By Nathan Boardman
Foreign exchange, or forex, involves exchanging currencies. This function allows nations to trade value fairly, which is vital to the global economy. Foreign trade and tourism depend on the forex market.
Since currencies have different values, currency exchangers rely on the exchange rate, which is set by forex markets. Exchange rates, which compare one currency to another, change throughout the trading day.
Forex trading involves buying and selling currency pairs to profit from exchange rate changes. Gains and losses depend on the extent and speed of currency value fluctuations.
Understanding what causes currency fluctuations is essential. This knowledge will help traders spot opportunities and make profitable trades.
In this article, we will examine the central exchange rate factors. Continue reading to learn how inflation and interest rates affect forex markets, whether you’re new to forex trading and want to understand currencies or a seasoned investor looking to understand the market’s complexities.
Exploring the Relationship Between Inflation and Interest Rates
Inflation and interest rates are critical macroeconomic variables that can swiftly influence currency worth; however, before delving into the details of how and why, it is crucial to grasp the definitions of each of these terms.
Understanding Inflation
Inflation is price increases over time. While rising prices may reduce purchasing power, inflation is expected in a healthy economy. According to modern economists, rising prices boost economic growth and protect against falling prices.
Income and spending are interconnected in economic growth. Companies pay workers a portion of their profits. Purchases by workers boost consumption and company profits. Increased consumption allows businesses to raise prices and increase profits. Therefore, they can pay their workers more. A cycle of economic expansion continues.
Consumption drops when inflation soars. This reduces company profits and worker wages, slowing economic growth.
The continuity of economic growth is also threatened by low inflation or deflation.
To be efficient, inflation must be gradual and consistent. To achieve this, the US Federal Reserve aims to keep inflation around 2%.
Understanding How Bank Interest Rates Work
Central bank interest rates on local bank loans are called bank interest rates. Central banks change interest rates to affect economic growth, making them an essential part of a country’s monetary strategy.
Simply put, higher interest rates raise borrowing costs and savings account interest. Economic activity slows as people cut spending and save more.
However, lower central bank interest rates lower borrowing costs and savings account interest rates. This boosts consumer spending and reduces saving, boosting the economy.
What is the connection between inflation and interest rates?
Interest rates help central banks control inflation. When inflation is high, central banks raise interest rates to reduce the money supply and discourage borrowing by raising loan costs.
The goals are decelerating the economy and restoring fair prices. As product prices fall, inflation falls to a central bank target.
As you know, adjusting interest rates is sensitive and may require multiple changes to reach the desired inflation level.
As struggling businesses close and job opportunities shrink, excessive and rapid rate increases can cause an economic downturn.
Hyperinflation can result from inadequate or delayed rate increases. Price spikes and excessive inflation have reduced a nation’s currency’s value, as has Turkey recently.
The Effect of Inflation on Forex Trading
Now that we understand how inflation can impact an economy let’s examine its effects on forex trading. What occurs when inflation is elevated or diminished, and how does it affect the exchange rate between a pair of currencies?
High Inflation and Forex Trading
When an economy experiences high inflation, its currency loses value. Rising prices deter investors.
Thus, high inflation can lower the value of a currency compared to others, making short positions in the currency pair advantageous. Remember that forex trading always involves two currencies. Thus, factors that affect both currencies must be considered, not just one.
Exploring the Relationship Between Inflation and Forex Trading
Typically, when an economy experiences low inflation, its currency tends to strengthen as an increased amount of money enters the country. The value of the currency rises as its buying power grows, enhancing its rate of exchange.
Similarly, minimal inflation can contribute to a currency gaining value compared to its counterpart in a currency pair. This presents opportunities for forex traders to profit from bullish positions in the pair.
The Impact of Inflation on the USD/EUR Pair
By 2022, US and Eurozone inflation rates rose after the COVID-19 pandemic. In November 2021, the US Harmonised Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) rose 8% and the Eurozone nearly 5%.
