EUR/USD Breaks Above 1.1100 as Softer US CPI and Tariff Halt Fuel Euro Strength
The EUR/USD currency pair broke above 1.1100 after a softer-than-projected U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) reading for March and a temporary tariff retreat by President Donald Trump. The euro’s rally intensified in the face of market euphoria over a 90-day suspension of tit-for-tat tariffs, which initially boosted the U.S. dollar but soon gave way to fresh euro strength. Weaker inflation data, with both headline and core readings falling short of expectations, spurred hopes of imminent Fed rate cuts, even though the CME FedWatch tool indicated lower probabilities for a May cut. With volatility continuing to trend higher, EUR/USD continues to move higher, setting its sights on the 1.1200 resistance. KEY LOOKOUTS • EUR/USD is close to the significant resistance zone at 1.1200 that topped rallies in August and September 2024. Breaking above this level would indicate a more bullish continuation. • On the negative side, the uptrend line around 1.0910 and the 200-day SMA at 1.0735 are crucial supports to look out for on a pullback. • Market sentiment will likely change following remarks from top Fed officials today, including Lorie Logan, Michelle Bowman, Austan Goolsbee, and Patrick Harker. • With the odds of a May rate cut declining to 19.5%, there remains a 75.3% chance of a cut in June that keeps rate policy on everyone’s mind and driving EUR/USD direction. The trader must watch closely the 1.1200 resistance level that capped previous EUR/USD rallies and now represents a critical breakout point. To the negative, the uptrend line at 1.0910 and the 200-day SMA level of 1.0735 serve as significant support levels that may cushion a pullback. Market players will also be listening to a string of speeches from various Federal Reserve officials, which may provide new clues to forthcoming monetary policy action. Furthermore, although the chances of a May rate cut have receded, a 75.3% chance of easing in June still dominates investor sentiment and may generate more volatility in the pair. Important resistance for EUR/USD is at 1.1200, while powerful support is at 1.0910 and the 200-day SMA at 1.0735. Speeches by Fed officials and changing rate cut expectations—now in favor of June—are still vital determinants of the pair’s next step. • EUR/USD breaks above 1.1100 following softer-than-anticipated U.S. CPI data. • March CPI reported monthly headline inflation fell by 0.1%, lower than expectations. • Core inflation also slowed down, supporting hopes of a Fed rate cut within the next few months. • 90-day tariff hiatus by President Trump initially supported the dollar but reversed swiftly. • Resistance is at 1.1200, with interim resistance at 1.1146. • The major supports are 1.0910 (trend line) and 1.0735 (200-day SMA). • Fed speakers and June rate cut probabilities (75.3%) will continue to be the key drivers in terms of near-term direction. The EUR/USD currency pair shot above the 1.1100 level following the softer-than-expected U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) for March, which fuelled hopes of a more dovish Federal Reserve policy. Both headline and underlying inflation numbers fell short of expectations, with monthly headline inflation even registering a decline of 0.1%. This surprise softness in inflation numbers propelled the euro against the dollar, as investors reevaluated the timing for possible interest rate reductions. Following on the heels of momentum was President Donald Trump’s revelation of a 90-day hiatus on mutual tariffs, which initially buoyed the U.S. dollar before sentiment turned in the euro’s favor. EUR/USD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView EUR/USD pair is displaying significant bullish momentum as it retakes key psychological levels. Resistance currently stands at 1.1146 and the key hurdle at 1.1200, which sat on top of earlier rallies during 2024. Support in the downside stands at the upward trend line close to 1.0910 and the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) level of 1.0735. Market participants will be listening carefully today to several comments from Federal Reserve officials, along with forthcoming economic statistics, as they look for guidance on whether there will be a rate reduction in June—a prospect currently at 75.3% pricing. All this will probably leave EUR/USD jumpy short term. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS EUR/USD is showing intense buying pressure, recovering the vital 1.1000 point and heading toward the resistance zone at 1.1146, the latest year-to-date high. A persistent breach above this level may create the possibility for a challenge of the pivotal 1.1200 resistance band, which already topped gains in late 2024. Support on the downside comes initially at the rising trend line at around 1.0910, then the 200-day Simple Moving Average (SMA) at 1.0735. If bearish pressure becomes more pronounced, further support comes in at the 1.0667 pivot and the 55-day SMA of 1.0645, which makes these levels important to sustain the existing bullish structure. FORECAST If the bullish momentum is sustained, EUR/USD is set to continue its rally in the near term. A definitive breakout above the 1.1146 resistance would set the stage for the psychologically important 1.1200 level, which served as a robust ceiling during August and September 2024. A strong close above 1.1200 is likely to stimulate additional buying pressure, potentially all the way up to 1.1270 and even 1.1350 in the medium term. Confirmation from softer U.S. inflation data and increasing market conviction in a June Federal Reserve rate cut may continue to boost the euro’s strength versus the dollar. Conversely, if the rally falters or hawkish comments by Federal Reserve officials erode rate cut hopes, EUR/USD may see renewed selling pressure. A fall below the short-term support at 1.0910, indicated by the rising trend line, would represent diminishing bullish pressure. This may induce a deeper decline towards the 200-day SMA at 1.0735. In case bearish momentum strengthens, further intraday targets are the 1.0667 pivot and the 55-day SMA at 1.0645, where the buyers may try to reverse the pair.