Pound Under Pressure

GBP

Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Bailey contributed to the market’s uncertainty by offering insights into the UK’s interest rate trajectory. His remarks led investors to reevaluate expectations, not only for a potential November rate hike but also for the possibility of rates remaining unchanged in the upcoming September meeting.

GBP/USD has encountered a series of challenges in recent trading sessions, raising concerns about potential short-term losses. Despite a positive labour market report in the UK, the currency pair remains influenced by broader trends, primarily driven by the strength of the US Dollar.

Last week, the exchange rate experienced a notable dip below the crucial 1.25 level. Analysts have pointed out that the next short-term target of interest could be the 200-day support level at 1.2425, a significant level that has the potential to impact the pair’s trajectory.

Sterling’s recent decline can also be attributed to disappointing economic data emanating from various parts of the world. Europe, the UK, and China have all reported subpar economic figures, contrasting with the US’s better-than-expected performance. The disparity between these regions has heightened the appeal of the US Dollar, drawing investors to its strength.

EUR

The Euro has encountered obstacles on its path to growth, particularly in its performance against the Pound. This resistance has been fueled by poor economic data releases from Germany, a crucial component of the Eurozone. Industrial production and factory orders in Germany have both experienced declines, surpassing the consensus and marking the third consecutive monthly contraction. This series of negative data has cast a shadow over the Euro’s prospects.

However, despite concerns about the German economy, the Euro has displayed resilience and gained momentum against the Pound. This suggests that the Euro is currently perceived as a more stable currency, attracting investors who are cautious about the prevailing market sentiment.

The Eurozone’s economic outlook still remains a matter of concern. The cautious sentiment in the market continues to influence the Euro’s performance, and investors are closely monitoring any developments that may affect its stability. Key events to watch include the upcoming European Central Bank (ECB) meeting, where rates are expected to remain steady. While economic stimulus discussions may not be at the forefront, market participants will scrutinize the accompanying press conference and updated projections for any hints about the future direction of the Euro.

USD

Beginning the week on a somewhat weaker note, the Dollar found its footing as the week progressed.

As the week unfolded, a mix of negative economic news and rising oil prices impacted market sentiment.. Notably, the announcement of the US services PMI from the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) indicated the fastest growth in activity in half a year. This development bolstered expectations of a possible tightening of monetary policy by the Federal Reserve.

Furthermore, the weekly initial jobless claims report provided additional support to the Dollar. The report indicated a drop in jobless claims to their lowest levels since February, challenging the notion that the US labour market is easing. Combination of strong economic activity and encouraging data has led investors and speculators to entertain the possibility of the Fed delaying a rate hike in September while potentially raising rates later in the year. This adjustment in expectations has postponed the notion of a Fed easing cycle, contributing to the Dollar’s prolonged strength.

Looking Ahead

As we look ahead to the current week, key factors to watch include the release of the UK labour market report on Tuesday and US inflation data on Thursday. With the overall negative outlook and uncertainty of the UK economy, positive labour market reports may still not be enough for the Pound to halt losses against its peers.

If you have an upcoming currency requirement and would like to hear more about what is affecting the markets in the coming weeks, please contact us on 020 3876 5432 or email [email protected].