- GBP/USD hovers near two-year lows on risk-off trading, UK growth woes.
- Cable confirmed an ascending triangle breakdown on the 4H chart on Wednesday.
- Bears gear up for the additional downside towards the pattern target of 1.2158.
GBP/USD is trading back below 1.2200 following a temporary pullback to near the 1.2230 region, as disappointing UK GDP data continues to power GBP bears.
The UK economy contracted 0.1% in March while expanding merely 0.8% QoQ in the first quarter of 2022, backing the BOE’s forecasts of a likely recession later this year.
The downbeat UK growth data combined with the risk-off market profile keeps the downside pressure intact on cable.
Investors shrugged off the upbeat comments from the BOE Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden, as he said that “the central bank isn’t talking down the economy in forecasts.”
Also read: UK Preliminary GDP expands 0.8% QoQ in Q1 vs. 1.0% expected
Looking at cable’s four-hour chart, Wednesday’s confirmation of the ascending triangle breakdown, below the 1.2310 rising trendline support, has opened floors for a test of the pattern target measured at 1.2158.
The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is probing the oversold territory around 30.00, allowing room for more downside.
Should the abovementioned key support give way, a test of the 1.2100 round figure will be inevitable.
GBP/USD: Four-hour chart
On the other side, any recovery attempts will need acceptance above daily highs of 1.2255.
The next upside target is seen at the bearish 21-Simple Moving Average (SMA) at 1.2302, above which the triangle support (now resistance) at 1.2323 will come into play.
GBP/USD: Additional technical levels
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

AUD/USD: Upside appears capped at 0.6300 on Trump's tariff fallout
AUD/USD struggles to build on the previous day's rebound and remains below the 0.6300 mark early Wednesday, anticipating US President Trump's tariffs announcement later in the day. However, buyers continue to draw support from China's stimulus optimism and RBA's prudence on the policy outlook.

USD/JPY holds losses below 150.00 as traders await Trump's tariffs
USD/JPY stays defensive below 150.00 in Wednesday's Asian trading as traders turn cautious ahead of Trump's reciprocal tariffs announcement. A cautious market mood and BoJ Ueda's comments underpin the Japanese Yen, keeping the pair under pressure amid a subdued US Dollar.

Gold price holds comfortably above $3,100 amid trade jitters
Gold price attracts some dip-buyers following the previous day's retracement slide from the record high amid persistent safe-haven demand, bolstered by worries about a tariff-driven global economic slowdown. Furthermore, Fed rate cut expectations and the lack of USD buying interest offer additional support to the XAU/USD.

Solana traders risk $120 reversal as FTX begins $800M repayments on May 30
Solana’s price remained pinned below $130 on Tuesday, despite a broader market recovery. While Bitcoin, Ripple, and Cardano posted gains exceeding 3% over the past 24 hours, SOL lagged behind.

Is the US economy headed for a recession?
Leading economists say a recession is more likely than originally expected. With new tariffs set to be launched on April 2, investors and economists are growing more concerned about an economic slowdown or recession.

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.