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DBS’s Philip Wee says USD/JPY seems stretched near 160, as markets anticipate BoJ tightening despite yield support

USD/JPY is described as stretched as it nears 160, a level seen by Japanese policymakers as a pain threshold. The exchange rate continues to be supported by the US–Japan interest rate gap. Markets are pricing a 67% chance of a Bank of Japan rate rise at the 28 April meeting. Policymakers are treating prolonged yen weakness as a cost-driven inflation risk that reduces household purchasing power.

Yen Weakness And Policy Pressure

Japan’s Tankan Survey is cited as supporting a more hawkish policy direction through its inflation expectations. It also points to corporate sentiment that could withstand a 25-basis-point hike without pushing the economy into recession. The piece was produced using an AI tool and reviewed by an editor. It was published by FXStreet’s Insights Team, which curates market observations from external experts and adds analysis from internal and external sources. Looking back to this time in 2025, we recall the significant tension as USD/JPY tested the 160 level. The market was correctly anticipating a shift from the Bank of Japan, pricing in a high probability of a rate hike. This was driven by the growing view that a weak yen was fueling harmful inflation for households. The concerns from last year proved valid, as the BoJ did begin its policy normalization, starting with a 10-basis-point hike in July 2025. That move triggered a sharp, albeit temporary, retreat in USD/JPY back towards the 152-154 range. However, with the US Federal Reserve only delivering modest rate cuts, the interest rate differential has remained a powerful force supporting the dollar.

Positioning Around The 160 Level

Today, with USD/JPY having climbed back to around 158, the situation feels very familiar. Japan’s core CPI inflation has remained stubbornly above the 2% target, recently clocking in at 2.4% for February 2026. This puts continued pressure on the BoJ to act, even as its policy rate sits at a modest 0.25%. For derivative traders, this environment suggests preparing for another bout of volatility around that 160 mark. Buying medium-term USD/JPY put options offers a direct way to profit from a potential intervention or a surprise rate hike from the BoJ. The rising implied volatility ahead of the late April BoJ meeting makes these positions more expensive, but the risk of a sharp downside move is very real. Alternatively, traders who believe 160 will act as a firm ceiling can consider selling out-of-the-money call options or implementing bear call spreads. This strategy profits from the pair failing to break higher, collecting premium as time passes. We see this as a high-risk strategy, as the underlying interest rate differential could still push the pair higher if the BoJ disappoints hawks. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Bob Savage says March Eurozone inflation, led by energy, will influence rates and strain fiscal credibility

Preliminary March inflation readings across Europe point to about 1% month-on-month price gains, with energy costs the main driver. Base effects are also affecting the data. While crude prices appear to have peaked even under escalatory scenarios, attention has shifted to refined products where supply shortages are a concern. European diesel prices have exceeded $200 per barrel, above 2022 levels.

Refined Products Drive The Inflation Pulse

EU diesel and jet fuel stocks at the end of 2025 averaged less than two months of supply. Some governments are capping fuel costs through tax and margin measures, raising questions about fiscal credibility. More March inflation data from outside the Eurozone is due in the coming weeks, giving central banks more information. Near-term rate decisions remain open, but policy guidance may stay cautious due to uncertainty over prices and supplies. Rate expectations include at most one further hike from the European Central Bank, the Bank of England and Sweden’s Riksbank. Norway’s Norges Bank has already indicated one hike. The preliminary inflation numbers for March have introduced significant uncertainty. With European prices showing monthly gains around 1%, driven by energy, we are seeing a disconnect between rising inflation and cautious central banks. This environment suggests that market expectations for aggressive rate hikes may be too high.

