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

What to Pay Attention to on June 2? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Quite a few macroeconomic reports are scheduled for Monday, but only one truly important one. This concerns the U.S. ISM Manufacturing PMI. It's worth recalling that two business activity indices

Paolo Greco 06:07 2025-06-02 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – June 2: Another Surprise from Donald Trump

The GBP/USD currency pair experienced low volatility on Friday, but last week's events can already be overlooked — Trump never sleeps. Traders barely had time to recover from last Thursday's

Paolo Greco 03:55 2025-06-02 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – June 2: The American Circus Gains Momentum

The EUR/USD currency pair traded calmly on Friday, but this calm will not last long. Last week, particularly on Thursday, another storm erupted in the market, caused by a familiar

Paolo Greco 03:55 2025-06-02 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Hello June: ISM Indices, Eurozone Inflation, ECB Meeting, and May Nonfarms

The economic calendar for the upcoming week is packed with important events. The first week of every month is traditionally the most informative for EUR/USD traders, and June will

Irina Manzenko 01:48 2025-06-02 UTC+2

U.S. Dollar: Weekly Preview

The economic news background in the U.S. will be very strong. It's the beginning of a new month, so reports on business activity, the labor market, job openings, and unemployment

Chin Zhao 00:52 2025-06-02 UTC+2

British Pound: Weekly Preview

The British pound is currently experiencing what is arguably one of its best periods in the last 15 years. Of course, during such a long period, there have been moments

Chin Zhao 00:52 2025-06-02 UTC+2

Euro: Weekly Preview

The euro continues to experience no issues in its current trajectory. I would even say it hasn't had such a good period in quite a long time. Most importantly, this

Chin Zhao 00:52 2025-06-02 UTC+2

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Gold is declining below the $3300 level today. U.S. PCE data met expectations. A shift in trade flows is helping the U.S. dollar regain positive momentum. This is also undermining

Irina Yanina 17:37 2025-05-30 UTC+2

Inflation Is Almost Under Control

While the euro continues to hold its ground against the dollar, European Central Bank (ECB) Governing Council member Fabio Panetta indicated during an interview today that inflation in the eurozone

Jakub Novak 13:40 2025-05-30 UTC+2

USD/CAD. Analysis and Forecast

The USD/CAD pair is attempting to regain positive momentum today, though traders remain cautious ahead of the key U.S. Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index release. As a preferred inflation

Irina Yanina 13:22 2025-05-30 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.