EUR/USD hits two-week peak, gains momentum ahead of the European Central Bank’s decision

In February, private companies hired fewer people than the 150K expected, with figures increasing by 140K. Nevertheless, compared to January’s 111K reading, the jobs market remains strong, as noted by Nela Richardson, chief economist of ADP. Richardson said “Job gains remain solid. Pay gains are trending lower but are still above inflation.”

Nevertheless, the data was overshadowed by prepared remarks that the US Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Jerome Powell will deliver at Capitol Hill. He said the Fed doesn’t expect it will be appropriate to reduce rates until they [Fed] have greater confidence in inflation moving sustainably towards 2%.

Powell said rates had peaked, acknowledged the progress on inflation, and added that the current restrictive stance puts downward pressure on economic activity and inflation. He said they would ease policy at some point in the year, though they would assess incoming data. He added that the risks to achieving the Fed’s dual goal are moving into better balance.

Following the data and Fed’s Powell remarks, the EUR/USD rose sharply. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the performance of six other currencies against the buck, tumbled more than 0.30% to 103.47. US Treasury bond yields are diving across the short and long ends of the curve.

In addition, traders brace for the European Central Bank's (ECB) monetary policy decision on Thursday, with analysts expecting no change to their monetary policy. However, traders would look for hints, about a possible rate cut towards the June meeting.