Market Report : 08.04.2024

Published: 08/04/2024 By ECAP

The British Pound was subdued at the end of last week as a lack of UK economic data left the currency rudderless. In fact, with no fundamental drivers, Sterling wavered in a wide range and lost ground against its peers. Looking forward, the British Pound starts the new week under pressure as markets are betting that the Bank of England could cut borrowing costs as soon as June given signs that inflation is coming to heel.

The Euro continues to trade on the back foot as pressure is mounting on the ECB to cut elevated interest rates as economic growth remains anaemic and inflation continues to decline towards target. However, Thursday’s ECB monetary policy meeting is almost certain to conclude with no change in interest rates. Nevertheless, prominent governing council members have been vocalizing their preference for June as the appropriate meeting to start a managed rate cutting cycle.

The U.S. Dollar rallied on Friday and steadied in early European trade this morning as a blowout nonfarm payrolls report saw investors sharply scale back expectations that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates in June. Looking forward, inflation data for March as well as the minutes of the Fed’s March meeting are due on Wednesday. Both are expected to provide more cues after a slew of officials warned that the bank was in no hurry to trim rates.

Data supplied by GC Partners