Chart Of The Day: The Case For The Euro

 | Oct 27, 2022 14:20

The European market is gearing up for a jumbo rate hike by the European Central Bank. The expectation is weighing on the STOXX 600 Index as investors expect the euro to strengthen following the rate hike.

A stronger EUR/USD may create two headwinds for European corporates:

  • European exports become more expensive making them less competitive.
  • Rising rates reduce demand for goods and services which dents corporate profitability. It could also result in a hiring freeze, wage reductions or even layoffs.

When a central bank hikes rates to slow an economy that is expanding too quickly, a recession is always a risk.

Despite easing in natural gas prices, European inflation remains around record highs so the ECB is expected to raise rates at 8:15 EST by 0.75% to 2.00%, its highest over a decade.

And we can see that these expectations are affecting demand for the euro.