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Date: 10th September 2026.

ECB Rate Decision and US PPI: EUR/USD Outlook.


ECB Rate Decision and US PPI: EUR/USD Outlook


The Euro edges higher on Thursday as the European Central Bank’s rate decision edges closer. Markets expect the ECB to increase interest rates from 2.40% to 2.65% taking the main refinancing rate to an 18-month high. The Euro will be influenced by the rate decision, but also largely from the guidance given during the press conference. However, the US Producer Price Index may also impact the Euro, as the Dollar is its main competitor.

Later this afternoon, the US will announce its Producer Price Index (producer inflation), followed by the consumer inflation figure tomorrow. If the US inflation is higher than expectated and the ECB’s President, Christine Lagarde, is not hawkish enough, the Euro may decline. Currently, the worst-performing currency of the day is the US Dollar. The Euro is the third-best-performing after the Swiss Franc and New Zealand Dollar.
The 25-basis-point hike is fully priced into the Euro and European indices. For this reason, a rate hike is not adequate to maintain bullish price movement. The key for investors will be Christine Lagarde’s comments on future rate hikes and inflation in the EU.

Eurozone headline inflation jumped from 2.9% to 3.3% in August, largely because of energy prices. At the same time, Brent crude has moved back above $100, increasing the risk that energy inflation spreads into transportation, manufacturing, and eventually consumer prices.

If President Lagarde indicates that today's hike may not be enough, markets will start pricing the deposit rate at 2.75%. Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan, and BNP Paribas are among those now expecting another 25-basis-point hike in December. This would be positive for the Euro and negative for European indices.

Interestingly, the ECB may raise its 2026 growth projection because the economy has performed better than expected. Stronger growth gives the ECB more room to hike without fearing an immediate recession or economic slowdown. As the EU is a net importer of oil, higher oil prices are also key to the Eurozone’s monetary policy.

From recent speeches and interviews, certain ECB members are looking to vote for a hike. These include Germany’s Joachim Nagel, as well as Isabel Schnabel and Olli Rehn. However, others are more reluctant, such as Philip Lane. Though it is vital that traders remember that developments across the Atlantic will also be key for the Euro.

Producer inflation figures can be just as important for the Fed’s decision as the CPI. For this reason, many traders are eagerly watching today’s event. Traders should note that last month’s PPI announcement prompted double the amount of volatility compared with CPI.

Currently, there is roughly a 60% probability of a 25-basis-point Fed hike, while economists surveyed by Reuters still mostly expect the Fed to leave the 3.50-3.75% rate unchanged. That disagreement means that today’s inflation figure will be even more important and could trigger new impulse waves.

Analysts expect the Producer Price Index to have risen 0.4% in August and the core figure to have risen 0.3%. If the figure reads higher than the expected, the US Dollar could rise and the Euro could decline. Tomorrow’s CPI figure could also have a similar impact but may experience slightly less volatility.
HFM - EURUSD 1-Hour Chart

HFM - EURUSD 1-Hour Chart

In terms of technical analysis, the Euro has a slight edge over the US Dollar for the time being. The price is trading above the key moving averages on most timeframes, but is also at a neutral level on the RSI. During the Asian session, the price of the EUR/USD rose but is now trading sideways. Investors are most likely awaiting for the latest data to be made public.

If the price rises above 1.16405, buy signals could start to materialise from the breakout and bullish crossover. However, traders should be cautious of the resistance levels at 1.16535 and 1.16795. However, if the PPI release pushes the price down, with a weaker PPI reading, sell signals may potentially materialise at 1.16340 and 1.16290.

  • The ECB is expected to hike rates by 25 basis points, but Lagarde’s guidance on future hikes will be more important for the Euro.
  • Higher Eurozone inflation and rising oil prices could strengthen the case for further ECB tightening later this year.
  • US PPI and CPI will be key for Fed expectations, with stronger-than-expected inflation likely to support the US Dollar.
  • EUR/USD remains technically supported, with 1.16405 as a key upside trigger and resistance around 1.16535–1.16795.
Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

Click HERE to READ more Market news.

Michalis Efthymiou
HFMarkets

Disclaimer:
This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
 
Date: 14th September 2026.

