Forex Markets Face Off Against Powell’s Power Play – 22 July 2025

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Today’s forex session brings a focused look at EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/CAD as of Tuesday, July 22, 2025. We analyze each pair on the 5-minute timeframe (M5) to capture the fine-grained price action shaping intraday opportunities. Monday’s relatively quiet economic calendar set the stage with technical movements, while Tuesday introduces a slew of central bank speeches and data points that could spark volatility. Below, we provide a structured breakdown for each currency pair, including an overview, technical analysis from the M5 charts, identification of key support and resistance levels, the current directional bias (bullish, bearish, or ranging), actionable trade ideas, and the impact of recent economic news. A concluding section ties together the insights and offers a broader market outlook. Let’s dive into the analysis for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/CAD.

EUR/USD

EUR/USD 5-minute chart – The pair rebounded from multi-day lows on Monday and surged into a new high before consolidating.

Technical Breakdown

On the M5 chart, EUR/USD shows a sharp bullish reversal that took place on Monday. The pair bounced from a low near 1.1620 (early July 21) and rallied strongly into the mid-1.17s by Monday afternoon. This surge created a prominent swing high around 1.1720, after which the price entered a sideways consolidation through late Monday and into early Tuesday. The post-rally consolidation appears as a bullish flag pattern – a tight range roughly between 1.1680 and 1.1715 – indicating the market was catching its breath after the strong move. As of Tuesday morning, EUR/USD is trading around 1.1690, holding within this narrow range. The short-term momentum remains upward-leaning given the higher highs and higher lows formed since Monday’s low. However, the pair has yet to break Monday’s high, showing some hesitation near resistance. A sustained move beyond 1.1715–1.1720 would confirm a bullish continuation, while a drop below 1.1680 could signal a deeper pullback. Overall, the technical picture on M5 favors the bulls but with a cautious tone as the pair awaits a clear breakout from the consolidation.

  • Key Support Levels:
    • 1.1680 – Near-term support at the bottom of the current flag/consolidation zone. A dip to this area has found buyers intraday.
    • 1.1650 – Minor support from late Monday; if 1.1680 fails, 1.1650 is the next level where buyers may emerge.
    • 1.1620 – Major support from Monday’s low. This level marked a strong turning point and a double-bottom area from which the rally launched.
  • Key Resistance Levels:
    • 1.1715 – 1.1720 – Immediate resistance defined by Monday’s spike high. The rally stalled here, so this zone is a pivotal intraday ceiling.
    • 1.1750 – If 1.1720 is cleared, 1.1750 is a potential upside target (a round-number resistance and an area of prior congestion on higher timeframes).
    • 1.1800 – While not visible on the M5 chart, this psychological level looms above and could attract sellers if reached later in the week.
  • Directional Bias: Bullish (with caution). The strong rebound off 1.1620 and the formation of higher lows give EUR/USD a short-term bullish bias. However, the bias remains conditional on a breakout from the consolidation. A clear push above 1.1720 would reaffirm the bullish bias, whereas failure to do so and a drop under 1.1680 could shift the bias to neutral or bearish intraday.

Trade Ideas

  • Bullish Idea: Consider a long position on a decisive break above 1.1720 (Monday’s high). A confirmed breakout could signal continuation of the uptrend, targeting the 1.1750 level initially and possibly higher. A reasonable stop-loss can be placed just below the 1.1680 support to manage risk. This trade aligns with the bullish flag pattern suggesting upward continuation.
  • Bearish Idea: If EUR/USD fails to break resistance and instead drops below 1.1680, a short position could be eyed, anticipating a deeper pullback. The first downside target would be around 1.1650, with a stretch goal near the 1.1620 low. A stop-loss above 1.1720 (above the failed breakout zone) can cap the risk. This counter-trend idea would play a potential range reversal, given the pair’s inability to push higher.

