ECB Interest Rate Decision (EUR/USD), UK Government Plans To Cap Gas Prices (EUR/GBP, GBP/AUD)

Summary:

• ECB raised all 3 major interest rates by 75bps.
• UK Government capping gas prices for next 2 years.
• RBA nearing the end of its interest rate hiking cycle.

ECB interest rate hikes

The market is reflecting bullish signals for this currency pair. To combat record-high inflation in the Euro Area, the ECB increased each of the three major interest rates by 75 basis points. Markets and experts had generally anticipated the decision to raise interest rates by 75 basis points, thus the first impact on the Euro has been muted so far. The ECB also noted that the governing council anticipates raising rates during the coming sessions, which is consistent with money market pricing, which projects a further 92 basis points of tightening by year's end.

Looking ahead, attention will primarily be on ECB President Lagarde's news conference, where she is expected to discuss the necessity to raise interest rates into restrictive territory (above neutral rates) in order to support the euro in the short term. The energy crisis, which continues to put pressure on the Euro through parity, is the major story, though.

✕ EUR/USD Price Chart

UK Government to cap gas prices

The market is reflecting mixed signals for this currency pair. Following the announcement that the UK government would cap annual UK gas prices at £2500 for the next two years, the likelihood of a stronger finish to 2022 for the British Pound moved closer. An influential economist claims that the action effectively keeps UK inflation at current levels and averts the possibility of a recession. Investors have dumped sterling in recent months due to concerns that the UK would be among the nations worst affected by a confluence of rising inflation and slowing economic growth. Therefore, Truss' intervention refutes this claim, stating that the changes will probably reduce inflation's predicted peak by 5 percentage points.

✕ EUR/GBP Price Chart

RBA nearing the end of their interest rate hiking cycle

The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is reaching the conclusion of its interest rate hike cycle, according to Governor Philip Lowe, which will cause the Australian Dollar to weaken. In the meantime, data indicating the nation's outstanding trade surplus shrank in July put additional pressure on the Australian dollar. According to Lowe, disparities between Australian and American pay setting practices allow the RBA to afford to slow pace.

✕ GBP/AUD Price Chart

Sources: finance.yahoo.com, poundsterlinglive.com, dailyfx.com