ECB Disappointed Markets – Why?

FXOpen

Last week’s main event, the European Central Bank (ECB) meeting, disappointed the market. The central bank pre-committed to ease the financial conditions already from October, but the markets remained with the feeling that the ECB did not do enough.

Yes, the central bank further eased the policy – it extended the Quantitative Easing (QE) program and offered better terms on its TLTROs. However, it was less than the market expected. Moreover, the market pushed the EURUSD exchange rate above the 1.20 level a week before the ECB, and the central bank did not give any clue that it is bothered by the move.

ECB Disappointed Markets – Why?

What Was Priced In?

The market expected the PEPP program, which basically is the QE program during the pandemic, to be extended by June 2022. Instead, the ECB extended it only by March 2022. The three months between the two dates when the ECB will not buy bonds represent a tightening rather than easing. As such, the market took the message as hawkish rather than dovish.

Moreover, the new TLTRO conditions for commercial banks to get access to the funds are tougher. In other words, few commercial banks will be able to meet the ECB’s terms so that they will get the funds needed. As a result, the ECB managed to deliver another hawkish message during a dovish statement.

Finally, the central bank suggested that it expects inflation to reach 1.2% in 2023, using the “core” approach, the one that does not consider energy prices. But that is well below the 2% threshold established by its mandate and may suggest that the ECB has a problem bringing inflation below but close to the target.

How About the EURUSD?

The EURUSD and a strong Euro represent such a problem. It is economics 101 that a stronger currency weighs on inflation. Thus, the ECB would have an easier task of reaching its inflation-targeting mandate if the Euro will not be that strong. In particular, the EURUSD is an ongoing concern for the ECB.

However, by only delivering more easing measures wrapped in hawkish statements, the ECB does nothing but fueling a stronger EUR. As such, we should not be surprised by the fact that the EURUSD rate at the 2020 highs two days after the ECB press conference ended.

This article represents the opinion of the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand only. It is not to be construed as an offer, solicitation, or recommendation with respect to products and services provided by the Companies operating under the FXOpen brand, nor is it to be considered financial advice.

Latest from Financial Market News

Weekly Market Wrap With Gary Thomson: NASDAQ’S NEW TOP, USD/CAD NEWS, WTI OIL, NVDA SHARES DECLINE Federal Reserve's 2024 Interest Rate Outlook: A Measured Descent Expected Weekly Market Wrap With Gary Thomson: EUR/GBP’s NEW HIGH, US INFLATION, S&P500 FORECAST, BRENT CRUDE Sterling Makes Modest Gains Following Cabinet Reshuffle by PM Rishi Sunak Bank of England Initiates Stress Test In Aftermath of Liz Truss Budget Disaster

Latest articles

Indices

NASDAQ Composite Index Heralds a Fine Time for Tech Stocks

In the ever-fluctuating landscape of financial markets, the NASDAQ exchange, home to some of the world's most prominent technology stocks, has been a bastion of volatility over the past two years. This week, the NASDAQ index continues its upward trajectory,

Trader’s Tools

Fibonacci Retracement Strategies

Fibonacci retracements are a cornerstone in the toolkit of many traders, offering a mathematical approach to identifying potential areas where reversals may occur. This article delves into the intricacies of using Fibonacci retracements, covering everything from basic understanding to strategies

Trader’s Tools

What Is Contrarian Trading?

Contrarian trading challenges the traditional buy-low, sell-high paradigm by going against prevailing market trends. This article delves into the principles, psychology, and tools that shape this approach, offering insights for traders seeking to tap into overlooked or undervalued opportunities. The

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 60% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.