EUR/USD weakens below 1.1700 as Fed keeps rates unchanged
The EUR/USD pair loses ground to near 1.1680 during the early European session on Thursday. The US Dollar (USD) strengthens against the Euro (EUR) after the US Federal Reserve (Fed) left interest rates unchanged. The attention will shift to the European Central Bank (ECB) interest rate decision later on Thursday. Fed officials decided to hold the benchmark federal funds rate steady in a range of 3.5% to 3.75% at its April policy meeting. Four officials voted against the decision, including three who objected to language in their post-meeting statement that suggested the central bank would eventually resume cutting rates. The 8-4 vote marked the first time since October 1992 that four officials dissented against a committee decision. Jerome Powell said on Wednesday that he will continue to serve as a Fed governor for an indefinite period even after his chairmanship ends. Kevin Warsh, Trumps nominated successor, appears on track to take over for Powell at the central bank. The ECB is widely expected to keep its key interest rates unchanged at its upcoming policy meeting on Thursday due to high uncertainty. Nonetheless, rising inflation, driven by energy price volatility from the Iran war, has raised the expectation of a rate hike in June. Goldman