empty
24.04.2025 09:59 AM
Powell Can Sleep Soundly

Markets responded with gains, and the US dollar strengthened against the euro and other risk assets after US President Donald Trump said he had no intention of firing Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, despite his disappointment that the central bank isn't taking more aggressive action to cut interest rates. "Never," Trump told reporters. "No, I'm not going to fire him. I just wish he would be a little more aggressive in his thinking about lowering interest rates."

This image is no longer relevant

Kevin Hassett, Director of the National Economic Council, told reporters last Friday that Trump had been reviewing whether he could dismiss Powell, following a series of social media posts and public comments criticizing the Fed. Last week, the president launched another tirade against Powell, right before the European Central Bank cut its key rate by a quarter point to 2.25% — about half the Fed's current rate of 4.25–4.5%.

Trump has repeatedly complained that the Fed is not cutting interest rates quickly enough, repeating his criticism during a recent speech and insisting that the market turmoil surrounding his comments was exaggerated. "We believe now is the time to cut rates, and we'd like the Fed Chair to do that in a timely manner — not too late," Trump said.

For reference, Powell and his colleagues have so far kept interest rates unchanged after cutting them by a full percentage point in the final months of 2024. Policymakers are waiting to see how the economy responds to the Trump administration's latest moves on tariffs, tax reforms, deregulation, and immigration.

Most Fed officials have stated that current policy is in a good place and that the central bank needs to maintain some pressure to keep inflation in check, which has remained above the 2% target for four years.

The US economy grew at a healthy 2.8% last year, but economists now believe tariffs will slow growth by the end of 2025. While the Fed traditionally cuts rates to support the economy in such cases, Powell and some of his colleagues have indicated that the central bank may have to prioritize the inflation side of its dual mandate, especially as tariffs could once again spur inflation.

In addition, the US dollar showed increased stability against a range of other currencies, as the White House said the administration was making progress in negotiations on trade deals aimed at reducing tariffs announced earlier this month.

Current EUR/USD Technical Picture

Buyers must focus on reclaiming the 1.1360 level. Only then will a test of 1.1430 become possible. From there, the path may open toward 1.1500, although reaching it without the support of large market players could be quite difficult. The furthest target is the 1.1570 high. If the instrument declines, I expect major buyer activity only near 1.1280. If there's no interest there, it would be prudent to wait for a new low around 1.1210 — or consider entering long from 1.1150.

Current GBP/USD Technical Picture

Pound buyers need to reclaim the nearest resistance at 1.3300. Only then will it be possible to aim for 1.3350, a level that has proven difficult to break. The furthest target is the 1.3416 level. In case of a decline, bears will attempt to regain control over 1.3240. If they succeed, a break of that range would deal a serious blow to the bulls and push GBP/USD down to the 1.3205 low, with a possible move toward 1.3165.

Jakub Novak,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

The Fed to Hold Rates Despite Pressure

The euro and the pound remain range-bound ahead of a key meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve, where officials are expected to leave interest rates unchanged as they await clarity

Jakub Novak 19:49 2025-05-07 UTC+2

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Today, the Japanese yen reached a new daily low, which contributed to the rise of the USD/JPY pair to nearly the 143.50 level. This increase is driven by positive global

Irina Yanina 19:33 2025-05-07 UTC+2

NZD/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The NZD/USD pair is pulling back from a more than two-week high in the 0.6025–0.6030 level. Currently, the quotes have fallen below the psychological level of 0.6000, signaling a pause

Irina Yanina 19:31 2025-05-07 UTC+2

U.S. Trade Deficit Hits Record High in March

The euro responded with an increase following the news that the U.S. trade deficit rose to a record level in March this year, as companies rushed to import goods, including

Jakub Novak 10:48 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Markets Will Not Be Dictated To

The market's eyes have finally opened. Donald Trump is not the kind of president who would lower tariffs in response to reciprocal reductions from other countries. The occupant

Marek Petkovich 09:56 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Is It Worth Hoping for a Strong Market Rally? (There is a high probability of continued growth in #SPX and #NDX)

Equity markets have improved, demand for cryptocurrencies has risen, yet gold prices dropped sharply after a local rally. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar has remained almost unchanged against major currencies

Pati Gani 09:28 2025-05-07 UTC+2

USD/JPY: Is Further Decline Inevitable?

The Bank of Japan left its monetary policy unchanged during the monetary policy meeting on May 1. In the "Outlook for Economic Activity and Prices" report, the Bank lowered

Kuvat Raharjo 09:28 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Gold Returns to Growth

Gold has resumed its upward movement as investors analyzed trade-related comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent while awaiting the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. Bessent recently stated that

Jakub Novak 09:14 2025-05-07 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 7? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Very few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Wednesday, and in any case, they are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on either of the currency pairs. The euro remains

Paolo Greco 06:55 2025-05-07 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – May 7: Trump Didn't Get a Call from China, Had to Back Down

On Tuesday, while the euro remained stuck in a flat trend, the GBP/USD currency pair began a new upward move. The rally started on Monday, but during the U.S. session

Paolo Greco 03:35 2025-05-07 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.