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US Dollar Forecast: CPI Data May Drive Gains – Gold, GBP/USD, and EUR/USD Outlook

By:
Arslan Ali
Published: Dec 11, 2024, 07:51 GMT+00:00

Key Points:

  • US Dollar strengthens at $106.45, driven by CPI expectations of 2.7%, hinting at potential Federal Reserve rate policy shifts.
  • GBP/USD cautious ahead of the 10-year bond auction; yields projected at 4.48% could shift investor sentiment significantly.
  • Dollar Index bullish above $106.28, with targets at $106.72 and $107.19, supported by 50 EMA at $106.21.
US Dollar Forecast: CPI Data May Drive Gains – Gold, GBP/USD, and EUR/USD Outlook

In this article:

USD Gains to 101.7; Gold Steady at $2,695 Ahead of CPI Data

The US Dollar remains steady, buoyed by stronger-than-expected NFIB Small Business Index data at 101.7, surpassing the forecast of 94.6. Revised Nonfarm Productivity met expectations at 2.2%, while Unit Labor Costs came in at 0.8%, indicating easing wage pressures. Gold prices hold near $2,695 as traders await key CPI data due on Wednesday.

Core CPI is forecast at 0.3%, with annual inflation expected to rise slightly to 2.7%. These reports will likely influence the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook, shaping the short-term trajectory for both the US Dollar and gold. Treasury yields and geopolitical risks remain critical factors for market sentiment.

US Dollar Index (DXY) – Technical Analysis

Dollar Index Price Chart - Source: Tradingview
Dollar Index Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

The Dollar Index (DXY) is trading at $106.45, up 0.08%, holding firm above its pivot point at $106.28. This level is supported by the 50 EMA at $106.21, reinforcing bullish momentum.

The index’s symmetrical triangle pattern breakout hints at a potential uptrend, with immediate resistance at $106.72 and a higher target at $107.19 if buying momentum persists.

On the downside, immediate support lies at $105.79, followed by $105.42. A break below $106.28 could shift sentiment bearish, exposing these lower levels. The 200 EMA at $106.14 adds additional support, indicating strong technical backing for continued gains.

Gold – Technical Analysis

Gold - Chart
Gold – Chart

Gold (XAU/USD) is trading at $2,695.42, up 0.06%, maintaining its upward channel on the 4-hour chart. Immediate support is $2,675.91, with resistance at $2,704.15 and $2,721.38.

The 50 EMA at $2,665.02 reinforces bullish momentum, while a break below $2,675.91 could shift sentiment, targeting $2,657.31 or $2,635.50. The 200 EMA at $2,652.71 provides key support.

GBP Awaits 10-Year Bond Auction Yield at 4.48%

Sterling (GBP) traded steady on Tuesday with no significant economic releases. Focus shifts to Wednesday’s 10-year bond auction, expected at 4.48%. This could impact GBP performance, especially amid market anticipation of yield trends influencing broader investor sentiment. Watch for movements tied to auction results.

GBP/USD Technical Analysis

GBP/USD Price Chart - Source: Tradingview
GBP/USD Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

The GBP/USD pair is trading at $1.27536, down 0.14%, reflecting a cautious tone as traders assess its position relative to the pivotal $1.27335 level. This level aligns with an upward trendline and is bolstered by the 50 EMA at $1.27456, suggesting strong technical support.

Immediate resistance is located at $1.27996, with a higher target at $1.28415 if bullish momentum builds.

Conversely, a break below $1.27335 could signal a bearish shift, exposing the pair to declines toward support levels at $1.26927 and $1.26501. The 200 EMA at $1.27184 reinforces the importance of $1.27335 as a tipping point.

EUR Awaits Key ECB Policy Decisions After Mixed Data

The Euro (EUR) remained stable on Tuesday following German Final CPI data at -0.2% and Italian industrial production flat at 0.0%. While no major events are scheduled today, significant developments are expected tomorrow, including the Italian quarterly unemployment rate forecasted at 6.6% and the ECB’s monetary policy updates, with the refinancing rate projected at 3.15%. These events could drive volatility, particularly during the ECB press conference at 2:45 PM.

EUR/USD Technical Forecast

EUR/USD Price Chart - Source: Tradingview
EUR/USD Price Chart – Source: Tradingview

The EUR/USD pair is trading at $1.05137, down 0.12%, reflecting a cautious market tone as it holds just below the key pivot level of $1.05370. Immediate resistance is set at $1.05677, with further upside targets at $1.05945.

However, the pair remains under bearish pressure as long as prices stay below $1.05370, signaling a potential continuation of the downward trend.

Support levels at $1.04988 and $1.04597 are key to watch, especially if a break below the pivot occurs. The 50 EMA at $1.05416 and the 200 EMA at $1.05580 highlight the importance of the $1.05370 threshold.

About the Author

Arslan is a finance MBA and also holds an MPhil degree in behavioral finance. An expert in financial analysis and investor psychology, Arslan uses his academic background to bring valuable insights about market sentiment and whether instruments are likely to be overbought or oversold.

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