NASDAQ Falls as AI Concerns, Fed Outlook, and Oil Prices Drive Risk-Off Sentiment.


NASDAQ Falls as AI Concerns, Fed Outlook, and Oil Prices Drive Risk-Off Sentiment

AI companies are clashing with the White House over developing AI products. The NASDAQ fell 1.30% on Monday as Wall Street turn ‘risk-off’ due to a potential AI slowdown. In addition to this, investors turned their attention to key central bank decisions, including the Federal Reserve, Bank of England, and Bank of Japan.

The decline is not only seen among tech-stocks, indices globally are trading lower. The worst performing indices are the Nikkei 225, NASDAQ, and the Euro Stoxx 50. The downward pressure seen in the equity market is partially due to the talk of slowing down AI development, but also due to a more hawkish global monetary policy. The market now expects the Federal Reserve and the Bank of Japan to hike by 0.25% this week.

The best-performing currencies of the day are the US Dollar, Canadian Dollar and Swiss Franc. The worst-performing are the New Zealand Dollar and Australian Dollar.
The NASDAQ saw a relatively strong and rare bearish price gap this morning. The decline is a combination of three developing stories: the AI slowdown, higher oil prices, and the upcoming Fed decision.

OpenAI was the first major AI company to call for slower development to improve safety and reduce potential future risks. After the comments by OpenAI’s CEO, the NASDAQ saw some decline but was able to bounce back the next day. However, Anthropic has now also taken a similar tone and caught the attention of the White House.

As a result, investors are not waiting for clarity, they are selling now and asking questions later. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has suggested allowing independent third-party evaluators to assess new AI systems before launch, an approach OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has also said he supports and plans to adopt.

The White House has pushed back against calls to slow AI development, with President Trump arguing that maintaining America’s technological lead over China is a priority. Trump acknowledged that some safeguards may be necessary but dismissed warnings around AI, stating that ‘whoever wins AI wins.’ His administration favours industry-led safety measures and opposes restrictions that could slow US innovation or allow China to close the gap.

HFM - NASDAQ 3-Hour Chart

HFM -NASDAQ 3-Hour Chart

The NASDAQ's price movement will now depend largely on whether the government and AI companies can calm investors’ nerves. Another key factor will be the Federal Reserve’s guidance on future rate adjustments.

The bearish price gap has taken the index down to the key support level. Downward price movement over the past month has been unable to break below this support level. If the price does fall, lower bearish indications are likely to materialise. When monitoring only the daily price movement, the price is forming a descending triangle pattern, which is known to indicate bearish sentiment. In the short term, bearish signals are likely to remain while the price trades below $29,046.85 and strengthen below $29,000.00.

A positive factor for the US Dollar is the expectation for an upcoming interest rate hike and higher oil prices. According to the Chicago Exchange, the possibility of a rate hike from the Federal Reserve on Wednesday evening is 90%. The rate hike is almost fully priced into the market, but not completely. Therefore, the hike could trigger volatility, but the key price drivers will most likely be the Fed’s tone and oil prices.

Oil prices have now remained above $100 for almost three days. Oil prices rose sharply at the start of the week, with Brent crude climbing above $108 per barrel as tensions in the Middle East intensified. The main concern is the shutdown of Saudi Arabia’s key East-West pipeline following drone attacks, reducing an important alternative route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz.

Simultaneously, continued Houthi attacks and renewed threats around major shipping routes have increased fears of further supply disruptions. If the Federal Reserve provides a hawkish tone and oil prices remain close to $100 per barrel, the US Dollar could maintain bullish price movement.

Of particular interest is the EUR/USD, which has fallen below the support level and is experiencing strong bearish price action.

  • AI slowdown concerns and White House opposition are increasing uncertainty across the technology sector and weighing on the NASDAQ.
  • Global equity markets are under pressure as investors prepare for potentially more hawkish decisions from major central banks.
  • The US Dollar remains supported by expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike and elevated oil prices.
  • Brent crude above $100 continues to raise inflation concerns and increase volatility across financial markets.
Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

Click HERE to READ more Market news.

Michalis Efthymiou
HFMarkets

Disclaimer:
This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
 
Date: 15th September 2026.