Impact of Economic News

EUR/USD’s recent price action has been influenced by a mix of technical momentum and a relatively light news flow on Monday. With no high-impact Eurozone releases on July 21, the euro’s rally was largely driven by dollar softness and technical buying. The only notable data Monday was from the U.S. – the Conference Board Leading Index, which ticked down by -0.2%, slightly weaker than the previous month. This mild U.S. economic softening put modest pressure on the dollar, helping EUR/USD lift off its lows. Additionally, Monday saw no ECB speakers or data, keeping the focus on the chart dynamics.

Heading into Tuesday, the fundamental backdrop becomes more pivotal. Central bank communications take center stage: ECB President Christine Lagarde is scheduled to speak later today, which could provide hints on future Eurozone monetary policy or economic outlook. Any unexpectedly hawkish or dovish tone from Lagarde can spark volatility in EUR pairs. On the U.S. side, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s speech (also slated for Tuesday) is a major event for the dollar. Traders will watch Powell’s comments for clues on the Fed’s policy trajectory amid evolving economic conditions. If Powell strikes a hawkish tone (e.g., emphasizing inflation risks or the need for higher rates), the USD could strengthen broadly, potentially stalling EUR/USD’s ascent. Conversely, any dovish hints or cautious outlook might weaken the dollar and give EUR/USD a further boost. So far on Tuesday morning, anticipation of these speeches has kept EUR/USD in a tight range. In summary, EUR/USD traders should monitor the news wires closely today – the technical bullish bias could be either reinforced or upended depending on Lagarde’s and Powell’s commentary. Volatility is likely to pick up around those speaking events, so managing trades with that in mind is prudent.

GBP/USD

GBP/USD 5-minute chart – A V-shaped rebound on Monday lifted the pair off lows, followed by range-bound trading into Tuesday.

Technical Breakdown

On the M5 timeframe, GBP/USD has exhibited a robust rebound similar to EUR/USD. After sliding to a low near 1.3420 in the early hours of Monday, the pair staged a V-shaped recovery. By mid-day Monday, GBP/USD climbed aggressively, peaking around the 1.3500 mark, which is a notable psychological resistance. This intraday rally was likely spurred by a combination of dollar weakness and improved risk sentiment, as there were no major UK data releases during that time. Following the peak just above 1.3500, the pair entered a consolidation phase. Through late Monday and into early Tuesday, GBP/USD has been trading mostly sideways in a narrow band roughly between 1.3450 and 1.3495. This range can be seen as a period of digestion after Monday’s big move. The short-term trend is cautiously bullish – higher lows are visible (for instance, a higher intraday low around 1.3440 after the initial 1.3420 bottom), and the pair remains not far below its recent high. However, the bulls have so far struggled to bust through the 1.3500 ceiling decisively. A break above that level would signal a continuation of the uptrend, whereas a fall below 1.3450 could indicate a deeper retracement toward Monday’s lows. In summary, GBP/USD’s technical posture is slightly bullish but range-bound, awaiting a catalyst to break out of the current equilibrium.

  • Key Support Levels:
    • 1.3450 – Immediate support at the lower bound of the current consolidation range. This level has been tested multiple times since Monday and held, making it a near-term floor.
    • 1.3420 – 1.3430 – Major support from Monday’s low. The bounce from ~1.3420 was significant; if the market revisits this area, it will be a critical test for buyers.
    • 1.3400 – A round-number support below Monday’s low. While not reached this week, it’s a psychological level to watch if the 1.3420 support fails.
  • Key Resistance Levels:
    • 1.3500 – The most significant near-term resistance (Monday’s high and a psychological barrier). The market clearly reacted to this level, so a sustained break above 1.3500 would be a bullish signal.
    • 1.3530 – Minor resistance above 1.3500, around the peak of Monday’s spike (some charts show wicks into the low 1.35s). This could be an initial target on a breakout.
    • 1.3600 – A higher-level resistance (not seen on the M5 chart yet this week). If bullish momentum resumes strongly, 1.3600 could come into play later, given its psychological importance.
  • Directional Bias: Slightly Bullish/Range-bound. GBP/USD’s short-term bias leans bullish due to the strong recovery and series of higher lows. However, the inability to clear 1.3500 so far means the pair is effectively range-bound in the very short term. Traders may treat it as neutral/balanced until a breakout occurs. A push above 1.3500 would shift bias firmly to bullish, while a drop below 1.3450–1.3420 support could turn the bias bearish for the intraday outlook.

