EUR/USD and GBP/USD Range-Bound Ahead of Key US Data

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European currencies continue to trade within established ranges following the heightened volatility of recent weeks. Last week, both EUR/USD and GBP/USD declined before staging a recovery; however, the pairs are once again testing important support levels without developing a sustained directional impulse. Market participants remain cautious amid the absence of fresh geopolitical catalysts and ahead of key macroeconomic data releases from the United States.

Investor attention is primarily focused on the publication of US core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) data, GDP figures, and durable goods orders. These indicators could significantly influence expectations regarding future Federal Reserve policy and determine the next direction for the dollar. Additional market influence is also coming from comments by Bank of England officials and European data on business activity and consumer confidence.

EUR/USD

EUR/USD continues to display sideways dynamics within the 1.1600–1.1660 range. Technical analysis of EUR/USD points to the possibility of a retest of last week’s low near 1.1570 should 1.1600 shift into resistance territory. A resumption of upward movement would only become likely after a confident break and consolidation above 1.1660.

Key events for EUR/USD:

  • today at 11:00 (GMT+3): Italian consumer confidence index;
  • today at 13:00 (GMT+3): Spanish business confidence index;
  • today at 15:30 (GMT+3): US core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index.

GBP/USD

Following an upward correction, GBP/USD has once again come under pressure. However, the recent low near 1.3300 remains intact, preserving the likelihood of continued range-bound trading. Technical analysis of GBP/USD indicates the possibility of a test of the nearest support zone at 1.3370–1.3390. A break below this area could lead to a decline towards 1.3300, while a confident rebound from it may return the pair to the 1.3460–1.3500 range.

Key events for GBP/USD:

  • today at 11:05 (GMT+3): speech by Bank of England Financial Policy Committee member Sarah Breeden;
  • today at 15:30 (GMT+3): US GDP data;
  • today at 17:00 (GMT+3): US new home sales.

Overall, EUR/USD and GBP/USD continue to trade in conditions of range-bound price action and subdued market activity. The further direction of European currencies will depend on the release of key US economic data, comments from central bank officials, and the broader dynamics of geopolitical risks across global markets.