Investors and traders expect to hear more about interest rate hikes in Europe during ECB President Christine Lagarde’s speech today. Growth expectations and inflation concerns are also front-and-center as equity and currency market players weigh the headwinds facing the Eurozone.
On the downside, Eurozone inflation hit 8.1 percent in May, meaning that price growth is far above the ECB’s 2 percent annual target. Christine Lagarde hinted that the ECB’s interest rate hike may come as soon as July 21, during the next policy meeting. The main refinancing rate is expected to rise from zero percent to 0.25 percent and the ECB is also likely to announce the end of its current bond purchase program.
EUR support?
Once the ECB raises interest rates in Europe, the EUR may see more support against the USD. Much of the currency’s strength depends on GDP growth. Growth in the Eurozone was comparatively strong in the first quarter, but the outlook was dimmer for Q2 because of the conflict in Ukraine affecting sentiment and the energy market.
Similar moves to hike interest rates in the US started in April, where there are now recession fears because of slower growth amid higher borrowing costs and elevated crude oil and other commodity prices. The Federal Reserve appears to have accepted the possibility of a hard recession after conducting banking sector stress tests on that basis. A recession in the US is likely to affect the Eurozone’s growth prospects.
On the upside, economically speaking, the hawkish central banks have started the hard work of rebalancing monetary policy geared towards lower global debt levels in order to tame inflation. This triggered bearish sentiment in the stock markets over the last two weeks as investors priced in the higher risks of a recession and more barriers to liquidity for corporations.
NFP Friday
So far, employment in the US and the EU remain at robust levels, with some signs of softness in new jobs. This Friday’s NFP will reveal more details about the US employment market.
In other news, Australia announces Retail Sales for May, which are expected to have fallen to 0.4 percent from 0.9 percent in April. Like many other countries, Australia faces high inflation and tighter monetary policies, both of which can affect consumer spending.
Quick Tip
Which instruments are affected by the NFP?
The Non-Farm Payrolls report often has an impact on the USD currency crosses, in addition to gold instruments. The NFP also indirectly affects interest rate expectations, because a weaker jobs report may give the Federal Reserve pause before it hikes interest rates. A stronger jobs report amid conditions of higher inflation may lead to interest rate hikes.
This material does not contain and should not be construed as containing investment advice, investment recommendations, an offer of or solicitation for any transactions in financial instruments. Please note that such trading analysis is not a reliable indicator for any current or future performance, as circumstances may change over time. Before making any investment decisions, you should seek advice from independent financial advisors to ensure you understand the risks.