Trading Implications For Rates Volatility Fx

The core of the issue is refined products, with European diesel prices now above their 2022 highs and inventories reported to be low at the end of 2025. Governments are stepping in to cap fuel costs, which raises questions about their fiscal discipline and could weaken sovereign debt. This situation complicates the outlook for inflation, as policy is now being pulled in two different directions. Given that we only expect at most one more rate hike from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England, interest rate derivatives look attractive. The current ECB deposit facility rate is 4.00%, so trades positioned for a terminal rate of just 4.25% could be profitable. This suggests looking at instruments like short-term interest rate futures that are pricing in a more aggressive path. This uncertainty from central banks is a direct signal to anticipate higher market volatility. The VSTOXX Index, which measures volatility for the Euro Stoxx 50, has already climbed from around 14 to over 18 in the last few weeks. Traders should consider buying options to profit from expected price swings in major European equity indices. The ECB’s reluctance to hike aggressively in the face of persistent inflation could weaken the Euro, particularly against the US Dollar. If the Federal Reserve maintains a more hawkish stance, the policy divergence will create downward pressure on the currency. Using options to position for a move lower in the EUR/USD pair is a direct way to trade this view. While most central banks remain non-committal, Norges Bank has been clearer about its intention to hike rates. This creates a relative value opportunity within Europe. Traders could explore positions that favor the Norwegian Krone over the Swedish Krona or the Euro, as Norway’s clearer policy path may lead to currency appreciation. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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BNY’s Bob Savage says March Eurozone inflation rose on energy, as fuel caps strain fiscal credibility

Preliminary March inflation readings in Europe were reported as higher than expected, with energy and refined products cited as key drivers. Central banks are preparing for potential 1% month-on-month price gains linked to changes in energy costs. Focus has shifted from crude oil to refined products, where supply shortages are described as a larger concern. European diesel prices have surpassed $200 per barrel, above 2022 levels.

Refined Product Tightness And Inflation Risk

EU diesel and jet fuel stocks at the end of 2025 averaged less than two months of supply. Governments are using tax and margin measures to cap fuel costs, raising questions about public finance credibility. More March inflation data from countries outside the Eurozone is due in the coming weeks, which may affect rate decisions. Policymakers are expected to avoid firm guidance because of uncertainty over prices and supply conditions. The outlook cited expects at most one further rate rise from the European Central Bank, the Bank of England and Sweden’s Riksbank. Norway’s Norges Bank has already indicated one increase. Looking back to early 2025, we were bracing for persistent inflation driven by surging energy costs, particularly in diesel. The expectation was for central banks to deliver at least one more rate hike to combat these pressures. However, the European Central Bank’s final hike came in mid-2025, and it has since cut its main deposit rate to 2.75% as of last month.

Market Positioning Under Policy Uncertainty

The inflation picture has shifted significantly over the past year. While the headline Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices for March 2026 came in at a more manageable 2.1%, core inflation, which excludes energy and food, remains stubbornly high at 2.7%. This divergence complicates the outlook for the ECB, as the underlying price pressures have not fully abated despite a slowing economy. For derivative traders, this suggests positioning for uncertainty in the path of interest rates. Options on EURIBOR futures could be used to trade on the volatility, as the market is divided on whether the ECB will pause its cutting cycle due to sticky core inflation. The discrepancy between market pricing and the ECB’s cautious commentary creates opportunities in interest rate swaps. The acute diesel supply shortage we feared in early 2025 has eased, with European stockpiles recovering through the winter. Brent crude is currently trading near $85 per barrel, well below the crisis peaks but still high enough to exert pressure. Geopolitical risks in key global shipping lanes continue to keep a floor under prices, meaning options strategies to hedge against sudden energy spikes remain prudent. Furthermore, the fiscal credibility questions raised in 2025 by government fuel subsidies are now coming home to roost. With several Eurozone governments facing pressure to rein in their deficits under revived EU rules, there is less room for fiscal stimulus to support growth. This could increase volatility in EUR currency pairs, making long volatility positions in EUR/USD options an attractive strategy. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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During the early European session, GBP/JPY trades near 210.85, barely moving, as consolidation persists within an ascending triangle

GBP/JPY traded almost flat near 210.85 in early European trading on Monday. The pair consolidated as markets awaited news on the Strait of Hormuz, which handles almost 20% of global oil supply, after reports of it being seized by Iran during the Middle East war. US President Donald Trump said the US would destroy Iranian power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz was not reopened by Tuesday at 08:00 PM ET. An Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson warned of reciprocal attacks on related US facilities.

