GBP/USD edges higher amid subdued USD demand, remains below mid-1.2700s ahead of UK GDP


  • GBP/USD regains positive traction following the previous day’s post-US CPI decline.
  • Dovish Fed expectations and a positive risk tone weigh on the USD and lend support.
  • Traders now look to the UK GDP print for some impetus ahead of the US macro data.

The GBP/USD pair attracts some dip-buying during the Asian session on Thursday and reverses a part of the previous day's post-US CPI retracement slide from the vicinity of the monthly peak. Spot prices currently trade around the 1.2735-1.2740 region, up less than 0.10% for the day as traders now look to the release of the preliminary UK Q3 GDP print for a fresh impetus.

The consensus estimates suggest that the British economy expanded by 0.6% during the April-June period, slightly less than the 0.7% rise recorded in the previous quarter. Meanwhile, the annualized UK GDP growth is expected to come in at 0.9% as compared to 0.3% in the first quarter. Against the backdrop of a surprise dip in the UK unemployment rate, even a stronger GDP print will signal a strengthening economy. This might complicate the Bank of England’s (BoE) plans to lower interest rates and provide a goodish lift to the British Pound (GBP). 

Apart from this, investors on Thursday will take cues from the US macro data – monthly Retail Sales, the usual Weekly Initial Jobless Claims, the Empire State Manufacturing Index and the Philly Fed Manufacturing Index. The data might influence the USD price dynamics and provide some meaningful impetus to the GBP/USD pair. Ahead of the key data, bets for an imminent start of the Federal Reserve's (Fed) rate-cutting cycle, bolstered by data indicating that inflation is on a downward trend, weigh on the USD and lend support to the currency pair.

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported on Wednesday that the headline US CPI rose moderately, by 0.2% in July after falling 0.1% in the previous month. Meanwhile, the annual increase in the CPI slowed a bit and fell below 3% for the first time in nearly three-and-half years, suggesting continued progress towards the Fed's inflation goals. Investors, however, scaled back expectations for more aggressive policy easing by the Fed, which, along with geopolitical risks, could help limit the downside for the buck and keep a lid on the GBP/USD pair.

Economic Indicator

Gross Domestic Product (QoQ)

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), released by the Office for National Statistics on a monthly and quarterly basis, is a measure of the total value of all goods and services produced in the UK during a given period. The GDP is considered as the main measure of UK economic activity. The QoQ reading compares economic activity in the reference quarter to the previous quarter. Generally, a rise in this indicator is bullish for the Pound Sterling (GBP), while a low reading is seen as bearish.

Read more.

Next release: Thu Aug 15, 2024 06:00 (Prel)

Frequency: Quarterly

Consensus: 0.6%

Previous: 0.7%

Source: Office for National Statistics

 

Share: Feed news

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.

XM
Account
7.2
Tools
9.2
Service
9.4
Trading
9.0
Trust
7.0
Experience
8.4
Read review
Moneta Markets
Account
7.4
Tools
6.6
Service
8.0
Trading
6.6
Trust
5.2
Experience
9.2
Read review
Trading Pro
Account
7.2
Tools
5.2
Service
6.6
Trading
8.0
Trust
5.0
Experience
7.0
Read review
Pepperstone
Account
8.2
Tools
8.2
Service
7.4
Trading
9.0
Trust
8.8
Experience
9.0
Read review
XM
Read review
Moneta Markets
Read review
Trading Pro
Read review
Pepperstone
Read review
Trading Pro
Read review
Pepperstone
Read review
XM
Read review
Moneta Markets
Read review
Trading Pro
Account
7.2
Tools
5.2
Service
6.6
Trading
8.0
Trust
5.0
Experience
7.0
Read review
Pepperstone
Account
8.2
Tools
8.2
Service
7.4
Trading
9.0
Trust
8.8
Experience
9.0
Read review
XM
Account
7.2
Tools
9.2
Service
9.4
Trading
9.0
Trust
7.0
Experience
8.4
Read review
Moneta Markets
Account
7.4
Tools
6.6
Service
8.0
Trading
6.6
Trust
5.2
Experience
9.2
Read review

Recommended content


Recommended content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD bounces off 1.1300, Dollar turns red

EUR/USD bounces off 1.1300, Dollar turns red

After bottoming out near the 1.1300 region, EUR/USD now regains upside traction and advances to the 1.1370 area on the back of the ongoing knee-jerk in the US Dollar. Meanwhile, market participants continue to closely follow news surrounding the US-China trade war.

EUR/USD News
GBP/USD regains pace, retargets 1.3200

GBP/USD regains pace, retargets 1.3200

The now offered stance in the Greenback lends extra support to GBP/USD and sends the pair back to the vicinity of the 1.3200 hurdle, or multi-day highs, amid a generalised better tone in the risk-linked universe on Monday.

GBP/USD News
Gold trades with marked losses near $2,200

Gold trades with marked losses near $2,200

Gold seems to have met some daily contention around the $3,200 zone on Monday, coming under renewed downside pressure after hitting record highs near $3,250 earlier in the day, always amid alleviated trade concerns. Declining US yields, in the meantime, should keep the downside contained somehow.

Gold News
Six Fundamentals for the Week: Tariffs, US Retail Sales and ECB stand out

Six Fundamentals for the Week: Tariffs, US Retail Sales and ECB stand out Premium

"Nobody is off the hook" – these words by US President Donald Trump keep markets focused on tariff policy. However, some hard data and the European Central Bank (ECB) decision will also keep things busy ahead of Good Friday.

Read more
Is a recession looming?

Is a recession looming?

Wall Street skyrockets after Trump announces tariff delay. But gains remain limited as Trade War with China continues. Recession odds have eased, but investors remain fearful. The worst may not be over, deeper market wounds still possible.

Read more
The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD

The Best brokers to trade EUR/USD

SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you're a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market.

Read More

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures

Best Brokers of 2025