BNY reports that Bundesbank President Joachim Nagel has signaled a likely European Central Bank rate hike in June unless the outlook improves, reinforcing a hawkish bias. Despite this, FX options show 1‑ and 3‑month EUR volatility below long-term averages, suggesting markets do not expect a major EUR/USD breakout. Energy-driven inflation and Iran-related supply shocks remain key risks.

ECB hawkish tone but calm options market

"EUR volatility: EUR remains bid today after testing three-week lows, as the ECB meeting clearly points to a June rate hike risk. ECB President Christine Lagarde confirmed that the decision to hold rates was unanimous, though a hike had been discussed."

"Meanwhile, the ECB’s Joachim Nagel has cautioned that the central bank might need to tighten policy as early as June. What is interesting is that the options market in FX has 1m and 3m volatility below the long-term average."

"This suggests few see any breakdown or breakout for EURUSD in the quarter ahead, despite the rate policy uncertainty in the U.S. and the EU linked to the ongoing energy supply shock from the Iran conflict. Any shift in the FOMC stance or U.S. expectations on rates or hedging will be the new driver for risk."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor.)