Oil Prices And Central Bank Outlook

Higher oil prices are a negative factor for both the UK and Japan, as both are net energy importers. The Bank of England and the Bank of Japan were described as unlikely to cut interest rates soon, as rising oil prices have pushed up global inflation expectations. GBP/JPY was near 210.90, with a neutral near-term bias and a slight downside tilt. Price traded just below the 20-day EMA near 211.50, while range conditions were reinforced by the 14-day RSI holding within 40.00–60.00. The pair was squeezed between support from 207.26 and resistance from 213.38, with resistance near 213.40 and a February high at 215.00. Support levels were cited at 209.00 and 207.24. We remember the market tension in 2025 when the Strait of Hormuz was seized, causing the GBP/JPY to stall around 210.00. That event serves as a critical blueprint for navigating the current landscape, as geopolitical risks once again put pressure on energy supply chains. As net energy importers, both the UK and Japan remain highly sensitive to fluctuations in oil prices.

Policy Risks And Volatility Positioning

Given that Brent crude is currently trading stubbornly above $92 per barrel, the economic pressure is mounting. The latest data shows UK inflation holding at 3.1%, well above the Bank of England’s target, complicating any future rate decisions. This sustained energy cost is a direct headwind for the British economy and the pound. Similarly, Japan, which imports over 90% of its energy, is facing a difficult policy dilemma for the Bank of Japan. The central bank has only just begun its slow pivot away from decades of ultra-loose policy. Higher energy prices threaten to stoke inflation while simultaneously slowing economic growth, making further policy normalization difficult. For traders, this environment of tense consolidation suggests positioning for a significant breakout in volatility. Buying options strategies like straddles or strangles on GBP/JPY could be effective, as they profit from a large price move in either direction without needing to predict the outcome of geopolitical events. Implied volatility is currently moderate, making such positions relatively cheap ahead of a potential shock. Those with a bearish outlook, anticipating an escalation similar to the 2025 scare, should consider buying put options. This would protect against a sharp drop in the pair if risk aversion dominates and energy prices spike further. The support level we watched back in 2025 near 209.00 remains a key psychological floor for the market. We must also recall the resolution of the 2025 crisis, where a last-minute diplomatic breakthrough sent oil prices tumbling and caused GBP/JPY to rally sharply by over 400 pips in two days. This precedent suggests that call options could offer significant returns if current tensions de-escalate unexpectedly. This historical event shows how quickly the pair can reverse course once the primary risk factor is removed. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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In European morning trade, GBP/JPY hovered near 210.85, remaining flat as consolidation continued within an ascending triangle

GBP/JPY traded almost flat near 210.85 in early European dealings on Monday, with markets watching developments around the Strait of Hormuz, which handles almost 20% of global oil supply. The situation follows the ongoing war in the Middle East. US President Donald Trump said the US would destroy Iranian power plants and bridges if Tehran does not reopen the strait by Tuesday at 08:00 PM ET. Iran’s foreign ministry warned of reciprocal attacks on related US facilities.

Energy Shock And Rate Cut Expectations

As the UK and Japan are net energy importers, higher oil prices can weigh on their economic outlook. Rising oil prices have also lifted global inflation expectations, reducing the chance of near-term interest-rate cuts from the Bank of England and the Bank of Japan. In technical trading, the pair was near 210.90, with a neutral bias and a mild downside tilt below the 20-day EMA around 211.50. Price action sits between support from 207.26 and resistance from 213.38, pointing to a tightening range. The 14-day RSI remains within 40.00–60.00, consistent with reduced volatility. Resistance is near 213.40, with 215.00 above, while support sits around 209.00 and then 207.24. We are seeing a familiar pattern now in April 2026, with the GBP/JPY cross trading in a tight range much like the consolidation we observed back in early 2025 during the Strait of Hormuz standoff. The ongoing tensions in the Red Sea are creating similar uncertainty for global energy supplies. This is keeping traders on the sidelines as they await a clear catalyst.

Options Strategy In A Tight Range

With Brent crude recently pushing past $95 a barrel, the economic pressure is mounting, similar to the fears we had in 2025. Both the UK and Japan remain heavy net importers of energy, making their currencies vulnerable to sustained high oil prices. This external shock complicates the inflation picture for both nations. The Bank of England appears stuck, with March 2026 inflation data still above target at 2.8%, making rate cuts unlikely before the late summer. Meanwhile, the Bank of Japan’s cautious exit from its ultra-loose policy is being threatened by rising import costs, leaving both central banks in a bind. This mirrors the situation in 2025 when energy spikes put a pause on any dovish monetary policy pivots. For derivative traders, this period of consolidation presents an opportunity. The tight trading range in GBP/JPY has compressed one-month implied volatility to lows not seen since last year, making options relatively cheap. This suggests we should be preparing for a significant breakout rather than betting on the current quiet trend to continue. We believe purchasing long-dated straddles or strangles could be a prudent strategy over the next few weeks. This approach allows a trader to profit from a sharp move in either direction, whether geopolitical tensions escalate and send the pair higher, or a sudden resolution causes a drop. The key is to capture the move out of this tight consolidation, which history shows rarely lasts forever. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Early European trade sees WTI near $103.30, slipping under $103.50 amid US-Iran ceasefire talks

