EUR reverses initial strength after EU and US strike a trade deal

EUR reverses initial strength after EU and US strike a trade deal

Forex 4 minutes to read
Picture of John Hardy
John J. Hardy

Global Head of Macro Strategy

Summary:  With the announcement of an EU-US deal largely similar to the US-Japan deal, we are likely seeing peak optimism on the trade deal front, though Asia is a bit more subdued as China looks a bit more isolated.


Note: Today's update is a short-form one mostly aimed at covering the EU-US trade deal and updating the FX board readings and a few additional comments. See my update from Friday for a full preview of the coming week, which is chock full of key event risks, not least the heavy earnings season.

US and EU strike a Trade Deal - why the euro weakened after initial rally.
With the EU-US trade deal announced late yesterday, the EU has played more friendly with the US administration than I thought likely going into the trade negotiations, but was apparently disciplined by at least two things: first, the cost-benefit analysis of what the price would be should it decided to not bend to Trump’s terms and second, the geopolitical landscape of a hostile Russia at its borders and the EU-China talks making it clear that the “moving towards China” is a no-go. The deal itself was largely along the lines of the US-Japan deal, although many details are lacking. There is the broad 15% across the board level, not including steel and aluminum (which are at 50%, but there is talk of an eventual quota system), and promises that the EU will buy USD 750 billion in US imports, including energy and defense, and that European companies will invest USD 600 billion in the US.

The initial reaction saw the Euro rallying overnight as it looks like a “good deal” for the European economy relative to a trade war breaking out, but now the euro is selling off. The second read is that this is euro negative as the risk of US-EU hostilities has been eliminated for now, easing the pressure on Europe on the fiscal front. And all of the theoretical inbound investment into the US and the recent re-heating of all things AI and tech have already reheated enthusiasm for US-bound investment flows. Finally, positioning and consensus are skewed very heavily for USD weakness, so we could be in for a chunky further correction in the weak USD trend, depending on how this week plays out for tech earnings and the US jobs report on Friday.

One currency that should benefit from terms being agreed is SEK as this brightens the outlook for the European economy (and reduces risks to Sweden’s significant exports to the US as well.)

Chart: EURUSD
Today’s candlestick taking on an ugly look if we close near here or lower. This could set up a test of the 1.1557 range support, which might open a significant range to the downside. The first pivotal area of note below the round 1.1500 level and the zone around 1.1450 that was contested on the way up is perhaps 1.1357, the 61.8% retracement of the last large rally wave, but let’s see how we close today and this pivotal week through the Friday US jobs report.

28_07_2025_EURUSD
Source: Saxo

FX Board of G10 and CNH trend evolution and strength.
Note: If unfamiliar with the FX board, please see a video tutorial for understanding and using the FX Board.

The Euro is reversing hard, though it will take some time for this to show up in the trend readings. Elsewhere, the JPY remains weak and sterling a bit less so, with the latter likely to get at least a minor boost if the euro suffers a larger correction (EURGBP weighing). Note the firming in the SEK over the last week (strong 2- and 5-day momentum changes)

28_07_2025_FXBoard_Main
Source: Bloomberg and Saxo Group

Table: NEW FX Board Trend Scoreboard for individual pairs.

Interesting now whether some of the well-established USD downtrends are reversed in the individual USD pairs outside of USDJPY and GBPUSD. USDCAD is at a tipping point here and AUDUSD isn’t far behind if this price action lower continues.

 

28_07_2025_FXBoard_Individuals
Source: Bloomberg and Saxo Group
This content is marketing material and should not be regarded as investment advice. Trading financial instruments carries risks and historic performance is not a guarantee of future results.
The instrument(s) referenced in this content may be issued by a partner, from whom Saxo receives promotional fees, payment or retrocessions. While Saxo may receive compensation from these partnerships, all content is created with the aim of providing clients with valuable information and options..

Quarterly Outlook

01 /

  • Q3 Investor Outlook: Beyond American shores – why diversification is your strongest ally

    Quarterly Outlook

    Q3 Investor Outlook: Beyond American shores – why diversification is your strongest ally

    Jacob Falkencrone

    Global Head of Investment Strategy

  • Q3 Macro Outlook: Less chaos, and hopefully a bit more clarity

    Quarterly Outlook

    Q3 Macro Outlook: Less chaos, and hopefully a bit more clarity

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

    After the chaos of Q2, the quarter ahead should get a bit more clarity on how Trump 2.0 is impacting...
  • Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity outlook: The high cost of global fragmentation for US portfolios

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: Commodities rally despite global uncertainty

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • Upending the global order at blinding speed

    Quarterly Outlook

    Upending the global order at blinding speed

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

    We are witnessing a once-in-a-lifetime shredding of the global order. As the new order takes shape, ...
  • Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Quarterly Outlook

    Asset allocation outlook: From Magnificent 7 to Magnificent 2,645—diversification matters, now more than ever

    Jacob Falkencrone

    Global Head of Investment Strategy

  • Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro outlook: Trump 2.0: Can the US have its cake and eat it, too?

    John J. Hardy

    Global Head of Macro Strategy

  • Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity Outlook: The ride just got rougher

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Quarterly Outlook

    China Outlook: The choice between retaliation or de-escalation

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

  • Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: A bumpy road ahead calls for diversification

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

None of the information provided on this website constitutes an offer, solicitation, or endorsement to buy or sell any financial instrument, nor is it financial, investment, or trading advice. Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd. (Saxo) and the Saxo Bank Group provides execution-only services, with all trades and investments based on self-directed decisions. Analysis, research, and educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered advice nor a recommendation. Access and use of this website is subject to: (i) the Terms of Use; (ii) the full Disclaimer; (iii) the Risk Warning; and (iv) any other notice or terms applying to Saxo’s news and research.

Saxo’s content may reflect the personal views of the author, which are subject to change without notice. Mentions of specific financial products are for illustrative purposes only and may serve to clarify financial literacy topics. Content classified as investment research is marketing material and does not meet legal requirements for independent research.

Before making any investment decisions, you should assess your own financial situation, needs, and objectives, and consider seeking independent professional advice. Saxo does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information provided and assumes no liability for any errors, omissions, losses, or damages resulting from the use of this information.

Please refer to our full disclaimer for more details. Past Performance is not indicative of future results.

Saxo
40 Bank Street, 26th floor
E14 5DA
London
United Kingdom

Contact Saxo

Select region

United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Trade Responsibly
All trading carries risk. To help you understand the risks involved we have put together a series of Key Information Documents (KIDs) highlighting the risks and rewards related to each product. Read more
Additional Key Information Documents are available in our trading platform.

Saxo is a registered Trading Name of Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd (‘Saxo’). Saxo is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 551422. Registered address: 26th Floor, 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DA. Company number 7413871. Registered in England & Wales.

This website, including the information and materials contained in it, are not directed at, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in the United States, Belgium or any other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to applicable law or regulation.

It is important that you understand that with investments, your capital is at risk. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you make an informed decision about whether or not to invest with us. If you are still unsure if investing is right for you, please seek independent advice. Saxo assumes no liability for any loss sustained from trading in accordance with a recommendation.

Apple, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

©   since 1992