EUR/USD Declines for Third Consecutive Day Ahead of Fed Rate Decision

The EUR/USD experienced its third consecutive day of losses on Tuesday as market sentiment soured following the European Union parliamentary elections. The elections resulted in a significant shift towards center-right and far-right parties, with European voters showing strong support for these groups. Meanwhile, left-leaning political parties suffered steep losses, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction among EU citizens regarding economic fragility and the current policy strategies of the established European ruling parties.

This political upheaval in Europe has added to the market’s uncertainty. Investors are now anxiously awaiting key economic updates from the United States. On Wednesday, the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data and the latest Federal Reserve (Fed) rate decision are due to be released. These announcements are expected to have a significant impact on market sentiment, which is currently quite volatile.

The US CPI inflation data is anticipated to show a cooling in April, with expectations of a 0.1% month-over-month increase compared to the previous month’s 0.3%. Annualized Core CPI inflation is also expected to tick down slightly to 3.5% year-over-year, from the previous 3.6%. These figures are critical as they will provide insight into the inflationary pressures facing the US economy and inform the Fed’s future policy decisions.

In addition to the CPI data, the Fed’s latest rate call and Monetary Policy Statement are set to draw significant attention. Although the Fed is broadly expected to hold interest rates steady this week, investors are particularly interested in updates to the Fed’s “dot plot” – a summary of interest rate expectations going forward. There is growing concern that the dot plot may shift, reflecting fewer or no rate cuts in 2024, which could have substantial implications for market dynamics.

The possibility of a significant adjustment in the Fed’s rate expectations has added to the market’s anxiety. Investors are increasingly worried that the Fed might signal a more hawkish stance, potentially indicating that the anticipated rate cuts in 2024 might not materialize. This scenario could further pressure the EUR/USD, which has already been affected by the recent political shifts in Europe and ongoing economic uncertainties.

As the market prepares for these pivotal announcements, the EUR/USD will likely remain under scrutiny. The combination of political instability in the EU and critical economic updates from the US sets the stage for continued volatility. Investors will be closely monitoring the outcomes of Wednesday’s data releases and the Fed’s communications for any indications of future policy directions.