- GBP/USD clears the top of an ascending channel and nears the YTD high of 1.3398.
- The Relative Strength Index (RSI) favors buyers, breaking above 70 despite entering overbought territory, signaling potential for further gains.
- Next resistance levels include the March 1, 2022, high at 1.3437 and the psychological 1.3500 mark.
- A pullback could see the pair test support at 1.3350, with further downside targeting 1.3298, 1.3266, and the 1.3200 figure.
The Pound Sterling extended its gains against the US Dollar on Tuesday amid a scarce economic docket in the UK. Across the pond, the US Conference Board Consumer Confidence tumbled on labor market views, sending the Greenback sliding and underpinning other currencies higher. The GBP/USD trades at 1.3388 and advances more than 0.30%.
GBP/USD Price Forecast: Technical outlook
From a technical standpoint, the GBP/USD has cleared the top of an ascending channel, about to challenge the year-to-date (YTD) high of 1.3398, shy of the 1.34 handle. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) favors buyers despite breaking above the 70 marks, seen as overbought territory. However, this could exacerbate a leg-up, before retreating to lower prices.
The next key resistance for GBP/USD will be the March 1, 2022, daily high at 1.3437, followed by the 1.3500 figure. Conversely, if the exchange rate drops below 1.3350, this could pave the way for a pullback. The next support will be the March 23, 2022, daily peak turned support at 1.3298, followed by the August 27 high at 1.3266 and the 1.3200 mark.
GBP/USD Price Action – Daily Chart
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, aka ‘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.
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 corrects toward 0.6850, awaits US PCE Price Index
AUD/USD is falling back toward 0.6850 in Friday's Asian trading, reversing from near 19-month peak. A tepid US Dollar bounce drags the pair lower but the downside appears called by the latest Chinese stimulus measures, which boost risk sentiment ahead of US PCE data.
USD/JPY pares gains below 145.50 after Tokyo CPI inflation data
USD/JPY is paring back gains to trade below 145.50 in the Asian session on Friday, as Tokyo CPI inflation data keep hopes of BoJ rate hikes alive. However, intensifying risk flows on China's policy optimism support the pair's renewed upside. The focus shifts to the US PCE inflation data.
Gold price holds steady near record peak; looks to US PCE data from fresh impetus
Gold price consolidates below the all-time high set on Thursday amid overbought conditions on the daily chart and the risk-on mood, though dovish Fed expectations continue to act as a tailwind. Bulls, meanwhile, prefer to wait for the release of the US PCE Price Index before placing fresh bets.
Ethereum could retest $2,707 resistance following increasing ETF inflows and uptrend in funding rates
Ethereum traded around $2,640 on Thursday, up more than 2% following increased bullish bias among investors, as evidenced by ETH ETF net inflows and an uptrend in funding rates. However, investors may be wary of a potential correction from ETH's rising exchange reserve.
RBA widely expected to keep key interest rate unchanged amid persisting price pressures
The Reserve Bank of Australia is likely to continue bucking the trend adopted by major central banks of the dovish policy pivot, opting to maintain the policy for the seventh consecutive meeting on Tuesday.
Five best Forex brokers in 2024
VERIFIED Choosing the best Forex broker in 2024 requires careful consideration of certain essential factors. With the wide array of options available, it is crucial to find a broker that aligns with your trading style, experience level, and financial goals.