WTI traded near $103.30 in early European hours on Monday, down below $103.50. The move followed reports that the US and Iran are pushing for a 45-day ceasefire. The US, Iran and regional mediators are discussing terms that could lead to a ceasefire and then a permanent end to the war, according to Bloomberg citing Axios. The report prompted expectations of lower supply risk, which pressured prices.

Hormuz Supply Risk Outlook

The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed after Iranian attacks on shipping since the war began on 28 February. The route carries oil and petroleum products from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates, which may limit further price falls. On Sunday, OPEC+ agreed to raise output by 206,000 barrels per day for May. Reports said the group is ready to add barrels quickly if conditions in the Persian Gulf change. Traders are waiting for the American Petroleum Institute report due later on Tuesday. A larger-than-expected inventory draw can point to stronger demand, while a bigger-than-expected build can suggest weaker demand or excess supply. Looking back at this time in 2025, we remember the extreme volatility surrounding the potential US-Iran ceasefire. WTI crude was trading over $103, inflated by a war premium that has since disappeared from the market. The CBOE Crude Oil Volatility Index (OVX) had spiked to over 50, reflecting the deep uncertainty over whether the Strait of Hormuz would reopen. That ceasefire eventually held, leading to a sharp price decline through the summer of 2025 as supply routes normalized. Now, with WTI currently stable around $86 per barrel, the market seems to have forgotten how quickly geopolitical situations can shift. The latest EIA report confirms a slight global supply surplus of nearly 300,000 bpd, keeping prices in check for now.

Options Strategy And Portfolio Hedge

This memory of a rapid price collapse from 2025 suggests caution against any aggressive long positions. Given the current stability, selling out-of-the-money call options with a strike price above $92 for June expiry appears to be a viable strategy to collect premium. This position benefits from both sideways price action and the passage of time. However, we must remain hedged against any unexpected supply disruptions, as OPEC+ has maintained its production discipline throughout early 2026. We are therefore buying cheap, long-dated put options to protect our portfolio against a potential economic slowdown that could push prices below $80. This provides a floor for our positions while we collect income from the sold calls. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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WTI crude trades near $103.30 in early European hours, slipping on reports of US-Iran ceasefire talks

WTI, the US crude oil benchmark, traded near $103.30 in early European hours on Monday. Prices eased after reports of US and Iran efforts towards a 45-day ceasefire. The US, Iran and regional mediators are discussing ceasefire terms that could lead to an end to the war, according to Bloomberg citing Axios. The war began on February 28.

Srait Of Hormuz Supply Risk

The Strait of Hormuz remains largely closed after Iranian attacks on shipping. The route carries oil and petroleum products from Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates. On Sunday, OPEC+ agreed to raise output by 206,000 barrels per day for May. Reports said the group is ready to add supply faster if conditions in the Persian Gulf change. Traders are waiting for the American Petroleum Institute report due on Tuesday. A larger inventory draw may signal stronger demand, while a larger build may point to weaker demand or excess supply. WTI stands for West Texas Intermediate and is one of three main crude types, along with Brent and Dubai Crude. It is described as light and sweet, sourced in the US and distributed via the Cushing hub.

