EUR/USD Posts Modest Gains Above 1.1050, Traders Eye US ADP Report

The EUR/USD pair is experiencing slight gains, trading around 1.1070 during Asian trading hours on Wednesday. However, any escalation in geopolitical tensions, particularly in the Middle East, could weigh on risk-sensitive assets like the Euro (EUR). Investors are also focusing on the US ADP Employment Change data for September, expected later today.

Traders are still evaluating the likelihood of a significant rate cut by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) in November, following remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell. He indicated that the Fed is in no rush to reduce its benchmark rate, stating it would happen “over time.” Currently, markets are pricing in a 37.4% probability of a 50 basis points (bps) cut in November, while a 25 bps reduction has a higher chance at 62.6%, according to the CME FedWatch Tool.

Weak US economic data from Tuesday has put pressure on the US Dollar. The ISM Manufacturing PMI for September remained unchanged at 47.2, falling short of expectations of 47.5 and signaling ongoing contraction in the US manufacturing sector.

In the Eurozone, inflation slowed in September, dropping below the European Central Bank’s (ECB) target. The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose by 1.8% year-over-year in September, down from 2.2% in August, according to Eurostat. This marks the lowest inflation rate since April 2021. While the decline in inflation is encouraging, the Eurozone economy still faces challenges. The ECB reduced interest rates to 3.50% in September and has hinted at further cuts in the near future.

Geopolitical concerns in the Middle East, particularly the risk of broader conflict, could drive investors towards safe-haven assets like the US Dollar. Iran recently launched over 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retaliate against Iran for Tuesday’s attack.