NASDAQ Rebound Ends as US Bond Yields Break Above 5%.


NASDAQ Rebound Ends as US Bond Yields Break Above 5%


Technology stocks attempt a rebound after declining to a five-week low. However, fundamentals continue to weigh on demand as yields and oil prices rise. The US 10-year bond yield has now reached the highest level since 2007 and risen above the critical 5% mark. Oil prices also continue to remain above $100 and have reached a high of $103.45.

In addition to volatility among technology stocks, the US Dollar also moves higher and is the best-performing currency. The worst-performing currencies are the Japanese Yen and New Zealand Dollar. Market indications continue to point towards investors pricing in more frequent rate hikes, lower consumer sentiment, and higher credit risk. A key indication that investors are paying close attention to is bond yields rising to levels that indirectly contributed to the 2007-2008 financial crisis.

NASDAQ Rebound Fails as Investors Await AI Clarity​

The NASDAQ has fallen 0.30% this morning and 1% from the most recent high. Investors on Monday did take advantage of the lower purchase price, which boosted demand as a result. However, many elements continue to point towards the possibility of stock market weakness.

A key development is in the AI sector which continues to see AI companies and the White House clash. Lawmakers are developing legislation to address AI safety concerns. This includes a bipartisan group of senators working on measures that would require leading AI developers to take steps to prevent catastrophic risks.

White House advisor David Sacks advises that AI-companies are looking for the government to loosen legislation related to antitrust and reliability. According to experts, this is not likely to change, and for this reason, AI-companies will look to slow production to closely monitor risks. Traders should keep in mind that AI development has been one of the key drivers of the market’s bullish trend over the past three years. A key risk for investors is the possibility that this momentum weakens, removing an important source of support for the broader market.

In addition to this, tomorrow’s Federal Reserve interest rate decision and the Chair’s tone are likely to create considerable volatility. Currently, investors are pricing in up to two interest rate hikes in 2026. If the Fed hikes tomorrow evening and takes a hawkish tone, demand for stocks could fall.

HFM - NASDAQ 12-Minute Chart

HFM - NASDAQ 12-Minute Chart

Currently, the price remains below key moving averages and below the VWAP. Order flow is also indicating weakness in demand. If the price falls below $29,004.38, sell signals from technical analysis are likely to strengthen. If the price rises above $29,215.65, sell signals in the short term will be completely erased.

GBP/USD - US Dollar Rises While UK Employment Weakness Pressures the Pound​

The British Pound is coming under pressure from the most recent employment data. The UK’s monthly benefit claims have risen by almost 28,000, significantly higher than previous expectations. The figure is also a three-month high and is considerably weaker compared to the latest US NFP data. In addition to this, the market continues to expect the Bank of England to keep interest rates unchanged on Thursday, unlike the Federal Reserve and European Central Bank.

The US Dollar Index rose 0.20% during this morning’s Asian session and is also close to forming a bullish breakout. Supporting the US Dollar is the increase in bond yields and rate-hike expectations. The fact that US 10-year bond yields have risen above 5% could trigger lower risk appetite. This could also support the US Dollar due to its safe haven-status.

The price of the GBP/USD is forming clear bearish swings and lower highs. Technical indicators also point towards a bearish bias, but investors will be cautious of the support level at 1.34630. Bearish sentiment is likely to remain while the GBP/USD remains below the 200-bar moving average at 1.34915.

HFM - GBPUSD 12-Minute Chart

HFM - GBPUSD 12-Minute Chart

Key Takeaways:​

  • Technology stocks remain under pressure despite attempts to rebound from recent five-week lows.
  • US 10-year bond yields above 5% are increasing concerns around borrowing costs and financial conditions.
  • Oil prices above $100 are reinforcing inflation concerns and adding pressure on broader market sentiment.
  • The US Dollar is strengthening as investors price in further rate hikes and rising risk aversion.
Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.


Click HERE to access the full HFM Economic calendar.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding of how markets work. Click HERE to register for FREE!

Click HERE to READ more Market news.

Michalis Efthymiou
HFMarkets

Disclaimer:
This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in Leveraged Products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.
 
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