empty
13.03.2025 12:14 PM
U.S. Inflation Brings Relief to the Fed but Not to the Markets

The euro and pound showed little reaction to news that consumer prices in the U.S. grew at their slowest pace in four months in February—a welcome sign for American households, which remain concerned that Trump's trade policies could drive up costs.

According to the data, the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.2%, following a sharp 0.5% increase in January. Core prices, which exclude volatile food and energy categories, also rose by 0.2%.

This image is no longer relevant

The slowdown in price growth was partially due to declining prices for cars and gasoline. Economists, however, expect that the escalation of the trade war will lead to rising prices for various goods—from food to clothing—in the coming months, testing the resilience of consumers and the economy.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that almost half of the CPI increase came from housing, though the pace of growth slowed compared to the previous month. Airfares dropped by 4%, marking the biggest decline since June, while new car prices and gasoline costs also decreased. Food prices, on the other hand, remained largely unchanged after a strong rise in January.

In his address to Congress last week, U.S. President Donald Trump downplayed concerns about rising prices due to tariffs, describing them as a minor inconvenience that the country should be able to overcome. However, uncertainty over trade policies and retaliatory measures from other countries have led to sharp stock market declines and renewed fears of a recession.

Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve remains patient, maintaining a wait-and-see approach until there is greater clarity on inflation trends and the administration's actions. Fed officials have repeatedly emphasized this stance in interviews. It is expected that the Fed will keep interest rates unchanged at next week's meeting, which limited the upside potential for risk assets like the euro and pound on Monday.

The combination of easing inflationary pressure and increasing risks of economic slowdown suggests that the Fed is approaching a point where it will need to resume cutting interest rates. However, that moment has not arrived yet.

Some economists analyzed this inflation report as an early indicator of Trump's tariffs' impact—which began last month with duties on all Chinese imports and have since expanded to include certain Mexican and Canadian goods. However, core goods prices rose only 0.2%, while categories such as furniture, toys, and televisions remained unchanged.

EUR/USD Technical Outlook

At the moment, EUR/USD buyers need to break through the 1.0930 level to target a test of 1.0970. From there, an advance toward 1.1010 is possible, but without strong support from institutional traders, this will be difficult. The ultimate target is 1.1050.

In the event of a decline, significant buying interest is expected around 1.0870. If no major buyers emerge at this level, a further drop toward 1.0840 or even 1.0800 could be possible before considering long positions.

GBP/USD Technical Outlook

For GBP/USD bulls, breaking the nearest resistance at 1.2960 is key to targeting 1.3010, beyond which further gains will be challenging. The main upside target is 1.3040.

If the pair falls, bears will attempt to regain control at 1.2940. A break below this range would deliver a serious blow to bullish positions, driving GBP/USD toward 1.2915 with the potential for a further drop to 1.2875.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Summary
Urgency
Analytic
Pavel Vlasov
Start trade
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

XAU/USD. Gold Balances Strong U.S. Data with Geopolitical Risks

Gold is once again attracting buyers, despite the release of positive U.S. economic data, against the backdrop of escalating geopolitical risks. Earlier this week, comments from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome

Irina Yanina 22:07 2025-09-25 UTC+2

USD/CHF. Analysis and Forecast

The Swiss National Bank's (SNB) interest rate decision is scheduled for Thursday, September 25, 2025, followed by a press conference from Chairman Martin Schlegel. It is expected that the central

Irina Yanina 10:21 2025-09-25 UTC+2

The dollar strengthened its position against a range of risk assets

Yesterday, the U.S. dollar strengthened against a number of risk assets after Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent voiced his disappointment that Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell did not outline a clear

Jakub Novak 10:16 2025-09-25 UTC+2

Gold Continues Its Correction

Gold prices have declined but remain close to all-time highs as traders—encouraged by upbeat US economic data and noting diverging opinions among Federal Reserve officials this week—have reassessed their expectations

Miroslaw Bawulski 09:26 2025-09-25 UTC+2

The Market Sobered Up Thanks to the Fed

If the White House interferes with the Federal Reserve, why shouldn't the central bank express its view about financial markets? Scott Bessent wonders why the Fed Chair hasn't signaled future

Marek Petkovich 09:26 2025-09-25 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on September 25? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

There are only a few macroeconomic reports scheduled for Thursday, but some of them are truly important. Most notably, the US reports on durable goods orders and the third estimate

Paolo Greco 07:20 2025-09-25 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview. September 25. Trump the Victor and Peacemaker

On Wednesday, the GBP/USD currency pair once again traded lower—a move we see as completely illogical. However, it's important to remember that the market isn't always trending. Flat (sideways) trading

Paolo Greco 03:27 2025-09-25 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview. September 25. Powell's Speech: Just as Expected

On Wednesday, the EUR/USD currency pair unexpectedly resumed its downward movement, for which there is simply no clear explanation. As always, it's easy to come up with a post-hoc reason

Paolo Greco 03:27 2025-09-25 UTC+2

Powell's Speech and Why the Dollar Is Rising. Part 3

Jerome Powell acknowledged the existing problems in the economy—and that's a fact. How to interpret those problems is up to each trader. My only advice is to follow the "instructions"

Chin Zhao 00:33 2025-09-25 UTC+2

Powell's Speech and Why the Dollar Is Rising. Part 2

Let's return to Jerome Powell, the Federal Reserve, and the outlook for the dollar. The Fed Chair, along with almost the entire FOMC, is unified in their assessment

Chin Zhao 00:33 2025-09-25 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.