The EUR/GBP experienced a decline in Wednesday’s session, influenced by two key factors – the dovish stance from the European Central Bank (ECB) and the release of better-than-expected UK inflation data. These factors have had a significant impact on the performance of the Pound and the Euro.
UK Inflation Data Surpasses Expectations
The latest data from the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed a faster growth rate for headline inflation, with a notable rebound from November’s contraction. The headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) recorded a growth of 0.4%, surpassing expectations. Furthermore, the yearly headline CPI surged to 4%, outperforming both the previous figure and the expected value. This positive inflation data has bolstered the Pound, as it indicates a stronger economy and reduces the likelihood of the Bank of England (BoE) implementing further easing measures in March. However, market investors still anticipate a 125 bps cut by the BoE in 2024.
In contrast to the UK, the ECB Governing Council, led by President Lagarde, has sent dovish signals of an early rate cut in summer. While the timing and pace of subsequent reductions remain uncertain, market expectations lean towards a first-rate cut in April. Overall, investors anticipate a total of 150 bps in easing measures by the ECB in 2024. This divergence in monetary policies between the BoE and ECB could result in further downsides for the EUR/GBP cross.
Examining the daily chart of the EUR/GBP reveals a strong bearish momentum. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is currently in negative territory and displaying a negative slope, highlighting the continuous influence of sellers on the pair. Additionally, the Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) presents rising red bars, indicating an increasing selling pressure. The pair’s position in relation to the Simple Moving Averages (SMAs) further amplifies this bearish sentiment, as it struggles below the 20, 100, and 200-day SMAs. However, despite this bearish outlook, the pair may require intervention from buyers to reverse its downward trajectory.
The EUR/GBP has been significantly influenced by the release of UK inflation data and dovish signals from the ECB. The better-than-expected UK inflation figures have bolstered the Pound, reducing the likelihood of further easing measures by the BoE. Conversely, the dovish signals from the ECB regarding a potential rate cut have shifted market expectations for the Euro. The divergence in monetary policies between the two central banks may continue to impact the performance of the EUR/GBP. The bearish momentum observed in the daily chart, along with the pair’s struggle under multiple SMAs, indicates a challenging situation for the Euro against the Pound. Continual monitoring of key economic indicators and central bank announcements will be crucial in determining the future direction of the EUR/GBP.
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