EUR/USD Surpasses 1.0800, Awaits Eurozone CPI and US NFP

Despite reclaiming the 1.0800 area, the EUR/USD pair faces persistent pressure with a fifth consecutive weekly close in the negative zone. The European Central Bank’s (ECB) hawkish stance fails to provide the Euro the anticipated edge against its counterparts, even amid weaker Eurozone economic data. The pair currently hovers around 1.0808, registering a 0.10% increase for the day.

During the Jackson Hole Symposium, ECB President Christine Lagarde highlighted the ongoing battle against inflation, underscoring central banks’ role in establishing economic anchors for price stability. She affirmed her commitment to maintaining interest rates at restrictive levels until the ECB achieves its 2% medium-term inflation target. However, the Euro’s response remains muted. Meanwhile, ECB Governing Council member Martins Kazaks cautioned against prematurely halting the inflation-fighting measures, as this might exert greater pressure on the economy in the future.

Across the Atlantic, Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Jerome Powell conveyed a preparedness to further increase interest rates if data supports such a move. He indicated that strong economic growth and tight labor market conditions could warrant additional tightening. Notably, Powell’s comments spurred Greenback buying against the Euro.

On the domestic front, Philadelphia Fed President Patrick Harker advocated maintaining steady rates to assess policy impact, while Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester underscored growing economic momentum. She stressed that prevailing rates lack the restrictiveness needed to attain inflation targets, suggesting a need for controlled growth to temper inflation.

Turning to data, August’s University of Michigan Consumer Confidence Index declined to 69.5 from July’s 71.6, reflecting a cautious consumer outlook. The Current Conditions and Expectations Indices also retreated, signaling potential economic uncertainty.

Looking ahead, market attention remains fixed on upcoming economic indicators. The German Consumer Price Index (CPI), German Retail Sales, and Eurozone CPI data are slated for release, along with the ECB meeting minutes. On the US front, preliminary Gross Domestic Product Annualized (GDP), Core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Index, and weekly Jobless Claims data are due. However, the focus will intensify on Friday’s Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report, expected to be pivotal in shaping the EUR/USD pair’s trajectory.