Trade Ideas

  • Bullish Idea: A buy breakout strategy above 1.3500 could be considered. If GBP/USD closes above 1.3500 on the M5 chart with strong momentum, it may signal the range breakout. The upside target could be 1.3530 (first resistance) followed by the 1.3570–1.3600 zone if the rally extends. A stop-loss might be placed just below 1.3450, in case of a false breakout, to limit downside risk. This trade banks on the bullish continuation of Monday’s rebound.
  • Bearish Idea: If the pair continues to respect resistance and falls below 1.3450 support, a short trade could be set up. This would imply the intraday bias is reversing downward, opening potential for a slide toward 1.3420 (Monday’s low) and possibly 1.3400. A prudent stop-loss could sit above 1.3500, as a move above that would invalidate the bearish setup. This trade anticipates a breakdown from the consolidation range and a partial retracement of the recent rally.

Impact of Economic News

For GBP/USD, the start of the week lacked any major UK-specific economic data releases, meaning Monday’s price movements were primarily driven by broader market factors and technicals. The British pound’s rebound on July 21 came amid a quiet UK calendar (the only notable mention was that it was a bank holiday in Japan, which had minimal direct effect). The modest decline in the U.S. Leading Index (-0.2%) may have weakened the dollar slightly, indirectly aiding GBP/USD’s lift. Overall, with no UK data on Monday, market sentiment and dollar moves filled the driver’s seat for cable’s (GBP/USD) rally.

Looking at Tuesday’s events, GBP/USD traders are on alert for central bank commentary. Early on Tuesday, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey spoke in a public forum. Any remarks from Bailey on inflation or future BoE policy could influence the pound – for instance, hints at further tightening to combat inflation might bolster GBP, whereas dovish comments on the economic outlook could soften it. So far, there’s no dramatic reaction noted, suggesting that Bailey’s speech did not deliver major surprises. The spotlight then shifts to the U.S. side: Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s speech at a later hour is a key risk event for GBP/USD. Since this pair balances the pound against the U.S. dollar, Powell’s words can be just as impactful as UK-specific news. If Powell reinforces a hawkish stance (e.g. indicating readiness to raise rates further or hold them high), the dollar could gain, pressuring GBP/USD lower. On the other hand, if he acknowledges economic headwinds or signals a pause, the dollar may sag, giving GBP/USD a lift. Additionally, any updates from Bailey (or other BoE members) will remain relevant throughout the day – the market is attentive to the BoE’s reaction to the latest inflation trends in the UK, which have been a persistent issue. In summary, Tuesday’s fundamental focus for GBP/USD is on central bank signals: the pound will take cues from Bailey’s outlook on UK rates, and the dollar will move on Powell’s tone regarding U.S. monetary policy. Traders should be prepared for possible volatility spikes around these speaking engagements and adjust their positions or stops accordingly.

USD/CAD

USD/CAD 5-minute chart – The pair rolled over from highs on Monday, with a downturn that reflects CAD strength and USD softness.

Technical Breakdown

The USD/CAD 5-minute chart depicts a bearish turn in momentum for the pair as the week began. In contrast to EUR/USD and GBP/USD (which rose on Monday), USD/CAD fell, since Canadian dollar strength means this pair moves downward. Early Monday saw USD/CAD attempting highs near 1.3730, a level that appears to form a double-top pattern when compared to late last week’s highs. This 1.3730 region acted as a firm intraday resistance, and once the pair failed to push higher, sellers took control. From mid-day Monday into the afternoon, USD/CAD slid sharply – a move that corresponds to broad USD weakness and possibly a pick-up in oil prices (which often supports the oil-linked CAD). The decline found interim support around 1.3670–1.3680 by late Monday, and an eventual low near 1.3660 was carved out in the overnight session. Since hitting 1.3660 (the swing low), USD/CAD has been consolidating in a tight range roughly between 1.3665 and 1.3700 through early Tuesday. This sideways action could be viewed as a bearish flag or pennant formation following Monday’s drop – typically a continuation pattern that might precede another leg lower, provided support at 1.3660 gives way. The current price hovers around 1.3685, so the pair is nearer to the lower end of last week’s range. To the upside, USD/CAD would need to break back above 1.3730 to negate the bearish near-term structure. For now, the technical bias on the M5 chart is tilted bearish in favor of the Canadian dollar, but like the other pairs, a clear break (of either 1.3660 support or 1.3730 resistance) is needed to signal the next directional move.

