Euro Eases After ECB Decision

The euro fell below $1.139 on Thursday after the European Central Bank left its key interest rates unchanged at its July meeting, in line with market expectations. Policymakers maintained a cautious, data-dependent stance, stressing a wait-and-see approach amid heightened uncertainty, particularly around energy prices. After delivering its first rate increase in three years in June, the ECB reiterated that future policy decisions will depend on incoming economic data. Since then, softer inflation, weaker wage growth, slower economic activity and lower inflation expectations have reduced the urgency for further tightening. However, the recent surge in oil prices driven by escalating tensions in the Middle East has renewed concerns that higher energy costs could feed into inflation and delay policy easing. Despite those risks, money markets continue to price in at least two ECB rate cuts by year-end, with the next move fully expected in September.

The euro strengthened toward a one-week high of $1.142 on Thursday as investors awaited the European Central Bank's policy decision, with policymakers widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged while keeping the door open to a potential hike in September. The ECB delivered its first rate increase in three years in June and signaled that further easing would depend on incoming data. Since then, softer readings on inflation, wage growth, economic activity, and inflation expectations have reduced the urgency for another move. However, the recent surge in oil prices amid escalating tensions in the Middle East has revived concerns that higher energy costs could fuel inflationary pressures, potentially prompting the ECB to maintain a cautious stance. Money markets continue to price in at least two additional rate cuts by year-end, with the next move fully priced in for September.

The euro traded around $1.14, remaining close to one-year lows as investors awaited Thursday's European Central Bank policy meeting while monitoring the latest developments in the Middle East. The ECB is widely expected to leave interest rates unchanged after raising them in June, adopting a cautious stance as policymakers assess incoming economic data and geopolitical risks. Despite an expected pause this week, markets continue to price in around two additional rate hikes by the end of the year, with the next move potentially coming in September. Persistent concerns that escalating tensions in the Middle East could disrupt global oil supplies have reinforced expectations that inflationary pressures in the euro area may remain elevated. Brent crude climbed to its highest level in more than a month after President Donald Trump ruled out imminent talks with Iran, warned of further strikes, and pledged retaliation if Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen disrupt shipping through the Red Sea.