empty
08.05.2025 12:47 AM
EUR/USD: Awaiting the Geneva Meeting

The EUR/USD pair continues to trade within a narrow price range ahead of announcing the Federal Reserve's May meeting results. Although the outcome is largely predetermined (the central bank is expected to keep all monetary policy parameters unchanged), the major currency pairs have essentially frozen in place. This suggests a coiled spring ready to snap — the EUR/USD pair will either leap into the 1.14 area or consolidate below the 1.1300 target. Everything will depend on the tone of the accompanying statement and Jerome Powell's rhetoric.

In essence, this is classic behavior. The balance must tip one way or another, setting the direction for EUR/USD. However, under current fundamental conditions, one should not place too much trust in the market's immediate reaction, no matter how dovish or hawkish the Fed's tone is. The reason is simple: the fate of EUR/USD in the medium term will be determined not by the Fed or the European Central Bank, but by the United States and China, whose representatives are preparing to sit down for negotiations.

This image is no longer relevant

Rumors that Washington and Beijing are ready to resume dialogue began circulating last week. Details varied regarding who initiated the talks (neither side wants to appear conceding in the trade war), but the core message was the same: both parties are testing the waters for a renewed dialogue.

First, Donald Trump claimed that the Chinese were "asking for negotiations" (even hinting at a possible reduction of tariffs on Chinese imports), and shortly after, official Chinese representatives said it was the U.S. that requested the meeting. In other words, a diplomatic thaw seemed to emerge—at least on the surface. Moreover, both sides stopped threatening each other with new tariffs or countermeasures and refrained from further escalation.

And then came more: it was announced that high-level talks between U.S. and Chinese officials are scheduled for May 11–12 (Saturday and/or Sunday) in Switzerland. The U.S. will be represented by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chief Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. From China, Vice Premier for Economic Policy He Lifeng will attend.

The seniority of the negotiators is especially notable — these aren't low-level bureaucrats or diplomats but high-ranking officials with direct access to their respective leaders. This suggests that the meeting is not a symbolic gesture but could be a meaningful first step toward de-escalating the trade war between the two superpowers. This will be the first official and pre-announced meeting on trade since the White House introduced its new tariff plan and raised tariffs on China to 145%.

Still, overly high expectations could backfire for EUR/USD (and other dollar pairs). There is no guarantee the sides will find common ground or that this meeting will lead to a full-fledged negotiation process. Even Bessent is trying to lower expectations for the upcoming meeting, saying that the visit wasn't officially organized — "the stars just aligned," as both delegations happened to be in Switzerland simultaneously, prompting an informal and non-binding meeting.

Bessent also declined to answer whether Trump might lower tariffs on Chinese goods to 50–55% as a goodwill gesture to kickstart negotiations. He stated, "All options are on the president's table."

Nevertheless, despite Bessent's attempts to downplay the Geneva meeting, markets will eagerly await the outcome — and, more importantly, the follow-up statements. Even if both sides stay silent, the market response could be as intense. No result is still a result (a negative one). Traders would interpret such silence as a signal that preliminary talks have failed. Conversely, optimistic comments from either side would be interpreted in favor of the greenback — even if it's only an agreement "to agree."

In conclusion, the results of the Fed's May meeting (whatever they may be) should be considered, but not overemphasized. In contrast, Wednesday's price fluctuations should not be overreacted to, as the market will now be focused on the upcoming Geneva meeting, which could play a decisive role in the future of the dollar and the EUR/USD pair.

Irina Manzenko,
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

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

Currently, the Japanese yen continues to demonstrate strength against the U.S. dollar, pushing the USD/JPY pair below the key 143.00 level. Expectations that the Bank of Japan will raise interest

Irina Yanina 18:42 2025-06-02 UTC+2

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The intraday rise in gold prices remains steady today, Monday, with gold reaching over a one-week high around $3359. The weakness of the U.S. dollar, driven by concerns over

Irina Yanina 18:38 2025-06-02 UTC+2

GBP/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The GBP/USD pair is regaining positive momentum at the start of the new week, rebounding on renewed U.S. dollar selling and breaking above the psychological 1.3500 level. Friday's U.S. Personal

Irina Yanina 18:26 2025-06-02 UTC+2

Bitcoin under selling pressure

While the market is busy debating the impact of new stablecoin legislation, the renewed tariff threats from Donald Trump are dampening global risk appetite, pushing BTC/USD lower. After a 50%

Marek Petkovich 14:11 2025-06-02 UTC+2

Market sugarcoats pill

The best May since 1990 and the strongest monthly performance in a year and a half helped sugarcoat the bitter pill for the US stock market. Yet, since the start

Marek Petkovich 12:43 2025-06-02 UTC+2

The ECB Will Face Increasing Challenges

The euro is rising ahead of a significant event. The European Central Bank is expected to cut interest rates this Thursday before increasingly complex inflation prospects risk bringing internal disagreements

Jakub Novak 12:11 2025-06-02 UTC+2

Throughout June, the Markets Will Be as Intense as During the Early Months of Trump's Presidency (there is a likelihood of a continued rise in the price of gold and a fall in USD/JPY)

The challenging month of May was experienced differently across global markets, but the main beneficiaries were stocks, which gained momentum from late April and extended their rally into May—something that

Pati Gani 09:45 2025-06-02 UTC+2

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
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.