Focus for the Euro is what occurs post the recent European Central Bank (ECB) decision. The ECB chose to increase interest rates by 25 basis points for the second time in 2022. Renewed increases in inflation, driven by rising energy prices, has policymakers focused on good policymaking. EUR/USD initially sold off on the news as investors digested the growing income risks against slowing economic conditions. Speeches from President Lagarde and many of her colleagues are due at various points today, market participants should closely follow these speeches for update on future policy decisions.
For sterling, the main event this Thursday is the Bank of England meeting. About 75% of participants expect the BoE to stand pat. In the absence of any blow-up Middle East conflict, we’ll see increased re-invigoration in demand for higher yielding assets. However, ruptures to Middle East Oil continue to grow and will further increase oil prices. Increased oil prices will lead to inflation in the UK, narrowing policy divergences between the BoE, Fed and ECB.
Fundamental bias: DXY moderately bullish, EUR neutral, GBP neutral, with this week’s Fed and BoE decisions likely to determine the next major policy divergence.
