EUR/USD slid to approximately 1.0480 during the Asian session on Monday as the US Dollar Index (DXY) recovered from its monthly low of 107.22, recorded last Friday. At the time of writing, the DXY is trading near 107.60.
The US Dollar gained traction after the release of mixed US Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data. Market uncertainty regarding the implications of US President Donald Trump’s trade and immigration policies may further encourage the Federal Reserve’s cautious approach to interest rate adjustments this year.
According to S&P Global data released on Friday, the US Composite PMI dropped to 52.4 in January from December’s 55.4. The Manufacturing PMI, however, improved to 50.1 in January from 49.4, surpassing market expectations of 49.6. Meanwhile, the Services PMI fell to 52.8 in January, down from December’s 56.8 and missing the consensus estimate of 56.5.
On the other hand, the Euro gained some support as the HCOB Eurozone preliminary Composite PMI expanded in January, signaling growth after two months of contraction. The S&P Global report indicated an increase in overall business activity, with the Composite PMI rising to 50.2 in January from November’s 49.6, beating economists’ forecasts of a slower decline to 49.7.
Nevertheless, the Euro remains under pressure due to a dovish sentiment surrounding the European Central Bank’s (ECB) monetary policy outlook. The ECB is widely expected to reduce its Deposit Facility Rate by 25 basis points to 2.75% during its Thursday meeting, with further cuts anticipated over the next three policy sessions. ECB officials appear confident that inflation will gradually return to the target rate of 2%.
