empty
24.11.2023 02:30 PM
GBP/USD: on the way to 1.2740

This image is no longer relevant

The released macroeconomic data from the United Kingdom last Thursday supported the pound. According to the data presented by Markit Economics, the preliminary November business activity indices in the British economy exceeded expectations. Thus, the preliminary PMI for the services sector rose to 50.5, and the composite PMI to 50.1, above the 50 threshold that separates activity growth from slowdown. Although the manufacturing PMI is still below the 50 level, at 46.7 (compared to 44.8 in October and a forecast of 45.0), these data reduce the risks of a recession in the UK.

Today (at 14:45 GMT), S&P Global in the USA will publish similar indices. Economists expect a decrease in November figures: manufacturing PMI to 49.8 (from 50.0 earlier) and services sector to 50.4 (from 50.6 in October). The manufacturing PMI is also expected to be worse than the October figure of 50.0, entering the slowdown zone. Despite the low market activity today due to Thanksgiving celebrations in the country and a shortened working day in the USA, this macro statistic may exert additional negative pressure on the dollar, pushing GBP/USD to a new local high after reaching 1.2571 yesterday, the highest since September 7.

The dollar itself remains under pressure after literally collapsing due to the publication of U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data last week: October CPI slowed from 0.4% to 0.0% (from 3.7% to 3.2% on an annual basis), while economists forecasted 0.1% and 3.3%, respectively.

The ongoing slowdown in inflation in the USA provides grounds to assume that the Federal Reserve will soon move towards easing credit and monetary conditions, which is a negative factor for the U.S. dollar. Despite signals in the recent FOMC minutes on the need to maintain a tight monetary policy and the possibility of a new interest rate hike, the dollar has not yet recovered from losses following the publication of the latest inflation data in the USA.

In recent reports, the annual UK Consumer Price Index also decreased from 6.7% to 4.6%, and GDP remained at 0%. However, in recent comments, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey emphasized that rates should continue to rise as inflation is still high, although this tightening of monetary policy may negatively impact the British economy.

However, major investment banks have recently raised their forecasts for economic growth in the UK. This year, JPMorgan Chase & Co. experts estimate it at 0.4% (instead of 0.2%), while Goldman Sachs analysts says it will be 0.7% (compared to 0.6% earlier).

According to most economists, the transition of the PMIs of the British economy from the stagnation zone to the growth zone, with high inflation persisting in the country, helps the Bank of England leaders make a bolder choice towards further tightening of monetary policy, which, in turn, creates prerequisites for further strengthening of the pound.

Will this help further growth of the GBP/USD pair? If the dollar fails to regain positive dynamics, then yes.

This image is no longer relevant

Meanwhile, GBP/USD is updating 11-week highs, strengthening towards the important long-term resistance level of 1.2610. If, as we assumed, the dollar cannot regain lost positions and restore positive dynamics, then the next target for the pair will be the key resistance level of 1.2740, separating the long-term bearish trend of the pair from the bullish one.

Jurij Tolin,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

The ECB May Cut Interest Rates Twice

The euro is showing a sharp rally against the U.S. dollar. The EUR/USD pair has already reached a three-year high and shows no signs of slowing down. Meanwhile, according

Jakub Novak 12:42 2025-04-11 UTC+2

AUD/USD. Analysis and Forecast

The AUD/USD pair is attempting to attract buyers in its rebound from the psychological level of 0.5900, marking its lowest point since March 2020. The upward momentum has managed

Irina Yanina 12:39 2025-04-11 UTC+2

Markets Face a Prolonged Period of Instability (USD/JPY and USD/CHF Likely to Continue Falling)

On Thursday, investors realized there is currently no such thing as stability. High market volatility remains and will continue to dominate for some time. The ongoing cause of this remains

Pati Gani 09:11 2025-04-11 UTC+2

The Market Has Grown Used to Chaos

What is life if not a game? In past years, investors focused on the standoff between the Federal Reserve and financial markets. But in 2025, the rules of the game

Marek Petkovich 08:42 2025-04-11 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on April 11? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

A relatively large number of macroeconomic events are scheduled for Friday, but none are expected to impact the market. Of course, we may see short-term reactions to individual reports

Paolo Greco 06:04 2025-04-11 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview. April 11: The Market Didn't Believe Trump

The GBP/USD currency pair also traded higher on Thursday. As a reminder, macroeconomic and traditional fundamental factors currently have little to no influence on currency movements. The only thing that

Paolo Greco 03:28 2025-04-11 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview. April 11: The American Comedy Continues

The EUR/USD currency pair declined sharply overnight on Wednesday but showed some recovery during the day. On Thursday, there was further growth—this series of fluctuations can only be described

Paolo Greco 03:28 2025-04-11 UTC+2

Trading Recommendations and Analysis for GBP/USD on April 11: The Dollar Takes a Double Hit

The GBP/USD currency pair also showed strong growth on Thursday, although not as strong as the EUR/USD pair. The pound gained only around 200 pips—which isn't a considerable move under

Paolo Greco 03:28 2025-04-11 UTC+2

EUR/USD. A Message from the Past: U.S. CPI Report Fails to Support the Dollar

The CPI report released on Thursday showed weaker-than-expected inflation. The market responded accordingly: the U.S. dollar came under renewed pressure (the U.S. Dollar Index fell into the 100.00 range)

Irina Manzenko 00:47 2025-04-11 UTC+2

The Euro Charges Ahead. Opponents Retreat

A rally in European stock indices, slowing U.S. inflation, and the fact that the average U.S. tariff has not changed significantly despite the 90-day deferral all contributed to the rise

Marek Petkovich 00:47 2025-04-11 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.