Quick Look
- GBP/USD current trading session sees a decline of 0.39%, standing at 1.2807.
- The pound had previously achieved six consecutive wins, with a 1.56% rise last week.
- Upcoming UK employment data and the BoE rate decision are in focus.
- US employment figures surpass expectations, but wage growth slows down.
- BoE’s interest rate cut expectations shift, with UBS predicting a 25 basis points reduction in August.
- Technical analysis indicates key support at 1.2720 and resistance near 1.3000.
The British Pound faces a challenging trading session against the US dollar, recording a 0.39% dip to 1.2807. This downturn contrasts sharply with the GBP/USD‘s recent success, marking six straight days of gains and a notable climb of 1.56% against the Dollar last week. As investors keenly await the UK’s Q4 employment data, expectations set the unemployment rate at 3.8%, a reduction from the previous 4.2%. However, anticipated job growth shows a significant slowdown to 10,000 from Q3’s 72,000, with wage growth also expected to decline slightly to 5.7% year-on-year.
BoE Eyes Rate Cut as US Jobs Outperform
The Bank of England’s (BoE) meeting on March 21 is highly anticipated, with Governor Bailey showing a softened stance against rate cuts. Employment figures carry weight in the BoE’s decision-making, potentially influencing the timing of rate adjustments. Meanwhile, UBS Global Research forecasts a 25 basis points rate cut in August, a revision from their initial May expectation. Across the pond, US employment data for February exceeded forecasts, with a 275,000 rise in nonfarm payrolls, though wage growth shows signs of slowing. This mixed economic landscape heightens investor scrutiny on central banks’ next moves.
GBP/USD Navigates: From 1.2807 to Key 1.3000 Mark
The GBP/USD pair is at a critical juncture, trading just above the 1.2800 support level. Recently, it reached a seven-month high of 1.2893, and the psychological 1.3000 mark looms as a key resistance point. Market watchers also eye support levels at 1.2720 and 1.2600, which are crucial for determining the trend’s direction. Upcoming economic events, including UK GDP figures and consumer inflation expectations, alongside US CPI data, are expected to provide further impetus for the currency markets.
Economic Data & Central Banks to Shape Market Trends
Investors and traders are bracing for a week filled with significant economic data and central bank activities. The GBP/USD pair’s response to these events will be pivotal in shaping market sentiment and future trading strategies. With key technical levels and central bank policies under the microscope, the currency market stands on the cusp of potentially impactful movements.