- A combination of factors prompted some follow-through selling around GBP/JPY on Wednesday.
- Coronavirus jitters weighed on investors’ sentiment and boosted demand for the safe-haven JPY.
- Persistent Brexit-related uncertainties undermined the GBP and further added to the selling bias.
The GBP/JPY cross witnessed some fresh selling during the early European session and dropped to near two-week lows, around the 135.60 region in the last hour.
The cross extended its recent pullback from the 137.65 region and witnessed some follow-through selling through the first half of the trading action on Wednesday. The prevalent risk-off environment forced investors to take refuge in the safe-haven Japanese yen, which, in turn, was seen as a key factor exerting pressure on the GBP/JPY cross.
New coronavirus cases have been growing at an alarming pace in the United States and Europe and might force governments to impose new restrictions. Investors remain worried that renewed lockdown measures to curb the second wave of COVID-19 infections could prove detrimental for the already fragile global economic recovery, which weighed on investors' sentiment.
On the other hand, the British pound was being pressured by persistent Brexit-related uncertainties. Despite an extension of the UK-EU Brexit talks and reported progress being made in numerous areas, the impasse on the matter of the future access of EU fishing fleets to UK waters has dampened prospects for an immediate breakthrough.
Apart from this, Wednesday's downfall could further be attributed to some technical selling below the very important 200-day SMA. hence, some follow-through weakness back towards challenging October monthly swing lows, around the key 135.00 psychological mark, looks a distinct possibility amid absent relevant market moving economic releases.
Technical levels to watch
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD trades weak below 1.0800 amid Good Friday lull, ahead of US PCE
EUR/USD remains depressed below 1.0800 after soft French inflation data, amid minimal volatility and thin liquidity on Good Friday. The pair keenly awaits the US PCE inflation data and Fed Chair Powell's speech for fresh hints on next week's price action.
GBP/USD holds steady above 1.2600 as markets stay calm on Good Friday
GBP/USD trades sideways above 1.2600 amid a typical Good Friday trading lull. A broadly firmer US Dollar could keep any upside attempts limited in the pair ahead of the US PCE inflation data and Fed Chair Powell's appearance.
Gold price sits at all-time highs above $2,230, US PCE eyed
Gold price hit all-time highs at $2,236 on Thursday to finish Q1 2024 with a bang. Most major world markets, including the US are closed due to Holy Friday, leaving volatility around Gold price highly subdued. US PCE inflation and Powell are awaited.
Jito price could hit $6 as JTO coils up inside this bullish pattern
Jito (JTO) price has been on an uptrend since forming a local bottom in early January. Since then, JTO has revisited the key swing point formed in early December, suggesting the bulls’ intention to move higher.
Key events in developed markets next week
Next week, the main focus will be inflation and the labour market in the Eurozone. We expect services inflation to be impacted by the easter effect, while the unemployment rate to be unchanged.