Managed Forex Accounts EUR/USD Outlook 2008 3/3

What the Eurozone Outlook May Be

The performance of the EUR/USD is heavily influenced by economic prospects in the Eurozone. Part of the reason the EUR/USD rose to its all-time high of 1.4968 was while the US Federal Reserve lowered rates by 100bp, the ECB raised its rates by 50bp. It was feared throughout 2007 that the strong euro would adversely impact the Eurozone economy. On the contrary, growth was buoyant, as Germanys exports increased and boosted its trade surplus. Demand within the Eurozone was resilient and emerging markets spurred growth. Taking a cue from the lessons of 2004, when EUR/USD reached 1.36, Eurozone corporations were able to manage their foreign exchange risk much better in 2007 by increasing local production to minimise the effects of a weak US dollar.

Going forward into 2008, growth is finally starting to slow down. Business confidence in Germany slid to its lowest level in two years amid fears that higher interest, tightening credit, and rising inflation could adversely impact the economy. Both the European Commission and the ECB believe that 2008 growth will be less than initial estimates. The ECB has stopped making public statements...