EUR/USD Soars to 2024 Highs as Fed Rate Cut Speculation Grows

22 Ağu

The EUR/USD pair extended its rally for the fourth consecutive day, reaching new 2024 highs around 1.1170. This surge has been fueled by continued weakness in the US Dollar (USD), which has been under pressure as market sentiment shifts.

The US Dollar Index (DXY), a measure of the USD’s strength against a basket of major currencies, fell below the critical 101.00 level for the first time since December 2023. This decline was exacerbated by the release of the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Minutes, which hinted at the possibility of an interest rate cut by the Federal Reserve (Fed) in September.

From a technical perspective, the EUR/USD pair bypassed its first supply area without a significant rebound and is now approaching the second supply zone, a key area where a potential sell reversal is being closely monitored. The latest Commitment of Traders (COT) report reveals an interesting divergence: retail traders remain bullish on the pair, while commercial traders and large funds appear to be positioning themselves for a move in the opposite direction.

The likelihood of a rate cut has been a focal point for traders. The CME Group’s FedWatch Tool currently shows nearly a 60% chance of a 25 basis point reduction at the Fed's September 18 meeting, a slight decrease from around 70% the previous day. Despite the FOMC Minutes supporting the possibility of lower rates as early as next month, Fed Governor Michelle Bowman urged caution, suggesting that rate reductions should be gradual if inflation aligns with the Fed’s 2% target. Her comments indicate a desire to avoid an overly restrictive monetary policy that could stifle economic growth.

Should the Fed opt for more substantial rate cuts, the policy gap between the Fed and the European Central Bank (ECB) could narrow in the medium to long term. This convergence may further support the EUR/USD pair, particularly as market participants expect the ECB to implement two additional rate cuts this year. Such a scenario could provide additional upward momentum for the EUR/USD, pushing it even higher in the coming months.