empty
27.05.2025 08:26 PM
Inflation in the Eurozone Gives the ECB Room to Act

The euro declined after the release of inflation data from France and the GfK report from Germany.

Exactly three years ago, eurozone data showed inflation had risen to 8.1%. Immediately after, policymakers signaled the start of interest rate hikes in the region. By that time, the Federal Reserve had already raised borrowing costs in the U.S. twice. Inflation in the region later hit even higher records, and European Central Bank (ECB) officials were widely criticized for being slow to respond.

This image is no longer relevant

Now, however, it is clear that consumer prices are back under control. According to the latest data, inflation in France unexpectedly slowed to a four-year low of 0.6%. Economists forecast Italy's rate to be 1.9% and Germany's at 2.0%.

Overall, if these forecasts are accurate, this could mark the first time since September last year, and only the second time since 2021, that inflation falls to or below the ECB's 2% target in the region's four largest economies—which together account for over 70% of the eurozone's GDP.

In other countries, price growth may remain higher. In April, inflation was 4.1% in the Netherlands and 2.55% in Belgium. These two economies represent just over 11% of the eurozone.

Nevertheless, ECB Vice President Luis de Guindos hinted last week that the moment of victory is approaching, helped by a stronger euro, declining energy prices, and a notable easing in wage pressure. "The disinflation process is ongoing," he said. "Sooner or later, we will be able to sustainably achieve our definition of price stability."

Clearly, the latest data will only strengthen the ECB's conviction that rate cuts are necessary, with the first expected at the upcoming meeting on June 5.

However, the bigger question is how further easing should proceed, and this is where the central bank remains undecided. Officials are aware that U.S. President Donald Trump's trade policies could hit the eurozone hard—especially as rising tensions with the EU could lead to inflationary retaliatory tariffs.

So despite the encouraging consumer price data this month, it may still take some time before policymakers can fully declare their goals achieved.

Goldman Sachs economists expect that Trump administration tariffs will cause a one-time spike in price levels, pushing core PCE inflation to 3.6% later this year. However, they forecast that price pressures will ease again by 2026, due to weak economic growth.

EUR/USD Technical Outlook

Buyers need to reclaim the 1.1375 level. Only then can they aim for a test of 1.1416. From there, a push to 1.1450 is possible, but it would be difficult to achieve without support from major market participants. The furthest upside target remains the 1.1490 high.

In the event of a decline, I expect significant buying interest only near 1.1335 level. If no support appears there, it would be better to wait for a retest of the 1.1300 low or consider long positions from 1.1259.

GBP/USD Technical Outlook

Pound buyers need to break through the 1.3590 resistance level. Only then will they be able to aim for 1.3620, though moving beyond that will be quite challenging. The furthest target is 1.3640.

If the pair declines, the bears will try to seize control around 1.3545. If they succeed, a break below that range would deal a serious blow to the bulls' positions, potentially pushing GBP/USD down to 1.3510, with a further drop toward 1.3475.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

Bank of England to Keep Rates Unchanged

Today, the Bank of England is expected to keep interest rates at 4.25% and signal that it is maintaining its approach of one cut every other meeting, as policymakers

Jakub Novak 11:02 2025-06-19 UTC+2

The Fed Maintains Its Previous Position

The U.S. dollar responded with growth, while risk assets such as the euro and pound declined. Following yesterday's meeting, Federal Reserve officials stated they expect two interest rate cuts

Jakub Novak 10:58 2025-06-19 UTC+2

The Iran-Israel War Has Yet to Exert Significant Negative Influence on Markets (Limited downside risk for gold and upward momentum for #USDX remains possible)

As expected, the U.S. central bank left all key monetary policy parameters unchanged, once again citing ongoing uncertainty about the future state of the national economy—a factor that has become

Pati Gani 09:14 2025-06-19 UTC+2

The Market Keeps Its Options Open

While the White House and the Federal Reserve are in wait-and-see mode, the market has also decided to hold steady. Donald Trump has yet to make a final decision

Marek Petkovich 09:08 2025-06-19 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on June 19? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

No macroeconomic reports are scheduled for Thursday. The only points of attention today will be Christine Lagarde's speeches and the results of the Bank of England meeting, which will

Paolo Greco 06:45 2025-06-19 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – June 19: UK Inflation and the Bank of England Meeting

The GBP/USD currency pair traded relatively calmly on Wednesday, though the day before, it had posted a substantial decline in the second half of the session—more than 100 pips

Paolo Greco 04:02 2025-06-19 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – June 19: Trump Continues to Work Wonders

The EUR/USD currency pair traded more calmly on Wednesday than the previous day. However, the previous day's significant movement also began only closer to the evening. It was not related

Paolo Greco 04:02 2025-06-19 UTC+2

GBP/USD. Inflation, the Bank of England, and Geopolitics

GBP/USD traders did not react to the UK inflation growth report that was published on Wednesday, just before the June Bank of England meeting. The focus of the market remains

Irina Manzenko 00:42 2025-06-19 UTC+2

The Canadian Dollar Still Looks Like a Favorite

Markets remain cautious as several high-impact events loom that could significantly alter the risk balance—namely, the FOMC meeting on Wednesday evening and a potential U.S. intervention in the war between

Kuvat Raharjo 00:42 2025-06-19 UTC+2

The Dollar Is Caught in a Vicious Cycle

The U.S. dollar has become an outcast—not just globally, but even at home. The White House supports everything from stock indices to Bitcoin and even gold through policy uncertainty

Marek Petkovich 00:42 2025-06-19 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.