EUR and GBP Hit Support Amid Dollar Strength, Political Uncertainty in Europe

The Euro is experiencing significant depreciation against the Dollar, reaching near year-to-date lows around 1.06 on Tuesday. Two primary catalysts are the relative strength of the US Dollar on declining expectations of the Fed aggressive policy easing and concerns over the Eurozone's export-dependent economies facing potential trade barriers. President-elect Trump's campaign rhetoric advocating a 10% tariff on imported goods poses a direct threat to European exporters. While estimates suggest a 0.1% reduction in the EU's GDP from such tariffs, the psychological impact on business confidence and investment decisions could be more profound.
Adding to the economic challenges is the political uncertainty emanating from Germany. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's dismissal of Finance Minister Christian Lindner has led to the collapse of the three-party coalition government. The prospect of a confidence vote and potential snap elections introduces volatility into the Eurozone's political landscape. Germany, being the economic powerhouse of Europe, plays a crucial role in shaping EU policies. Political instability here can have cascading effects on investor sentiment and economic policymaking across the region.
The European Central Bank faces a dilemma. With growth prospects weakening and disinflation trend gaining momentum, there is mounting speculation that the ECB may resort to a substantial rate cut of 50 basis points in December.
The EUR/USD currency pair has reached a significant horizontal support level at 1.0600, suggesting the potential for a short-term bullish rebound. This recovery may precede a further decline towards a more substantial support level at 1.0500, where the likelihood of a reversal in the bearish trend—or at least a meaningful consolidation—is higher. The anticipated target for this pullback is in the 1.0750 to 1.0780 range:

The British Pound is also under downward pressure following recent labor market data indicating a loosening employment landscape. The rise in the ILO Unemployment Rate to 4.3% and a slowdown in job creation suggest potential headwinds for the UK economy. However, this is juxtaposed with stronger-than-expected wage growth, with average earnings excluding bonuses increasing by 4.8%.
For the Bank of England, this presents a policy conundrum. On one hand, slowing employment growth could justify further monetary easing to support the economy. On the other hand, rising wages contribute to inflationary pressures, particularly in the services sector, which the BoE closely monitors. The central bank's cautious approach compared to its G-7 counterparts reflects this balancing act.
Market participants are currently pricing in a slight bias towards another 25 basis point rate cut in December. However, the BoE's decision will likely hinge on upcoming data releases and the evolving economic outlook. The interplay between wage dynamics and employment trends will be critical in shaping policy directions.
The GBP/USD has reached a key support level at 1.2812, which aligns with previous price consolidation zones, making it a potential area for a short-term rebound. The recent downward break of the ascending trendline and the RSI in oversold territory suggest that a brief corrective rally could be in the cards before the bearish momentum potentially resumes. A recovery towards the 1.29–1.30 range would align with resistance from the previous uptrend support line and the vicinity of the 50-day moving average, presenting a viable selling opportunity for traders looking to capitalize on the prevailing downtrend. Should this bounce materialize, traders might use it to position for a continuation of the downward trend, targeting lower support levels near 1.2600:

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