GBP/USD Outlook: Any meaningful recovery seems elusive; US PCE inflation data in focus


  • GBP/USD dived to a fresh 22-month low on Thursday amid an extension of the strong USD bullish run.
  • Aggressive Fed rate hike bets, the deteriorating global economic outlook continued boosting the buck.
  • Diminishing odds for more BoE rate hikes weighed on the GBP and contributed to the heavy selling.
  • The risk-on impulse acted as a headwind for the safe-haven buck and extended support to the major.

The GBP/USD pair witnessed heavy selling for the sixth successive day and dived to its lowest level since July 2020 on Thursday amid the relentless US dollar buying. The prospects for rapid interest rate hikes in the US, along with the deteriorating global economic outlook, pushed the USD to a five-year high. Investors seem convinced that the Fed would adopt a more aggressive policy response to combat stubbornly high inflation and have been pricing in a 50 bps rate hike at the upcoming meeting on May 3-4. The bets were reaffirmed by hawkish remarks from influential FOMC members last week, including Fed Chair Jerome Powell. The US central bank is also expected to continue tightening its monetary policy when it meets again in June and July, and ultimately lift rates to around 3.0% by the end of the year.

Investors also seem worried about a brewing energy crisis in Europe, which could impact the economic growth in the region. The concerns resurfaced after Russia announced a plan to halt gas flows to Poland and Bulgaria on Wednesday amid a standoff over fuel payments from “unfriendly” buyers in rubles. Moreover, the latest COVID-19 outbreak and prolonged lockdowns in China fuel fear about stalling global growth. This was another factor that boosted the greenback's reserve currency status. On the economic data front, the Advance US GDP report showed that the economy unexpectedly contracted by 1.4% during the first quarter. The disappointment, however, was largely offset by a sharp rise in the GDP Price Index, which accelerated to 8% in Q1 and reinforced hawkish Fed expectations.

The British pound was further weighed down by diminishing odds for aggressive Bank of England rate hikes amid signs that the UK economy is under stress from the soaring cost of living. Weak UK Retail Sales data released last week highlighted that high inflation might have started taking its toll on consumption. The combination of factors continued exerting downward pressure on the major, taking along some short-term trading stops near the key 1.2500 psychological mark. That said, the risk-on impulse in the equity markets acted as a headwind for the safe-haven buck and assisted spot prices in finding some support ahead of the 1.2400 mark. The pair finally settled around 40 pips off the daily low and gained some positive traction during the Asian session on Friday, though any meaningful recovery remains elusive.

There isn't any major market-moving economic data due for release from the UK, leaving the pair at the mercy of the USD price dynamics. Later during the early North American session, traders will take cues from the US economic docket, featuring the release of the Core PCE Price Index - the Fed's preferred inflation gauge. This, along with the broader market risk sentiment, will influence the USD price dynamics and produce short-term trading opportunities around the pair on the last day of the week.

Technical outlook

From a technical perspective, extremely oversold conditions on short-term charts were a key factor that prompted traders to lighten their bearish bets. The pair was last seen hovering around the 1.2500 mark, or the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level of the recent slump witnessed over the past two weeks or so. This is closely followed by the 50-hour SMA, around the 1.2515 region, above which a bout of short-covering could lift spot prices to the 38.2% Fibo. level, around the 1.2570 area. Some follow-through buying, leading to a subsequent strength beyond the 1.2600 mark, will suggest that the pair might have formed a near-term bottom and pave the way for additional gains. The momentum could then get extended towards the next relevant resistance near the 1.2670 area, or the 50% Fibo. level.

On the flip side, the 1.2450 area protects the immediate downside ahead of the overnight swing low, around the 1.2410 region. The latter should act as a pivotal point, which, if broken decisively, will be seen as a fresh trigger for bearish traders. The pair would then accelerate the fall towards intermediate support near the 1.2345 region en route to the 1.2300 mark before eventually dropping to June 2020 low, around mid-1.2200s.

fxsoriginal

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


Recommended Content

Editors’ Picks

AUD/USD turns south to test 0.6650 as US Dollar finds footing

AUD/USD turns south to test 0.6650 as US Dollar finds footing

AUD/USD is back in the red, testing 0.6650 in Friday's Asian trading. A renewed US Dollar uptick undermines the pair, even as risk sentiment remains in a sweeter spot. However, the downside appears limited amid the RBA's hawkish stance and hopes for more Chinese stimulus could act as a tailwind for the Aussie.

AUD/USD News
USD/JPY defends gains above 153.00 as Japan's intervention risks cap gains

USD/JPY defends gains above 153.00 as Japan's intervention risks cap gains

USD/JPY defends minor bids above 153.00 early Friday, reversing a part of Thursday's corrective slide from its highest level since July 30. The upbeat market mood and the post-Fed US Dollar rebound support the pair but speculations over a likely Japanese intervention cap the pair's upside.

USD/JPY News
Gold price consolidates around $2,700 amid mixed cues

Gold price consolidates around $2,700 amid mixed cues

Gold price hovers around $2,700 in the Asian session on Friday, failing to extend the recovery from the vicinity of the 50-day SMA support, or over a three-week low. Resurgent demand for the US Dollar, despite improving risk tone, induces fresh weakness in Gold price. 

Gold News
Bitcoin, crypto market remain in uptrend following 25 bps Fed rate cut

Bitcoin, crypto market remain in uptrend following 25 bps Fed rate cut

The crypto market has remained in the green following the Federal Reserve's decision to lower interest rates. Historically, Bitcoin and the crypto market have reacted positively to low interest rate environments. 

Read more
Outlook for the markets under Trump 2.0

Outlook for the markets under Trump 2.0

On November 5, the United States held presidential elections. Republican and former president Donald Trump won the elections surprisingly clearly. The Electoral College, which in fact elects the president, will meet on December 17, while the inauguration is scheduled for January 20, 2025.

Read more
Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

Best Forex Brokers with Low Spreads

VERIFIED Low spreads are crucial for reducing trading costs. Explore top Forex brokers offering competitive spreads and high leverage. Compare options for EUR/USD, GBP/USD, USD/JPY, and Gold.

Read More

Majors

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures