Prior to the Release of EU/US PMIs, EUR/USD Pares Its Largest Daily Drop in Three Weeks to Approximately 1.0650

Early Friday morning, EUR/USD demonstrates minor gains near 1.0640 as it retests the intraday high. As a result, the primary currency pair consolidates the steepest daily fall in three weeks while reversing the previous day's retreat from the highest levels in six months prior to the release of important European and American economic data.

The aggressive rate hike of 0.50% by the European Central Bank (ECB) propelled the EUR/USD pair to a fresh multi-day high of 1.0736 on Thursday evening. However, predictions of a recession bolstered demand for the US Dollar as a safe-haven currency, submerging the quotation.

In spite of this, the ECB's announcement of a 50 basis point (bps) rate increase met market expectations. However, President Christine Lagarde's comments bolstered the optimistic outlook, as she noted, "Information indicates 50 basis points at the next meeting, probably also at the next meeting, and thereafter." In addition, the ECB announced its intention to discontinue the Asset Purchase Program (APP) via gradual Quantitative Tightening (QT).

It should be noted that the typically hawkish rate announcements from the major central banks coupled fears of rising inflation and the energy crisis to amplify recession concerns, allowing the US Dollar to enjoy its role as a safe-haven currency despite contradictory facts.

In November, US Retail Sales came in at -0.6% month-over-month, compared to 0.1% expected and 1.3% prior. In addition, manufacturing survey findings from the Philadelphia Fed and the New York Fed were dismal for the relevant month, while Industrial Production declined in November and Jobless Claims decreased for the week ending December 9.

In response, Wall Street benchmarks fell and US Treasury bond yields increased, allowing the US Dollar Index (DXY) to notch its highest daily gains in 10 weeks. As traders await the first readings of December activity statistics for Germany, the Euro Area, and the United States, S&P 500 Futures and US Treasury bond yields have been flat as of late. The final inflation figures for the Eurozone will also be vital to track.