Synopsis:
Danske Bank has delayed its Fed rate cut forecast from June to September 2025 due to a more front-loaded fiscal stimulus outlook, but maintains a bearish stance on EUR/USD, citing macro and structural factors outweighing Fed repricing in FX dynamics.
Key Points:
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Fed Call Shifted to September:
Danske now sees the first Fed cut in September 2025, instead of June, reflecting a fiscally expansionary tilt from Q1 2026. -
Terminal Rate Unchanged:
Despite the delay, Danske maintains its terminal Fed Funds rate forecast of 3.00–3.25% by September 2026. -
US Fiscal Outlook Turning Looser:
The updated budget reconciliation bill implies larger near-term deficits, with federal budget shortfalls potentially reaching 7.0% of GDP in 2026–2027 after a brief tariff-induced tightening phase. -
FX Market Focus Has Shifted:
Danske notes the USD’s sensitivity to Fed pricing has declined, with macroeconomic divergences and structural imbalances now more critical to EUR/USD pricing. -
EUR/USD Outlook Unchanged:
Danske maintains a bearish view on the euro and holds its 12-month EUR/USD target at 1.20, despite the revised Fed timeline.
Conclusion:
While Danske delays its expected Fed rate cut to September, it keeps its broader FX outlook intact, arguing that EUR/USD trajectory is now more tied to structural headwinds than to incremental shifts in Fed policy expectations.