Skip to content

Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.
Spread bets and CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading spread bets and CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how spread bets and CFDs work, and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money.

Dollar steady against euro and yen, and strengthens against sterling

The Fed’s rate hike last night did little to boost the dollar in the short-term, but the overall outlook means that the greenback continues to hold its ground against other currencies.

Video poster image

EUR/USD hovers near $1.06

Despite raising rates by the largest single amount since 2000, yesterday’s Federal Reserve (Fed) meeting actually delivered a weaker US dollar. EUR/USD has been edging higher over the past week, but the Fed meeting provided the spark for further gains that might result in a short-term counter-trend bounce.

Of course, the broader picture remains firmly bearish, with the lower low from last week confirming the strength of the move, and the price remaining well below the declining 50-day simple moving average (SMA).

Further short-term gains above $1.06 would target $1.0777, and then on towards $1.09, where the price encountered resistance in April, along with the 50-day SMA (currently $1.09).

EUR/USD chart Source: ProRealTime
EUR/USD chart Source: ProRealTime

GBP/USD weakens before Bank of England meeting

While the GBP/USD recovered yesterday following the Fed meeting, it has come under pressure once again.

While the Fed has talked about the pace of rate hikes, and has moved to 50 basis points (bps) from 25 bps, caution at the Bank of England (BoE) has meant that the pound has come off worse against the US dollar, falling sharply in recent months. The downtrend is firmly intact, and the anaemic bounce of the past week does little to change that.

A recovery above $1.2635 would provide a more short-term bullish view, opening the way to a possible bounce in the direction of $1.3 and the 50-day SMA. Alternately, should the BoE be less hawkish than expected, the pair may fall back towards last week’s low at $1.2411.

GBP/USD chart Source: ProRealTime
GBP/USD chart Source: ProRealTime

USD/JPY holds above ¥128.00

The Fed’s decision last night has provided some support for the USD/JPY, as the gap between the central banks and their policies widens.

Gains have been hard to come by, as barring a much more hawkish Fed, further upside is difficult to achieve in the absence of fresh news.

​Arguably the risk-reward ratio continues to be unfavourable for buyers, given the shallowness of the retracement. A bigger drop towards ¥126.00 or lower might provide a better risk-reward outlook.

USD/JPY chart Source: ProRealTime
USD/JPY chart Source: ProRealTime

This information has been prepared by IG, a trading name of IG Markets Limited. In addition to the disclaimer below, the material on this page does not contain a record of our trading prices, or an offer of, or solicitation for, a transaction in any financial instrument. IG accepts no responsibility for any use that may be made of these comments and for any consequences that result. 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. Any research provided does not have regard to the specific investment objectives, financial situation and needs of any specific person who may receive it. It has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is considered to be a marketing communication. Although we are not specifically constrained from dealing ahead of our recommendations we do not seek to take advantage of them before they are provided to our clients. See full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

Start trading forex today

Find opportunity on the world’s most-traded – and most-volatile – financial market.

  • Trade spreads from just 0.6 points on EUR/USD
  • Analyse with clear, fast charts
  • Speculate wherever you are with our intuitive mobile apps

See an FX opportunity?

Try a risk-free trade in your demo account, and see whether you’re onto something.

  • Log in to your demo
  • Take your position
  • See whether your hunch pays off

See an FX opportunity?

Don’t miss your chance – upgrade to a live account to take advantage.

  • Get spreads from just 0.6 points on popular pairs
  • Analyse and deal seamlessly on fast, intuitive charts
  • See and react to breaking news in-platform

See an FX opportunity?

Don’t miss your chance. Log in to take your position.

Live prices on most popular markets

  • Equities
  • Indices
  • Forex
  • Commodities


Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All share prices are delayed by at least 15 minutes.

Prices above are subject to our website terms and agreements. Prices are indicative only. All shares prices are delayed by at least 15 mins.

Plan your trading week

Get the week’s market-moving news sent directly to your inbox every Sunday. The Week Ahead gives you a full calendar of upcoming economic events, as well as commentary from our expert analysts on the key markets to watch.


For more info on how we might use your data, see our privacy notice and access policy and privacy webpage.

You might be interested in…

Find out what charges your trades could incur with our transparent fee structure.

Discover why so many clients choose us, and what makes us a world-leading provider of spread betting and CFDs.

Stay on top of upcoming market-moving events with our customisable economic calendar.