Daily Analysis By zForex Research Team - 04.18.2025
The euro eased slightly after the ECB delivered a widely expected rate cut but retained strong monthly gains. The yen held firm following Japan’s CPI data, while gold and silver pulled back from recent highs as traders booked profits ahead of the Easter holiday.
The U.S. dollar saw modest strength following hawkish Fed signals, despite continued trade tensions and inflation concerns. Sterling extended its rally on a softer inflation print, while market focus shifts to next week’s central bank meetings and trade developments.
EUR/USD Analysis By zForex Research Team - 04.18.2025
Euro Eases After ECB Cut but Holds Weekly Gains
The euro edged down toward $1.13 on Friday, easing slightly from its highest level since January 2022, after the ECB delivered a widely expected rate cut. The central bank lowered the deposit rate by 25 basis points to 2.25%. This marked the sixth consecutive cut and brought the rate to its lowest level since early 2023. The ECB also removed its previous reference to policy being "restrictive" but warned that rising global trade tensions could weaken the growth outlook.
Despite the pullback, the euro has gained around 5% against the dollar in April. The rally has been fueled by growing doubts about the dollar’s global dominance and increased investor preference for the euro. Additional support came from expectations of higher defense spending in the eurozone, particularly in Germany. On Good Friday, with markets quiet, the euro held steady near 1.1370.
Key resistance is at 1.1415, followed by 1.1475 and 1.1500. Support lies at 1.1260, then 1.1180 and 1.1100.
USD/JPY Analysis By zForex Research Team - 04.18.2025
Yen Holds Steady After CPI Data, BOJ in Focus
The Japanese yen held around 142.3 per dollar on Friday, near a seven-month high, after inflation data showed headline CPI eased to 3.6% in March and core inflation matched forecasts at 3.2%.
Focus now shifts to next week’s Bank of Japan meeting, where rates are expected to stay at 0.5%. However, growth forecasts may be lowered due to concerns over U.S. tariffs impacting Japan’s export-driven economy. The BOJ is likely to stick with gradual tightening, supported by rising wages and food prices.
Finance Minister Kato denied currency manipulation, saying Japan isn’t deliberately weakening the yen.
Key resistance is at 144.20, with further levels at 148.30 and 152.50. Support stands at 141.80, followed by 141.00 and 139.70.