The wave pattern on the 4-hour EUR/USD chart has changed. There is still no talk of canceling the upward trend section (lower chart), which began in January last year. However, the current wave structure now appears highly ambiguous. In such situations, I always recommend switching to a lower timeframe (upper chart) and focusing on the simplest and smallest wave structures in order to make short-term forecasts, which are sufficient for opening trades. Wave structures can be very complex and may involve multiple scenarios. The simplest approach is to trade standard "five-three" patterns.

On the chart above, I can identify a classic five-wave impulse structure with an extension in wave three. After this structure was completed, a corrective sequence of at least three waves began forming. However, this structure may still develop into an impulsive five-wave form, which is entirely possible. Nevertheless, we cannot be confident that wave five is forming, as a corrective structure is still expected. In classical terms, it should take a three-wave form. If that is indeed the case, then a new downward trend leg began on April 17.

The euro continues to decline due to U.S. inflation.

The EUR/USD pair fell by 15 basis points on Thursday and has lost 100 points this week overall. This is not particularly significant, and the instrument's daily volatility remains relatively low. Rather, the market continues cautious selling while remaining ready to return to buying at any moment.

This week, two key factors worked against the euro and in favor of the dollar.

The first was a new geopolitical escalation in the Middle East. Iran and the United States once again failed to agree on the terms of a future deal, and at the beginning of the week exchanged aggressive rhetoric, which, however, did not escalate into actual conflict. Fortunately. Nevertheless, risk-off sentiment increased immediately, leading to strengthening of the U.S. dollar.

The second factor was U.S. inflation. No one had doubts that inflation would rise — not only in the United States but globally. However, April CPI data showed that it is increasing faster than economists expected. Inflation rose to 3.8% year-over-year, forcing both the market and the Federal Reserve to shift expectations toward monetary tightening.

At present, there is no discussion of interest rate hikes. This has been stated by several Federal Reserve officials. Policymakers believe rates should remain unchanged for some time in order to properly assess the inflationary impact of the Middle East conflict and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. However, the market itself is beginning to lean toward the possibility of policy tightening before the end of the year, which is also supporting the U.S. dollar.

General Conclusions

Based on the EUR/USD analysis, I conclude that the instrument remains within an upward trend structure (lower chart), while in the short term it is forming a corrective structure. The corrective wave sequence appears mostly complete but may develop into a more complex and extended formation. However, this would require improvement in the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.

Therefore, without positive news, I expect the instrument to decline below 1.1665, which corresponds to the 38.2% Fibonacci level.

On the lower timeframe, the entire upward trend is visible. The wave structure is not entirely standard, as corrective waves differ in size. For example, the higher-degree wave 2 is smaller than the internal wave 2 within wave 3. However, such situations do occur. It is important to focus on identifiable structures rather than forcing interpretation of every wave.

The latest waves are difficult to classify, which is why I rely on the higher timeframe for analysis.

Key principles of my analysis:

1. Wave structures should be simple and clear. Complex structures are difficult to trade and often signal transitions.
2. If there is no confidence in market direction, it is better not to trade.
3. There is never 100% certainty in market direction. Always use Stop Loss orders.
4. Wave analysis can be combined with other analytical methods and trading strategies.