ECB meeting preview: strategic review key for ECB
Strategic review in focus for the ECB, with markets pricing an outside chance of another rate cut.
When and where?
The first European Central Bank (ECB) meeting of 2020 will take place at their Frankfurt headquarters on Thursday 23 January.
Will we see any change to ECB rate or QE?
With this meeting representing the second rate decision from ECB President Christine Lagarde, there have typically been few reasons to expect any fireworks on Thursday. With rock bottom rates and monthly quantitative easing (QE) purchases, there have been few that expect to see any move from the committee this month. Inflation has been on the rise, with the headline figure rising to 1.3%. That represents the joint highest rate since March 2019.
Nevertheless, markets are currently pricing in a 25% chance of a rate cut on Thursday, perhaps pricing in a distinct lack of confidence that the US-China trade deal will do anything to drive a recovery for export heavy nations such as Germany. While that deal helped boost US exports, it looks unlikely to do much to spark a resurgence for global growth levels outside of America. Therefore, questions will be asked over how to best drive growth within the eurozone, with the committee likely to recognize that there is little left that the ECB can do. Instead the focus will likely shift fiscal policy considerations.
What about the strategic review?
The meeting will see the ECB kick off a hugely important strategic review. We will be on the lookout for a whole host of factors, largely related to the timing and scope of the review. One of the most important parts of this review comes in relation to price stability, with the ECB hoping to better define what their target should be and how to measure it. For the most part, we are looking for the inflation target to shift to a more flexible target band.
Where now for the euro?
EUR/USD is regaining ground ahead of the ECB rate decision, with the pair extending higher after an inverse head and shoulders formation. Coming off the back of a recent decline, there is a good chance that we are seeing a retracement here rather than an all-out recovery.
Despite the break below $1.1085 this week, we remain above the critical $1.1066 support level, which must be broken if we are to reverse the recent fourth quarter uptrend. Looking at the long-term picture, this downtrend is expected to return soon enough, and thus it makes sense to watch for a break below $1.1066 to bring about a wider bearish picture. Until then, this rebound looks likely to falter unless we see a break through the $1.1172 level.
IGA, may distribute information/research produced by its respective foreign affiliates within the IG Group of companies pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the research is distributed in Singapore to a person who is not an Accredited Investor, Expert Investor or an Institutional Investor, IGA accepts legal responsibility for the contents of the report to such persons only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact IGA at 6390 5118 for matters arising from, or in connection with the information distributed.
The information/research herein is prepared by IG Asia Pte Ltd (IGA) and its foreign affiliated companies (collectively known as the IG Group) and is intended for general circulation only. It does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any particular person. You should take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation, and particular needs before making a commitment to trade, including seeking advice from an independent financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment, under a separate engagement, as you deem fit.
No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Consequently, any person acting on it does so entirely at their own risk. Please see important Research Disclaimer.
Please also note that the information does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. Any views and opinions expressed may be changed without an update.
European Central Bank meeting
Learn about how the ECB meeting affects interest rates and price stability ahead of the next announcement.
- How might the next meeting affect the markets?
- What are the key rate decisions to watch?
- Why is the Governing Council announcement important for traders?
Live prices on most popular markets
- Forex
- Shares
- Indices
See more forex live prices
See more shares live prices
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.
See more indices live prices
Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 20 mins.