EURUSD: Will the Sentiment support a lifeline amid growing stagflation fear across the region?

Ira Reyes - Market Analyst-Macroeconomic Strategist

2026-04-21 15:43:42

Can the ZEW Better-than-Expected Figure Neutralize the Impact of Robust US Retail Sales?

Inflation revision

Source: BNP Paribas

European Central Bank revised its inflation forecast relevant to the Iran war creating negative supply shock which means affecting the costs in energy in consumption of oil and commodities which may hamper the increased value of the Euro. If there are shifts of the aggregate supply would continue, this might lead to higher inflation and result to stagflation. This may remain volatile because the European Central Bank is poised in difficult decision while injecting factors such as energy dependency since oil act as tax on consumers, inflationary pressure which may result to increase interest rates, safe-haven flow since during war capital flows out of Europe and may prefer to US dollar denomination assets.

The EURUSD is struggling under the weight of a stagflation outlook as surging energy prices from the Middle East conflict strain European growth and leave the ECB in a policy deadlock.  Bearish trend pressure intensified following a -5.8 reading in today’s German ZEW Sentiment, confirming deep institutional caution and keeping the Euro capped under the 1.18 handle. Now looking at the US Retail Sales report, as a potential upside surprise could pose a rally on the Dollar and make the pair toward direct to its major support level at 1.1700.

What are key drivers to affect the pair?

ZEW Economic Sentiment Index

This indicator measures how optimistic 350 top financial experts view about the economy for span of 6 months. If today's number higher than -6.7 to -10.0 forecast, Euro usually rallies if it is lower, expect the currency to drop toward 1.1700.

US Retail Sales

What trend do we expect from the pair?

Neutral to bearish as the pair struggles to maintain the 1.18 level

  • Resistance 2 1.1860 target sustained breakout, if ZEW optimistic scenario
  • Resistance 1 1.1811 a break on this level may confirm bullish intraday or retest if the ZEW is positive
  • Pivot 1.1782 current price
  • Support 1 1.1746 previous support in February-March if worse than expected for the ZEW
  • Support 2 1.17000 a break here may tend to have reversal
  • RSI (Relative Strength Index) 53.29

Conclusion & The ACY Edge

The EUR/USD remains at risk as the Eurozone steer a declining macroeconomic environment. With the European Central Bank trapped in a policy draw between energy-fueled inflation and looming stagflation, market sentiment continues to lean bearish. Although the -5.8 ZEW Sentiment reading cleared the most bearish projections, it nonetheless underscores a wary institutional climate that currently lacks the drive to lift the Euro past the 1.18 resistance level.

Disclaimer: This content may have been written by a third party. ACY makes no representation or warranty and assumes no liability as to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided, nor any loss arising from any investment based on a recommendation, forecast or other information supplies by any third-party. This content is information only, and does not constitute financial, investment or other advice on which you can rely.

作者

Ira has been in the financial industry for 24 years handled insurance, foreign exchange, mutual funds, equity analysis across all industries for financial modelling and institutional investment with background in fund performance accounting. Her forecasting analysis approach mostly combination of technical and fundamental with insights relevant to macroeconomic scope.

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