  • Key Support Levels:
    • 1.3660 – Immediate support at the recent intraday low. This is the line in the sand from the overnight drop; a decisive break below 1.3660 could accelerate selling.
    • 1.3640 – A minor support level (around the next swing low visible to the left of the chart or an extrapolated move). If 1.3660 breaks, 1.3640 could offer some interim support, though it’s relatively close by.
    • 1.3600 – A significant psychological support. Not reached in the past two days, but if the downtrend extends, 1.3600 (a round number and possible prior low from earlier in July) may be the bears’ next target.
  • Key Resistance Levels:
    • 1.3700 – Very near-term resistance given the current consolidation range top. USD/CAD has been capped around 1.3695–1.3700 intraday; a move above might signal a relief bounce.
    • 1.3730 – Major intraday resistance (double-top area). The Monday high and last week’s high converge here. Bulls would need to reclaim 1.3730 to disrupt the bearish pattern and gather momentum for a larger rebound.
    • 1.3780 – A higher resistance to watch if 1.3730 is surpassed. Around 1.3780–1.3800 lies a zone of previous highs (from last week or earlier) and a round number (1.3800) that could stall a rally.
  • Directional Bias: Bearish (intraday). The failure at 1.3730 and subsequent drop have shifted the short-term bias to bearish for USD/CAD. The pattern of lower highs and a potential bear flag consolidation supports a negative outlook for now. That said, the bias would flip to neutral or bullish on an upside break above ~1.3730, so traders should stay nimble. As long as USD/CAD remains below its key resistance and above the 1.3660 floor, it may chop around; a break of either boundary will likely dictate the next directional run.

Trade Ideas

  • Bearish Idea: Look for a short sell if USD/CAD breaks convincingly below 1.3660. A breakdown would confirm the bearish continuation pattern, with an initial downside target at 1.3640 followed by 1.3600 if selling intensifies. A stop-loss could be placed just above 1.3700 (inside the current consolidation), or more conservatively above 1.3730, to protect against a sudden reversal. This trade capitalizes on the prevailing downtrend and the idea that Monday’s CAD strength could carry forward.
  • Bullish Idea: If USD/CAD manages to bounce and close above 1.3730, a long position might be considered for a potential trend reversal or extended correction upward. The first upside objective would be 1.3780, and above that, the 1.3800+ region. A tight stop below 1.3700 can limit risk, given that a move back below that level would suggest the breakout failed. This counter-trend trade would hinge on a notable shift in momentum, perhaps driven by news favoring the USD or a pullback in oil prices weakening the CAD.

Impact of Economic News

USD/CAD’s movement at the start of this week reflects an interplay of both domestic Canadian factors and broader U.S. dollar dynamics. On Monday, Canada’s economic calendar featured the Raw Materials Price Index (RMPI) for June, which showed a slight decline of -0.1%. This indicates input prices were relatively stable, which may have provided a mild fundamental tailwind for the CAD (as it suggests less deflationary pressure on Canada’s resource sector). More significantly, the Bank of Canada’s Business Outlook Survey was released on Monday. While this survey doesn’t provide a numeric “result” to quote, its tone can influence the CAD – any optimism in the survey about future sales, investment, or inflation could have bolstered the Canadian dollar, whereas pessimism would hurt it. The Monday drop in USD/CAD suggests that the survey did not alarm CAD bulls; if anything, it might have been cautiously optimistic or at least not bad enough to weaken the CAD. Additionally, a generally softer U.S. dollar on Monday (partly due to that weaker Leading Index and a lack of hawkish Fed news) helped USD/CAD drift lower.

