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12.02.2025 11:24 AM
Jerome Powell's Speech Fails to Impress Currency Traders
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The euro and pound responded in a rather unusual way to yesterday's comments from Fed Chair Jerome Powell, who stated that the central bank sees no need to rush with interest rate adjustments. This reaffirmed the view that Fed policymakers will exercise patience before further cutting borrowing costs.Despite Powell's caution, the euro and pound strengthened, while the dollar lost ground. This could be due to today's inflation data, which many forecasts suggest may show weaker price pressures than previously expected.

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"Since our policy position is now significantly less restrictive than it was before, and the economy remains strong, we do not need to rush to adjust our policy position," Powell said on Tuesday at a meeting of the Senate Banking Committee. "We know that cutting rates too quickly or too much can hinder progress in the fight against inflation," he said. "At the same time, reducing policy constraints too slowly or too little may unduly weaken economic activity and employment."

Traders mostly kept their rate expectations unchanged, suggesting Powell's remarks did not shift the outlook significantly. Powell's statements closely resembled his January comments, following the Fed's decision to leave rates unchanged.

In 2024, the Fed cut rates at three consecutive meetings, but policymakers have since signaled a pause until inflation declines further. The labor market remains a key factor in the Fed's cautious approach. Powell described the job market as "broadly balanced" and not a significant source of inflationary pressure. When asked whether the U.S. economy is experiencing a "soft landing," Powell declined to make a judgment.

The latest employment data painted a picture of a slowing but solid labor market. Employers added 143,000 jobs in January, and the unemployment rate dropped to 4%. Inflation, as measured by the Fed, remained above the 2.6% target for the end of 2024. Powell said inflation was "slightly higher" than the Central bank's 2% target.

Today's CPI report will be crucial for the dollar's next move. If inflation growth slows, the dollar could decline further. Powell hinted that inflation expectations remain anchored, but also acknowledged risks from Trump's new trade tariffs. The recent tariff hikes on Chinese goods, steel, and aluminum imports—as well as threats of additional tariffs on Canada and Mexico—could put upward pressure on inflation.

These measures could impact economic growth and labor market conditions.

As for the current technical picture of EUR/USD, buyers need to break above 1.0380 to target 1.0410. A move beyond 1.0410 could extend gains to 1.0440, but this would require support from large market players. The ultimate bullish target is 1.0470. 1.0340 is a crucial support level where large buyers may step in. If no buying interest appears, further declines could lead to a retest of 1.0310 or even 1.0280 for potential long positions.

As for the current technical picture of GBP/USD, pound buyers need to break above 1.2460 to aim for 1.2505. A breakout beyond 1.2505 will be challenging, but the next target would be 1.2545. Bears will attempt to regain control at 1.2415. A break below 1.2415 could seriously weaken bullish momentum, leading GBP/USD toward 1.2375 and possibly 1.2330.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
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