FX.co ★ Euro Remains Weak Ahead of ECB Decision

The euro hovered around $1.145, close to its weakest level since July, as investors moved into the dollar’s relative safety amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and evaluated how surging energy costs might influence the European Central Bank’s policy trajectory. A 25% jump in European gas prices, following attacks on Qatar’s LNG facilities, together with Brent crude at $114 per barrel, has intensified inflation concerns in the Eurozone and pushed markets to raise their expectations for further ECB rate hikes. Although the ECB is widely anticipated to leave interest rates unchanged today, attention will center on its policy statement and President Christine Lagarde’s press conference for signals on the future direction of monetary policy.