- GBP/USD bounces off its lowest level since mid-May, albeit lacks any follow-through buying.
- The fundamental backdrop warrants some caution for bulls ahead of the key US macro data.
- The technical setup suggests that the path of least resistance for the pair is to the downside.
The GBP/USD pair attracts some buyers near the 1.2615-1.2610 area, or its lowest level since mid-May touched during the Asian session on Thursday and reverses a part of the previous day's steep decline. Spot prices currently trade around the 1.2630 area, up less than 0.10% for the day, as traders now look to the key US macro data before positioning for the next leg of directional bets.
In the meantime, the US Dollar (USD) is seen retreating from a nearly two-month high touched on Wednesday and acting as a tailwind for the GBP/USD pair. That said, elevated US Treasury bond yields, bolstered by expectations that the Federal Reserve (Fed) is in no rush to start its rate-cutting cycle, should help limit losses for the buck. Apart from this, rising bets for a rate cut by the Bank of England (BoE) in August could undermine the British Pound (GBP) and further contribute to capping the GBP/USD pair ahead of the UK general election on July 4.
From a technical perspective, the overnight breakdown and close below the 1.2650-1.2645 confluence – comprising 50-day and 100-day Simple Moving Averages (SMAs) was seen as a fresh trigger for bearish traders. Moreover, oscillators on the daily chart have been gaining negative traction and suggest that the path of least resistance for the GBP/USD pair is to the downside. Hence, a subsequent slide below the 1.2600 round-figure mark, towards testing the next relevant support near the 1.2560-1.2555 horizontal zone, looks like a distinct possibility.
On the flip side, any positive move back above the 1.2645-1.2650 confluence support breakpoint might continue to attract fresh sellers ahead of the 1.2700 mark and remain capped. A sustained strength beyond the said handle, however, will suggest that the recent corrective decline has run its course and lift the GBP/USD pair beyond the 1.2720-1.2725 supply zone, towards the 1.2800 mark. Bulls might eventually aim to challenge the multi-month top, around the 1.2860 region touched on June 12, and lift spot prices further towards the 1.2900 round figure.
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 recovers above 1.0300, markets await comments from Fed officials
EUR/USD gains traction and trades above 1.0300 on Thursday despite mixed German Industrial Production and Eurozone Retail Sales data. Retreating US bond yields limits the USD's gains and allows the pair to hold its ground as market focus shifts to Fedspeak.
GBP/USD rebounds from multi-month lows, trades above 1.2300
GBP/USD erases a portion of its daily gains and trades above 1.2300 after setting a 14-month-low below 1.2250. The pair recovers as the UK gilt yields correct lower after surging to multi-year highs on a two-day gilt selloff. Markets keep a close eye on comments from central bank officials.
Gold climbs to new multi-week high above $2,670
Gold extends its weekly recovery and trades at its highest level since mid-December above $2,670. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield corrects lower from the multi-month high it touched above 4.7% on Wednesday, helping XAU/USD stretch higher.
Bitcoin falls below $94,000 as over $568 million outflows from ETFs
Bitcoin continues to edge down, trading below the $94,000 level on Thursday after falling more than 5% this week. Bitcoin US spot Exchange Traded Funds recorded an outflow of over $568 million on Wednesday, showing signs of decreasing demand.
How to trade NFP, one of the most volatile events Premium
NFP is the acronym for Nonfarm Payrolls, arguably the most important economic data release in the world. The indicator, which provides a comprehensive snapshot of the health of the US labor market, is typically published on the first Friday of each month.
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.