Trading the News: U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI)
Updates to the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) may keep EUR/USD afloat as the headline reading is projected to slow to 2.2% from 2.5% per annum in October, while the core rate is expected to climb to 2.2% from 2.1% during the same period.
A batch of mixed data prints may produce headwinds for the U.S. dollar as it encourages the Federal Reserve to deliver a dovish rate-hike at its last meeting for 2018, and the central bank may start to endorse a less-hawkish forward-guidance for monetary policy as ‘participants viewed recent price developments as consistent with their expectation that inflation would remain near the Committee's symmetric 2 percent objective on a sustained basis.’
In turn, the updated figures may encourage the Fed to adopt a greater tolerance to above-target inflation, and signs of limited price growth may ultimately sap the appeal of the greenback as the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) appears to be on track to conclude its hiking-cycle in 2019.
Nevertheless, an unexpected pickup in both the headline and core CPI may put pressure on Chairman Jerome Powell & Co. to implement higher borrowing-costs over the coming months, with signs of stronger inflation likely to spark a bullish reaction in the U.S. dollar as it boosts speculation for above-neutral interest rates. Sign up and join DailyFX Currency Analyst David Song LIVE for an opportunity to discuss potential trade setups.
Impact that the U.S. CPI report has had on EUR/USD during the last release
| Period | Data Released | Estimate | Actual | Pips Change | Pips Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
OCT 2018 | 11/14/2018 13:30:00 GMT | 2.5% | 2.5% | +1 | +10 |
October 2018 U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI)
The U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) bounced back in October, with the headline reading widening to 2.5% from 2.3% per annum in September, while the core rate unexpectedly narrowed to 2.1% from 2.2% during the same period. A deeper look at the report showed prices for apparel increasing 0.1% after expanding 0.9% in September, with the cost for food narrowing 0.1% during the same period, while transportation costs increased 1.1% on the back of higher energy prices.
The lackluster data prints failed to produce a meaningful reaction, with quickly climbing back above the 1.1300 handle to end the day at 1.1307. Review the DailyFX Advanced Guide for Trading the News to learn our 8 step strategy.
EUR/USD Daily Chart
- Near-term outlook for EUR/USD remains uneventful as it tracks the previous month’s range, with the failed attempt to test the November-high (1.1500) raising the risk for a larger pullback especially as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) snaps the bullish formation carried over from last month.
- A break/close below 1.1290 (61.8% expansion) opens up the near-term support zone around 1.1220 (78.6% retracement), which largely lines up with the yearly-low (1.1216).
For more in-depth analysis, check out the Q4 Forecast for EUR/USD
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--- Written by David Song, Currency Analyst
Follow me on Twitter at @DavidJSong.
