The Euro's early rise was halted by dismal German sentiment data, with GfK's index at -25.5, highlighting Eurozone's inflation and economic concerns.
The Euro has surrendered its earlier gains to trade lower on Tuesday, rattled by disappointing German consumer sentiment data. Earlier, the currency had found some footing, trading 0.11% higher at $1.0829, as investors awaited key euro zone inflation data. However, the tide turned quickly, pulling the Euro down to a session low of $1.0806.
Investor sentiment was dented by data from the GfK institute indicating that German consumer sentiment is set to fall in September. The consumer sentiment index plummeted to -25.5, worse than analysts’ expectations of -24.3, and a decline from the previous month’s -24.6. The numbers have stoked inflation fears, and according to GfK consumer expert Ralf Buerkl, the likelihood of consumer sentiment recovering anytime this year is “dwindling.”
The GfK report further indicated that private consumption in Germany is unlikely to contribute positively to the economy this year. Persistent inflation and declining income expectations have put a damper on the willingness to buy, making consumption a potential burden on Germany’s economic growth. This will likely have ripple effects across the broader Eurozone, casting a shadow over the region’s economic outlook.
Given the bleak consumer sentiment in Germany and its potential impact on the Eurozone, the short-term outlook for the Euro remains bearish. Investors should brace for more volatility, especially with impending euro zone inflation data that could further influence the currency’s direction.
By capturing various economic indicators and sentiment indexes, the GfK report serves as a red flag for the Euro and European markets at large. Keep an eye out for upcoming economic data, as it could either exacerbate or relieve the prevailing negative sentiment.
The EUR/USD pair’s current 4-hour price of 1.0809 sits marginally below the previous 4-hour close of 1.0810, suggesting near-term price stability. The price is significantly below the 200-4H moving average of 1.0995, indicating a prevailing bearish momentum. Meanwhile, it is narrowly below the 50-4H moving average of 1.0848, reinforcing the bearish sentiment. The 14-4H RSI reading is at 44.50, which is below the neutral 50 mark, signaling weaker momentum.
Furthermore, the price is hugging the main support area of 1.0804, yet far from the main resistance zone between 1.1042 and 1.1065. Given these technical indicators, the EUR/USD market currently appears bearish on a 4-hour time frame.
James Hyerczyk is a U.S. based seasoned technical analyst and educator with over 40 years of experience in market analysis and trading, specializing in chart patterns and price movement. He is the author of two books on technical analysis and has a background in both futures and stock markets.