- GBP/USD reached a fresh six-month high at 1.3256 on Wednesday.
- Markets have largely priced in a 90% probability of a rate cut in May, according to interest rate futures.
- The upcoming US Retail Sales data could offer fresh insight into the impact of tariff concerns on consumer behavior.
The GBP/USD pair continues its winning streak that began on April 8, trading around 1.3250 during Wednesday’s Asian session. Earlier in the day, it touched a fresh six-month high at 1.3256. The pair has maintained strong momentum, boosted by improved global risk sentiment after US President Donald Trump announced exemptions for key technology products from his new “reciprocal” tariffs.
In the UK, labor market data showed on Tuesday that the unemployment rate held steady at 4.4% in February, in line with expectations. Wage growth, however, remained robust, maintaining pressure on the Bank of England (BoE).
The BoE has refrained from easing monetary policy, citing persistent wage strength. Nonetheless, interest rate futures suggest that markets have already priced in a 90% probability of a rate cut in May, with expectations for two additional cuts later this year.
All eyes are now on the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for March, due later on Wednesday. Economists forecast core CPI—which excludes food and energy—to remain stable at 3.5% year-over-year.
Meanwhile, the US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the US Dollar against a basket of six major currencies, is trading lower near 99.80. Later in the day, the focus will shift to US Retail Sales data for March, which could offer fresh insight into the impact of tariff concerns on consumer behavior.
Pound Sterling FAQs
The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).
The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.
Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.
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