EUR/USD Gains Momentum Ahead of Key NFP Data Release

The EUR/USD pair climbed on Thursday, rising by 0.7% to approach the 1.0600 level. The move comes as better-than-expected European retail sales data for October temporarily buoyed sentiment, despite a monthly decline. Meanwhile, expectations of an ECB rate cut and a risk-on market mood ahead of Friday’s US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report are keeping the currency pair in focus.

ECB Poised for Another Rate Cut Amid Mixed Economic Signals

October retail sales across the EU increased by 1.9% YoY, beating the 1.7% forecast, though still sharply lower than September’s revised 3.0%. This decline in broader economic activity has led to rising expectations of more aggressive rate cuts from the European Central Bank (ECB). ECB President Christine Lagarde reiterated the bank’s commitment to fostering growth, projecting that inflation would ease again by 2025 despite a near-term bump in Q4.

Markets are pricing in a 25-bps rate cut from the ECB next week. Political turmoil in France, including President Emmanuel Macron surviving a no-confidence vote and planning to appoint a new Prime Minister, has been largely brushed aside by investors.

US Labor Market Data Adds Complexity to NFP Expectations

In the US, Initial Jobless Claims rose to 224,000 for the week ending November 29, the highest in six weeks, missing expectations of 215,000. Challenger Job Cuts also increased to 57,727 in November, signaling potential cracks in the labor market. However, these figures are seen as less significant compared to the looming NFP data, which is expected to show a strong rebound of 200,000 job additions in November following October’s hurricane- and strike-impacted figure of 12,000.

EUR/USD Technical Analysis

Current Outlook: The EUR/USD daily chart reflects a consolidation phase following a substantial downtrend that started in mid-July. After peaking near 1.1270, the pair experienced a steep decline, breaking below major support levels, including the 200-day EMA (1.0834) and the critical psychological level of 1.0600.

Recent Action: The pair recently rebounded from a November low of 1.0450, showing resilience around the 1.0588 level. Thursday’s bullish daily candle indicates growing momentum, with the pair breaking above the short-term resistance at 1.0550.

Upside Potential: A sustained move above 1.0600 could set the stage for further gains, potentially targeting the 50-day EMA at 1.0715. Breaking this level could validate a broader trend reversal and pave the way for a test of the 200-day EMA at 1.0834.

Downside Risks: On the downside, the MACD remains negative but shows signs of weakening bearish momentum. A failure to maintain the current rally could see EUR/USD revisiting support at 1.0500, with the critical 1.0450 low serving as a key threshold for bullish traders.

Key Levels to Watch:

Bullish Breakout: Daily close above 1.0600
Support Levels: 1.0500 and 1.0450
Resistance Levels: 1.0715 (50-day EMA) and 1.0834 (200-day EMA)

Market Sentiment

The EUR/USD’s performance hinges on Friday’s NFP data. A strong report could bolster the USD, potentially pressuring the pair back below 1.0550. Conversely, a weaker-than-expected NFP could fuel a risk-on rally, driving EUR/USD above 1.0600 and closer to 1.0700 in the near term. Traders should closely monitor the interplay between US labor data and ECB policy signals for the next directional move.