EURUSD: watch for NFPThe release of PCE data was the one closely watched by markets during the previous week. Released data show that the PCE Price Index reached 0,3% in January for the month and 2,5% on a yearly basis, which was in line with market expectations. The core PCE also reached o,3% in January. The personal income was higher by 0,9% for the month and personal expenditures decreased by -0,2% in January, compared to the previous month. As for other macro data posted for the US, the new home sales dropped by -10,5% in January compared to the previous month. This drop was much higher from expected -2,6%. The Durable goods orders were higher by 3,1% in January, higher from market estimate of 2%. The second estimate of the GDP Growth rate for Q4 was standing at 2,3% for the quarter, and was in line with market expectations.
The Ifo Business Climate in Germany in February reached 85,2 which was in line with market expectations. The inflation rate in the Euro Zone in January reached 2,5%, while core inflation was standing at 2,7%. These were final inflation figures for January and there was no difference from market expectations. The GfK Consumer Confidence in Germany in March reached -24,7 which was a bit higher from forecasted -21,4. The Retail Sales in Germany increased by 0,2% in January, leading to an increase of 2,9% on a yearly basis. The unemployment rate in Germany in January was standing without change from the previous month at 6,2%. The preliminary inflation rate for February in Germany was 0,4%, leading to a yearly rate of 2,3%. Both figures were in line with market forecasts.
Previous week was challenging for financial markets, with a major correction dragging the value of assets toward the downside. US Treasury yields also reacted to the news on potential tariffs. The price of the US Dollar was also under general market sentiment influence, so it was a bit of a mixed trading week. The eurusd currency pair started the week by testing the 1,5 resistance line, reaching the highest weekly level at 1,052. However, the week-end brought some correction toward the downside, so the currency pair ended the trading week at the level of 1,037. The RSI reached its highest level at 59, but ended the week around the level of 45. Moving average of 50 days stopped with divergence from MA200, but the convergence did not start yet, hence, the potential cross is still far away.
Markets will use the week ahead to digest all the data from the previous week, especially about trade tariffs, and find a new equilibrium. It should be considered that the Non-farm Payrolls will be released during the week ahead, which might bring back some volatility. As per current charts, some potential levels for the week ahead for eurusd currency pair would be between levels 1,04 and 1,05. Currently charts are more bullish than bearish for eurusd. Still, just in case that the currency pair clearly breaks the current 1,036 level, then the next stop might be at 1,028. However this scenario has a lower probability of occurrence.
Important news to watch during the week ahead are:
EUR: Inflation rate flash for February in the Euro Zone, Unemployment rate in the Euro Zone in February, HCOB Composite PMI final for February for both Germany and the Euro Zone, ECB Interest Rate Decision on March 6th, ECB Press conference after the ECM meeting,
USD: ISM Manufacturing PMI for February, ISM Services PMI for February, Non-farm Payrolls for February, Unemployment rate for February, Fed Chair Powell speech on March 7th.