Looking at Tuesday, there aren’t major Canadian data releases during the day, but USD/CAD will be sensitive to external factors and market sentiment. Of particular importance is Fed Chair Powell’s speech in the U.S.. As USD is one half of the USD/CAD pair, any signal from Powell regarding U.S. interest rates or economic health can move this pair. For instance, if Powell comes across hawkish (suggesting further tightening), the USD could rally broadly, lifting USD/CAD from its lows. Such a build can pressure oil prices downward. Since the Canadian dollar is positively correlated with oil (Canada being a major oil exporter), a drop in oil prices might weaken the CAD, potentially providing some relief to USD/CAD from its recent decline. Traders should watch if oil benchmarks react significantly to that stockpile news, as it could cause USD/CAD to bounce if oil tumbles.

In summary, USD/CAD’s fundamental outlook for Tuesday hinges on Fed speak and oil dynamics. With no direct Canadian economic releases on deck, the CAD will take cues from risk sentiment and commodity prices. If Powell’s commentary supports the U.S. dollar and oil falls, we may see USD/CAD retrace upward from support. If instead the USD remains under pressure and oil stabilizes, the Canadian dollar could extend gains, pushing USD/CAD to new lows. Caution is warranted around the timing of these events, and it’s wise for traders to keep an eye on multiple influences when trading this pair.

Market Outlook

The analyses above for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, and USD/CAD highlight a common theme: markets are in a holding pattern early on July 22, 2025, after Monday’s moves, waiting for fresh catalysts to dictate direction. Technically, both EUR/USD and GBP/USD have a bullish tilt on the intraday charts, while USD/CAD leans bearish (which is consistent, as all three reflect a bit of general USD softness since yesterday). Each pair, however, is hovering at important inflection points – whether it’s a consolidation range boundary or a recent high/low – signaling that a breakout is imminent once new information hits the wires.

From a fundamental perspective, the next 24 hours are heavy with central bank communication. These could very well be the triggers that break the pairs out of their ranges. Fed Chair Powell’s remarks will be scrutinized across the board: a reaffirmation of fighting inflation could strengthen USD (pressuring EUR/USD & GBP/USD down and USD/CAD up), whereas empathy for growth concerns could weaken USD further (boosting EUR/USD & GBP/USD and dragging USD/CAD lower). Similarly, ECB’s Lagarde and BoE’s Bailey speaking means EUR and GBP traders will get insight into how European policymakers view their inflation and growth trajectories. Trade wisely around these events – volatility can spike, and technical levels may break or hold dramatically depending on what is said.

Going forward, beyond Tuesday’s immediate news, traders should keep in mind the broader context. The support and resistance levels identified will remain useful reference points; for example, if EUR/USD’s bull flag breaks out, the next levels (1.1750, 1.1800) come into play, whereas a surprise USD resurgence could send it back to test 1.1620 support. GBP/USD will likewise follow the dual influence of UK outlook and USD moves, with 1.3500 as today’s pivot. USD/CAD’s path will be shaped by not just Fed expectations but also commodity trends – any further developments in oil prices or Canadian economic sentiment will be key. The latter part of the week brings some notable data (e.g. UK retail sales, possibly US durable goods orders, etc.) that could add momentum to any mid-week trends established now.

In conclusion, the market is at an inflection point on July 22. The technical setups on the M5 charts provide clear tactical levels for short-term traders, and the influx of central bank commentary provides fundamental firepower that could drive breakouts. By combining the technical signals (charts and price levels) with awareness of the news (speeches and reports), traders can position themselves advantageously. Stay alert and flexible: a ranging market can quickly turn into a trending one when catalysts strike. The remainder of this week is likely to be eventful, and today’s developments will set the tone. Happy trading and manage your risks accordingly – when technicals and fundamentals align, opportunity arises, but when they diverge, prudence is the best course.

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