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

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Today, gold is rising, trading near the all-time high reached the previous day, amid growing uncertainty surrounding the US-China trade wars. Gold is gaining ground today, remaining close

Irina Yanina 12:18 2025-04-15 UTC+2

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Today, the Japanese yen is struggling to extend its gains due to optimistic developments regarding trade negotiations and the postponement of tariffs. President Trump's statement about possible exemptions

Irina Yanina 12:08 2025-04-15 UTC+2

Trump Will Either Win or Lose. Is There No Middle Ground? (Potential Renewed Decline in #SPX and Bitcoin)

On Monday, markets calmed slightly amid Donald Trump's apparent backpedaling on the trade barriers he had imposed on America's trading partners. It gives the impression that the U.S. president

Pati Gani 09:46 2025-04-15 UTC+2

The Market Celebrates a Ceasefire

While there is still no peace in the trade conflict, a semblance of a ceasefire has appeared. The White House is beginning to frantically realize it has gone

Marek Petkovich 09:08 2025-04-15 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on April 15? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Quite a few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Tuesday, but under the current circumstances, macroeconomic data mean little to the market. They might have a short-term local impact

Paolo Greco 06:29 2025-04-15 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview. April 15: Trump Giveth, Trump Taketh Away

The GBP/USD currency pair continued its upward movement on Monday. As with the euro, there was no specific reason for the pair to decline. Of course, the current rally looks

Paolo Greco 03:57 2025-04-15 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview. April 15: Who Found a Reason for Optimism?

The EUR/USD currency pair continued its upward movement on Monday. Despite the slower growth this time, the pair continues to rise. Yesterday saw a 50-pip increase; today, it's 250. What

Paolo Greco 03:57 2025-04-15 UTC+2

ECB Meeting: What to Expect?

This week, the ECB's meeting in April is happening, and the euro is in high spirits. The euro has been doing exceptionally well for at least two months—seemingly without much

Chin Zhao 00:35 2025-04-15 UTC+2

The Pound Forms a Top

The British economy grew by 0.5% in February, rebounding from no growth in January and significantly exceeding the forecast of +0.1%. This was the strongest growth in the last

Kuvat Raharjo 00:35 2025-04-15 UTC+2

EUR/USD: Northern Trend, Southern Pullbacks

The upward trend in the EUR/USD pair remains intact amid the overall weakness of the U.S. dollar. Significant downward pullbacks allow buyers to open long positions at more favorable prices

Irina Manzenko 00:35 2025-04-15 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.