Due to high US inflation, the Dollar should fall against the Euro, as discussed.
Unexpectedly, the US Dollar reached a near 16-month peak against the Euro in November 2021. The Eurozone’s rising COVID-19 cases raised concerns about reimposing lockdowns.
This shows that market sentiment trumped the idea that inflation would devalue the currency and that forex markets don’t always follow theory.
The Effect of Interest Rates on Forex Trading
Keep in mind that changes in interest rates can also substantially influence forex currency pairs. Now, let’s delve into the impact that varying interest rates can have on different currencies.
It is important to remember that the forex market is influenced by more than just inflation and interest rates. Numerous interconnected and intricate elements are at play, making it challenging to comprehend and analyze them thoroughly.
Higher Interest Rates and Forex Markets
Typically, when interest rates rise, it tends to boost the worth of the related currency as there is an increased demand from international investors. Foreign investors who choose to invest in the currency, such as through the purchase of government bonds, have the potential to earn a higher rate of return compared to investing in alternative currencies.
The increase in value has a positive effect on the currency’s exchange rate, which in turn influences the prices of related currency pairs. Therefore, if there is a possibility of an interest rate hike in the near future, this could potentially signal a chance for forex trading with positions held for an extended period.
Interest Rate Reductions and Foreign Exchange Markets
When a central bank decides to lower interest rates, it impacts the currency’s value. Unlike the usual scenario, where rising interest rates lead to currency appreciation, a rate cut can have the opposite effect.
In many instances, reducing the interest rate leads to a depreciation of the associated currency. This is because international investors are no longer able to obtain substantial profits and, therefore, opt for a currency that offers higher interest rates.
Lowering interest rates also stimulates borrowing and consumption, leading to a potential increase in inflation rates and a possible depreciation of the currency.
The Impact of Interest Rates on the EUR/USD
Employment and wage growth data in March 2024 fell short of expectations, increasing the likelihood of a Federal Reserve interest rate cut. The Dollar fell 0.07% against the Euro, allowing the Euro to reach its highest level in eight weeks.
As expected, central bank interest rate cuts weaken currencies, including the Dollar. In this case, the decline occurred without official rate reductions. Chairman Powell said the Fed was close to cutting rates.
This shows how unpredictable the forex market is, and traders often make strategic decisions based on upcoming events.
The Significance of Risk Management in Forex Trading
At this stage, we have sufficiently emphasized the intricate dynamics of the foreign exchange markets and the importance for forex traders to avoid complacency.
Utilizing appropriate risk management techniques is always crucial, especially in forex trading, considering the subject’s more complex nature.
Here are some helpful suggestions for effectively managing risk while trading forex.
Keep a Trading Journal
Previously, we discussed using an economic calendar to monitor significant dates. To expand on that concept, consider initiating a forex trading journal to monitor and evaluate your trading results.
Record the transaction you conducted, its result, and the reasons behind its success or failure. This will encourage you to discover your blind spots and assist you in determining which information deserves your attention.
Focus on the Right-Sized Trade
This embodies the core principles of risk management. It’s important to acknowledge that even if your information is precise and you’re fully prepared, the forex market can still surprise you—as we’ve mentioned before in this article.
It is essential always to manage the size of your trade, regardless of how confident you are in your decision. You desire to create a sequence of numerous victories rather than risk devastating your account with every trade.
Consider Staying Away During High Volatility
It’s completely acceptable to take a break from trading if you feel uneasy about the current condition of the market. Suppose you need to figure out how to proceed when economic indicators like inflation rates, joblessness, and GDP projections contradict monetary policy and interest rate predictions. In that case, you can halt trading until the situation becomes more apparent temporarily.
The forex markets play a crucial role in the global economy, so any disruptions or uncertainties are likely to resolve themselves in due course. Ultimately, if there’s one thing that all forex traders can unanimously acknowledge, it’s that markets strongly dislike uncertainty.
