the wrong time. The House of Representatives has approved Donald Trump's tax cut initiative. The President hopes it will help stimulate the economy and offset shortcomings

Marek Petkovich 09:29 2025-05-23 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – May 23: No Talks, but Hang in There

On Thursday, the GBP/USD currency pair traded relatively calmly, but like EUR/USD, it has been rising for two weeks. At first glance, one might wonder what reasons traders have

Paolo Greco 08:15 2025-05-23 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – May 23: The Rebellion Against the Dollar Continues

The EUR/USD currency pair traded relatively calmly on Thursday, yet it has risen significantly over the past two weeks. This movement can be interpreted in several ways. From a technical

Paolo Greco 08:15 2025-05-23 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 23? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Very few macroeconomic reports are scheduled for Friday. Only two are noteworthy: the final estimate of Germany's Q1 GDP and April's UK retail sales data. The German GDP report

Paolo Greco 05:58 2025-05-23 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.