Currency Fundamentals

Currency- Euro (EUR) 

The European Union (EU) is made up of 27 member states, but only 17 of these nations use the single currency, known as the euro. These countries using the euro make up the eurozone: Austria, Belgium, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, and Spain.

Currency Fundamentals

The Eurozone, though a single currency, encompasses 17 countries. But not every country's economic data carries the same weight when it comes to impacting the Euro's value.

Size Matters: As you might expect, the Eurozone's powerhouse economies have a more significant influence:

• Germany in the Spotlight: Germany, the Eurozone's largest economy, is often viewed as its engine. Economic data releases from Germany are closely watched by traders as they can significantly impact the Euro's value.

• France, Italy, and Spain: These three major economies, along with Germany, account for over 75% of the Eurozone's GDP. Economic data releases from these countries are also prime indicators for potential Euro movements.

By focusing on economic data from key Eurozone economies and prioritizing data impacting the current account and interest rates, you can gain valuable insights into potential Euro movements and make more informed forex trading decisions.

Most Important Economic Indicators to Follow

The following are the most closely watched economic indicators that could affect the euro:

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP) : It measures economic growth in the euro-region. Note that Germany’s GDP is more closely watched since it is the largest economy in the eurozone and its GDP tends to move the currency the most.

• Consumer Price Index (CPI) : An important indicator on inflation. This should be watched in conjunction with the European Central Bank inflation target. If inflation is higher, or even lower than the target, then the central bank could change monetary policy accordingly, and this will have an effect on the euro.

• Employment Change : The euro is particularly sensitive to changes in employment numbers in Germany, which is the eurozone’s largest economy.

• European Central Bank Policy Announcements : The European Central Bank sets fiscal and monetary policy in the eurozone. It is located in Frankfurt, Germany. It is helpful to watch policy meetings and announcements on interest rate decisions. When interest rates are lowered, the euro will likely weaken, and vice versa.