- GBP/USD drifts lower for the third successive day and drops to a multi-week low on Thursday.
- A combination of factors continues to push the USD higher and exert pressure on the major.
- The fundamental backdrop supports prospects for a further near-term depreciating move.
The GBP/USD pair extends this week's retracement slide from the vicinity of the 1.2300 mark and remains under some selling pressure for the third successive day on Thursday. The pair weakens further below the 1.2100 round figure, hitting over a three-week low during the Asian session, and is pressured by sustained US Dollar (USD) buying interest.
Growing acceptance that the Federal Reserve (Fed) will stick to its hawkish stance remains supportive of elevated US Treasury bond yields and continues to underpin the Greenback. In fact, the markets are still pricing in the possibility of one more Fed rate hike move by the end of this year. This allows the yield on the benchmark 10-year US government bond to hold steady close to a 16-year peak, around the 5% psychological mark touched earlier this week. Apart from this, a generally weaker risk tone turns out to be another factor benefitting the safe-haven buck, which, in turn, is seen exerting some pressure on the GBP/USD pair.
The British Pound (GBP), on the other hand, is weighed down by expectations that the Bank of England (BoE) will keep interest rates on hold at a 15-year high of 5.25% on November 2 on the back of looming recession risks. The bets were lifted by softer UK labour market data and flash PMI prints, which should allow the BoE to keep interest rates on hold. This contributes to the offered tone surrounding the GBP/USD pair and supports prospects for a further near-term depreciating move. In the absence of any relevant market-moving economic releases from the UK, traders now look to the US macro data for some meaningful impetus.
Thursday's US economic docket highlights the release of the first estimate (Advance) of the US GDP print for Q3, along with Durable Goods Orders, due later during the early North American session. This, along with Fed Governor Christopher Waller's scheduled speech and the US bond yields, should influence the USD. Apart from this, the post-ECB volatility in the market should produce short-term trading opportunities around the GBP/USD pair. Nevertheless, the aforementioned fundamental backdrop favours bearish traders and suggests that the path of least resistance for spot prices remains to the downside.
Technical levels to watch
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 stays below 1.1100, looks to post weekly losses
EUR/USD continues to trade in a narrow range below 1.1100 and remains on track to end the week in negative territory. Earlier in the day, monthly PCE inflation data from the US came in line with the market expectation, failing to trigger a reaction.
GBP/USD struggles to find a foothold, trades near 1.3150
GBP/USD stays on the back foot and trades in negative territory at around 1.3150 on Friday. The US Dollar holds its ground following the July PCE inflation data and doesn't allow the pair to stage a rebound heading into the weekend.
Gold retreats toward $2,500 ahead of the weekend
Gold stays under modest bearish pressure and declines toward $2,500 in the American session on Friday. The 10-year US Treasury bond yield edges higher toward 3.9% after US PCE inflation data, causing XAU/USD to stretch lower.
Week ahead – Investors brace for NFP amid Fed rate cut speculation
Here comes another NFP week, with investors eagerly awaiting the results as they try to discern the size and pace of the Fed’s forthcoming rate cuts. The weaker than expected July numbers triggered market turbulence, instilling fears about a potential recession in the US.
Easing Eurozone inflation to back an ECB rate cut in September Premium
Eurostat will publish the preliminary estimate of the August Eurozone Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices on Friday, and the anticipated outcome will back up the case for another European Central Bank interest rate cut when policymakers meet in September.
Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know
VERIFIED In this review, the FXStreet team provides an independent and thorough analysis based on direct testing and real experiences with Moneta Markets – an excellent broker for novice to intermediate forex traders who want to broaden their knowledge base.