Euro: Range holds before key data against US Dollar – Danske Bank

Danske Research Team reports EUR/USD trading in a narrow 1.1610–1.1620 range after quickly reversing losses from a stronger US jobs report. They highlight a thin data calendar with United States (US) markets closed, and note that attention will shift to the upcoming European Central Bank (ECB) meeting, where a rate hike is widely expected, and to US Consumer Price Index (CPI) figures later in the week.

Pair steadies in tight trading band

"In the euro area, retail sales fell by 0.6% m/m in July (cons: 0.2%), following a small increase in June. Fuel sales weighed on the headline figure, but sales excluding fuel also declined by 0.6% m/m, returning to levels seen in Q1."

"The positive growth recorded in July PMIs therefore does not appear to have been driven by private consumption. As consumers remain cautious, companies may find it harder to pass on higher energy costs, which could help explain why these pressures have not spilled over into core inflation."

"In Germany, AfD's victory in Saxony-Anhalt was broadly in line with expectations, winning 44% but falling short of an outright majority. The result confirms AfD's momentum, though mainstream parties rule out a coalition and the direct federal impact is limited."

"EUR/USD is relatively stable in a 1.1610-1.1620 range, as it quickly reversed the initial decline seen after the stronger US jobs report on Friday. "

"The data calendar is thin today as the US market is closed due to Labor Day. Later this week, focus turns to the ECB meeting on Thursday, where a hike is widely expected, and the US CPI figures on Friday."