Morgan Stanley: How Much Will FX Hedging Flows Boost EUR/USD? - eFXdata

What the desk is arguing

The desk believes that the ongoing FX hedging flows could play a decisive role in pushing EUR/USD higher, potentially reaching the levels outlined by Morgan Stanley. Per the full note source, they specify that these flows might add upwards pressure amid a favorable outlook for the euro.

Evidence suggests that anticipation of improved cross-border investment and hedging against currency fluctuations is leading to increased demand for euros. The desk notes that Morgan Stanley posits a March 2026 target of 1.2000 for EUR/USD, indicating a significant increase from current levels.

Where it sits in our coverage

Our consensus targets for EUR/USD show a median forecast of 1.1700 for March 2026, with notable estimates from other firms such as: - jpmorgan: 1.1800 - goldman: 1.1800 - mufg: 1.1800

Morgan Stanley's position aligns with the upper end of our consensus range (1.1300–1.2000), indicating a more aggressive outlook compared to peers like bnpparibas and citi, which present lower targets at 1.1600 and 1.1300 respectively.

How other firms see it

A number of firms share a bullish outlook similar to Morgan Stanley, with jpmorgan, goldman, and mufg all projecting targets around 1.1800 for March 2026. In contrast, firms like citi and socgen maintain more conservative stances, predicting lower targets of 1.1300 and 1.1700.

This bullish sentiment around EUR/USD is mirrored in expectations related to European central bank policy shifts. Additionally, movements in USD/JPY could also serve as a barometer for broader USD strength, underscoring the intertwined nature of these currency pairs.