Daily Price Outlook
During the European trading session, the EUR/USD currency pair started the 2025 trading year with a sharp decline, dropping by 0.8% and reaching the 1.0250 level, marking its lowest point since November 2022, a nearly 26-month low.
The drop was driven by disappointing European Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data, which came in below expectations.
This added to the pressure on the euro, as traders were already feeling uneasy after dovish comments from European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker Yannis Stournaras later in the day.
On the flip side, the US dollar continued its upward momentum, climbing to a fresh multi-year high of 109.56 following the release of the latest US Jobless Claims data.
The combination of weaker economic data from Europe and a stronger dollar kept the EUR/USD pair firmly on the back foot, with traders closely monitoring upcoming developments for any signs of a reversal.
EUR/USD Under Pressure Amid Weaker European Data, Dovish ECB Outlook, and Rising Petrol Prices
On the EUR front, the European Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data missed expectations on Thursday, further adding to the pressure on the euro.
This was followed by a dovish comment from European Central Bank (ECB) policymaker Yannis Stournaras, who stated that the ECB plans to gradually lower interest rates through 2025. He suggested that rates could be around 2% later this year, which signals a more cautious approach from the ECB.
With the Federal Reserve expected to reduce interest rates more slowly than initially anticipated in 2025, the interest rate gap between the Euro and the US dollar is likely to grow, putting additional downward pressure on EUR/USD throughout the year.
This has led some analysts to predict that the euro could reach parity with the dollar in the near future.
In addition, the Pan-European PMI data showed a slight decline in December, coming in at 45.1, just below the expected 45.2.
While the data wasn’t a huge market mover, it highlighted the growing chance that the ECB may speed up its rate cuts to help the struggling European economy.
At the same time, rising petrol prices, reaching two-year highs, are adding to the challenges in Europe. Together, these factors are making it difficult for the euro to gain strength, keeping the pressure on EUR/USD in the long term.
Therefore, the combination of weaker European economic data, dovish ECB signals, and rising petrol prices is likely to keep the EUR/USD pair under pressure.
As interest rate differentials widen, the euro could continue to struggle, possibly pushing EUR/USD towards parity with the dollar.
EUR/USD – Technical Analysis
EUR/USD is trading at 1.0281, down 0.21% as bearish sentiment prevails, with the pair slipping below its pivot point at 1.02977.Immediate resistance is positioned at 1.03399, followed by higher levels at 1.03708 and 1.04122.
On the downside, support is found at 1.01664 and extends to 1.01308, underscoring critical zones for potential rebounds.
The RSI is at 30, signaling oversold conditions, which could attract short-term buyers, though caution is advised as bearish momentum remains dominant.
The pair is trading well below its 50-day EMA at 1.03862, reinforcing the bearish trend and suggesting a challenge to sustain any recovery above key resistance levels.
For a bullish reversal, EUR/USD needs to reclaim the pivot point at 1.02977, which could target the first resistance at 1.03399.
However, failure to hold support at 1.01664 may trigger further declines, exposing the pair to lower levels at 1.01308 or below.
Market participants should monitor price action near the pivot and RSI for signs of a rebound or continued downward pressure.
The current technical setup favors a cautious approach as EUR/USD hovers near critical thresholds.
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