EURUSD: the PCE on scheduleThe FOMC meeting was the main event watched closely by investors during the previous week. The Fed left rates unchanged, as was widely expected, but still counted on two 25bps cuts till the end of this year. The main information was related to the effects of implemented trade tariffs by the US Administration, for which the Fed expects to be reflected on the economy in the coming period. Inflation is the main concern in this sense, however, it could be only a one-off effect. The Fed continues to be data-driven when it comes to their decision.
As for other macro data posted during the previous week, the Retail Sales in May dropped by -0,9% for the month, which was higher from expected -0,7%. The Industrial Production in May also dropped by -0,2% on a monthly basis, bringing the indicator to the level of 0,6% compared to the previous year. Both figures were lower from market estimates. The Building Permits preliminary in May reached 1.393M, lower from forecasted 1,43M. At the same time Housing Starts in May reached the number of 1.256M, again lower from estimated 1,36M.
The ZEW Economic Sentiment Index in June for Germany was standing at the level of 47,5, higher from market estimate of 35. The same index for the Euro Zone was at the level of 35,3, again higher from forecasted 23,5. The Inflation Rate final in May for the Euro Zone was at the level of 0% for the month and 1,9% on a yearly basis, and without changes from the previous post. The Producers Price Index in Germany in May dropped by -0,2% for the month and -1,2% for the year.
As Middle East tensions have already been priced by markets, the previous week's focus was on the Fed. The market reaction on the news was not stronger as all known facts were already priced in. The eurusd was moving in a range between 1,1613 and 1,1448 during the week. The currency pair is closing the week at the level of 1,1523. The RSI is moving closer to the overbought market side, ending the week at the level of 59. The MA50 continues to diverge from MA200, without an indication of a forthcoming potential cross.
For the week ahead, charts are pointing toward both directions, with equal probabilities. On one side, there is a potential that the currency pair will most likely test the 1,16 level for one more time, but charts are not pointing toward the potential for higher grounds, at this moment. On the opposite side, there is probability that the 1,1450 will be tested for one more time, but the targeting levels will most probably be between 1,1420 and 1,1380. In every case, fundamentals to be watched in a week ahead are the May PCE data on Friday and Fed Chair Powell`s testimony in front of the Congress on Tuesday and Wednesday. These two events might bring higher volatility in case that new information emerges, which was up to now unknown to markets.
Important news to watch during the week ahead are:
EUR: HCOB Manufacturing PMI flash for June in Germany and the Euro Zone, Ifo Business Climate in June in Germany, GfK Consumer Confidence in July for Germany,
USD: S&P Global Composite PMI flash for June, Existing Home Sales in June, Fed Chair Powell testimony in front of the Congress on Tuesday, June 24th, Durable Goods Orders in May, GDP Growth Rate q/q final for Q1, PCE Price Index in May will be posted on Friday, June 27th.