Key Drivers Of Wti Pricing

WTI prices are shaped by supply and demand, global growth, political instability, wars, sanctions and OPEC decisions. As oil is priced in US Dollars, Dollar moves can also affect prices. API reports are released every Tuesday and EIA reports the next day. Their results are within 1% of each other 75% of the time. We remember this time last year, in April 2025, when ceasefire talks between the US and Iran pushed WTI down from its highs around $103. Today, with WTI trading near $88.50, the market is still living with the fragile peace deal that was eventually signed. While the deal holds, traders should remain cautious of any renewed political friction which could cause prices to spike again. A key difference from early 2025 is that the Strait of Hormuz is now open to shipping, which has eased the extreme supply fears we saw last year. However, shipping volumes are still only at about 90% of their pre-war levels and tanker insurance premiums remain elevated, adding a persistent risk cost to every barrel. This underlying tension provides a floor for prices, preventing them from falling too sharply. In response to the easing crisis, OPEC+ has changed its tune from the very modest 206,000 bpd increase agreed upon in May 2025. The group is now producing nearly 2 million bpd more than it was during the peak of the conflict, helping to rebalance the market. Any deviation from their current quotas would be a major signal for traders in the coming weeks. On the demand side, recent data shows a mixed picture, with the IEA’s latest forecast trimming global demand growth for 2026, citing a slowdown in Europe. Yet, last week’s EIA report showed a surprise draw in US crude inventories of 2.5 million barrels, suggesting near-term consumption is robust. This creates a classic conflict between short-term strength and a weaker long-term outlook. Given these competing factors, derivatives traders should focus on strategies that account for potential volatility. With prices caught between a ceiling of higher OPEC supply and a floor of geopolitical risk, option strangles could be used to profit from a significant price move in either direction. For those with a directional bias, using call or put spreads can define risk on trades expecting either a supply disruption or a demand slowdown to take control. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Commerzbank analysts say Middle East conflict keeps Brent supported, disrupting infrastructure and limiting OPEC+ supply capacity

Brent crude oil prices stayed elevated as conflict in the Middle East disrupted regional energy infrastructure and affected supply and shipments from parts of OPEC+. The market remained tight even after OPEC+ members raised production quotas for May. Brent was around $110 a barrel after recent attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Brent crude oil climbed 1% to $110 a barrel at the start of trading on Monday.

Middle East Supply Shock And Market Sensitivity

The International Energy Agency said the Hormuz closure created the biggest supply disruption in the history of the market. Oil prices were only slightly below the $120 reached last month when key energy assets were attacked. OPEC+ said damage to Middle East energy infrastructure could keep supply constrained even after the conflict ends. The article notes that oil prices continued to reflect large disruptions despite the quota increase. We remember last year’s conflict well, when Brent prices shot towards $120 a barrel on the back of the most significant supply disruption in history. That massive supply shock in 2025 has made the market extremely sensitive to any new geopolitical threats. Now, with Brent trading around $91, any hint of instability brings back those memories of extreme price action. Current supply is already tight, even without open conflict. We’ve seen OPEC+ extend its voluntary production cuts of 2.2 million barrels per day through the middle of the year, signaling a clear intent to support prices. Recent surveys show compliance with these cuts is strong, with the group’s March output actually falling, which reinforces this tight supply picture.

Options Strategy And Volatility Watch

Given the market’s memory of the 2025 Hormuz closure, we should be prepared for sharp price swings on any negative headlines from the Middle East. This suggests that buying long-dated call options could be a prudent strategy to position for another potential supply-driven rally. The premiums on these options could offer value before any new tensions are fully priced in. The damage to energy infrastructure from last year’s war still hangs over the market, limiting global spare production capacity and providing a floor for prices. Even though the International Energy Agency has slightly trimmed its 2026 demand growth forecast to 1.3 million barrels per day, this is not enough to offset the persistent supply-side risks. We see this as a fundamentally bullish setup for crude. Therefore, we see implied volatility in Brent options as potentially underpriced, considering the lingering potential for a rapid price spike similar to what we saw in 2025. Traders should monitor front-month futures contracts closely for signs of increasing backwardation. This would be a key indicator that immediate supply concerns are intensifying once again. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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Commerzbank analysts say conflict-related disruption and constrained OPEC+ output continue supporting Brent crude oil prices

Brent crude traded near $110 a barrel after rising 1% at the start of Monday trading. Prices were only slightly below the $120 level reached last month. Ongoing hostilities in the Middle East have disrupted regional energy infrastructure and production. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz was described by the International Energy Agency as the biggest supply disruption in the history of the market.

