On Thursday, the euro attempted to extend the rally that began on March 4, fueled by news that EU leaders have decided to significantly increase funding for the creation of a European army, along with measures aimed at stimulating the German economy. However, its momentum against the U.S. dollar appears to be slowing, primarily due to the diverging interest rate trajectory between the ECB and the Fed.

It seems that investors have already priced in the recent news from the EU and Germany regarding fiscal policy easing and economic support measures. The ECB's expected rate cut of 0.25%, lowering the key rate to 2.65% from 2.90%, is positive for the local stock market and economic stimulus plans but acts as a limiting factor for further sustained euro appreciation against the dollar.

First, there is a clear divergence in interest rates between the U.S. and the Eurozone. Currently, the Eurozone rate is at 2.65%, while in the U.S., it stands at 4.50%. Second, Donald Trump's strategic use of tariff policies to advance U.S. economic interests on global markets appears to be yielding results, albeit at a slow pace, by supporting domestic manufacturers through protectionist measures.

The dollar's decline temporarily paused after President Trump announced a temporary exemption for certain Canadian and Mexican goods from the newly imposed 25% tariffs earlier this week. This move raised hopes for further concessions, but despite this, the ICE U.S. Dollar Index has already lost more than 3% this week due to fears that an escalating trade war could negatively impact the U.S. economy. The market perceives the heavy reliance of many American companies on free trade as a growing risk. Against this backdrop, many investors shifted their focus to safe-haven currencies, such as the Japanese yen and the Swiss franc.

According to consensus forecasts, the U.S. economy is expected to have added 159,000 new jobs in February, compared to 143,000 in January. Meanwhile, average hourly earnings are projected to remain at 4.1% year-over-year, although they are expected to slow to 0.3% from 0.5% in February.

At the start of the European trading session, the euro resumed its advance against the dollar, not only due to dollar weakness but also in anticipation of today's U.S. labor market report. The disappointing ADP data earlier this week raises speculation that today's report may also fall short of expectations.

If the Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report turns out to be weaker than expected, dollar weakness could intensify as expectations of an earlier-than-anticipated Fed rate cut—possibly before summer—gain traction. In this scenario, the EUR/USD pair could test the previous target level of 1.0935 and consolidate above it. However, this scenario is only likely if U.S. labor market and wage data fail to exceed forecasts.

Market Forecast for the Day:

GOLD (XAU/USD)

Gold prices are consolidating below the resistance level of $2,924.50. Negative labor market data could pressure the U.S. dollar, helping gold break through this resistance and move toward $2,950.00.

WTI Crude Oil (#CL)

WTI crude oil is attempting a local rebound, having rebounded from the strong support level of $65.60. Weakness in the dollar, paired with technical oversold conditions, could push oil prices higher toward $68.65.