HomeContributorsFundamental AnalysisEuro Edges Lower As German Industrial Production Contracts

Euro Edges Lower As German Industrial Production Contracts

The euro has edged downwards on Wednesday. Currently, the pair is trading at 1.2343, down 0.27% on the day. On the release front, German Industrial Production declined 0.6%, close to the estimate of -0.7%. This marked the third decline in four months. There are no key releases out of the US. On Thursday, Germany releases Trade Balance and the US publishes unemployment claims.

It’s been a volatile week on the stock markets, with the Dow Jones posting its biggest 0ne-day loss on Monday. The markets were back in green territory on Tuesday. A key factor in the stock market slide was strong employment numbers on Friday, as nonfarm payrolls and wage growth reports beat their estimates. Investors shied away from the stock markets, concerned that the sharp data could lead to higher inflation, which in turn would result in more rate hikes this year. Higher interest rates make the dollar more attractive for investors, at the expense of the stock markets.

The Janet Yellen era is over at the Federal Reserve. On the weekend, Jerome Powell took over as chair, replacing Yellen. On Friday, Yellen waxed optimistic about the economy, saying that strong growth, a red-hot labor market and increased wage growth would require the Fed to gradually raise interest rates. Powell is expected to continue to Yellen’s policies, so the markets are not expecting any dramatic shifts. However, the massive US tax cut will have a strong impact on the US economy, and the markets will be looking to the Fed for guidance. If the Fed sounds optimistic about the tax reform package, the US dollar could move higher.

MarketPulse
MarketPulsehttps://www.marketpulse.com/
MarketPulse is a forex, commodities, and global indices research, analysis, and news site providing timely and accurate information on major economic trends, technical analysis, and worldwide events that impact different asset classes and investors. This article is for general information purposes only. It is not investment advice or a solution to buy or sell securities.

Featured Analysis

Learn Forex Trading