Opec Plus Output And Market Disruptions

OPEC+ increased production quotas for May while war conditions constrained output and shipments for several of its largest members. Oil prices continued to reflect large disruptions. OPEC+ said damage to Middle East energy infrastructure could keep supply tight even after the conflict ends. The report stated the article was created with the help of an artificial intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor. With Brent crude holding near $110 a barrel, we see the market reflecting a significant supply risk premium due to ongoing Middle East hostilities. The recent high of $120 shows that traders are pricing in the severity of infrastructure attacks and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This persistent tightness suggests that positioning for continued price strength or high volatility is the primary consideration for the weeks ahead. The scale of the supply shock is immense, with the International Energy Agency confirming a global supply deficit now exceeding 3 million barrels per day for March 2026. This is largely because the Hormuz closure has taken nearly 21 million barrels per day of crude transit offline, a figure that dwarfs the recent 400,000 barrel per day quota increase from OPEC+. Given this imbalance, we believe any dips in price will likely be viewed as buying opportunities.

Derivatives Strategies In Elevated Volatility

For derivatives traders, this environment supports maintaining long positions through call options or futures contracts targeting strike prices above the recent $120 high. The Cboe Crude Oil Volatility Index (OVX) is currently elevated near 60, making options expensive but also reflecting the potential for sharp upward price movements. A cost-effective strategy could involve bull call spreads to limit premium outlay while capturing further upside. The structure of the futures market further validates this bullish outlook, as the Brent curve is in steep backwardation, with front-month contracts trading at a significant premium to later-dated ones. This indicates a powerful, immediate demand for physical barrels that is unlikely to fade soon. We view this as a strong signal that the supply squeeze is real and will persist through the second quarter. We have seen how long these disruptions can last, looking back at the market realignment following the sanctions on Russian energy in 2022. The damage to regional infrastructure suggests this is not a short-term political issue but a long-term logistical problem. Therefore, strategies should be structured for a multi-week or even multi-month horizon, as a return to market balance seems distant. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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EUR/GBP slips towards 0.8700 as subdued, risk-averse trading follows holiday closures and Iran war escalation fears

The Euro slipped against the Pound in thin Easter Monday trading, with many markets closed and sentiment cautious. EUR/GBP traded around 0.8720, down from 0.8735, and stayed within the recent range near 0.8700. Markets reacted to comments from US President Donald Trump, who threatened to destroy Iran’s bridges and energy plants if Tehran does not open the Strait of Hormuz before Tuesday at 8 PM. An Axios report said regional mediators are negotiating a 45-day ceasefire that could lead to a peace deal.

Euro Pound Trading Near Monthly Highs

EUR/GBP held near one-month highs as the Euro stayed steadier than the Pound during the month-long Middle East war. ECB policymakers have pointed to a possible rate rise due to higher inflation pressures, while Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey downplayed near-term tightening. The main Eurozone event on Monday is the Sentix Investor Confidence index, which may reflect the effects of the Iran war and energy shock. Sentix is a monthly survey of about 1,600 financial analysts and institutional investors, and it is built from 36 indicators. The survey measures views on the current economy and expectations for the next six months. Higher readings tend to support the Euro, while lower readings tend to weigh on it. Looking back at the market mood in 2025, we see the EUR/GBP pair was trading near one-month highs around 0.8720. This was driven by significant fears of a wider war involving Iran and the expectation that the European Central Bank would raise rates while the Bank of England would not. That geopolitical risk premium has since vanished from the market.

Shift In Monetary Policy Outlook

The major divergence in monetary policy that we saw as a possibility then has now completely shifted. In 2025, the ECB was seen as hawkish, but today in April 2026, the discussion is about which central bank will cut interest rates first. Recent data shows UK service sector inflation remains stubbornly higher at 5.8% compared to a faster decline in the Eurozone, making the BoE’s job more difficult. This change in outlook has weighed on the EUR/GBP, pushing it away from those 2025 highs. We are now trading closer to the 0.8550 level, as the Pound finds support from the idea that the BoE may have to delay rate cuts longer than the ECB. The old resistance level near 0.8700 now appears very distant. For derivative traders, this suggests a change in strategy is needed. The environment no longer favors expecting big upward moves in the pair. Selling call options with strike prices at or above 0.8650 could be a prudent approach to take advantage of the new reality and decaying volatility. The Sentix Investor Confidence mentioned last year continues to be a relevant data point for us. The latest reading for April 2026 has improved from the deep lows but remains negative at -5.9, showing that underlying confidence in the Eurozone economy is still fragile. This weak sentiment provides little fuel for a significant rally in the Euro against the Pound. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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