- GBP/USD tests the 100-day Exponential Moving Average at 1.2033.
- Traders are focused on growth figures from the UK, Fed Chair Powell’s speech at Congress, and US NFP figures.
- GBP/USD Price Analysis: Consolidated, waiting for a fresh catalyst to get direction.
GBP/USD trims some of last Friday’s gains despite an upbeat sentiment led by Wall Street, opening in the green. A light calendar in the United Kingdom (UK) would keep traders focused on the busiest docket in the United States (US). At the time of writing, the GBP/USD is trading at 1.2019.
The GBP/USD at the mercy of US economic data
As abovementioned, risk sentiment is a mixed bag. The UK economic calendar will reveal the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on Friday, ahead of the Bank of England’s (BoE) March 23 meeting. The US economic docket will feature Factory Orders for January, foreseen to fall to -1.8%, below the prior’s month reading of 1.8%.
The greenback (USD) is printing losses, capping the GBP/USD’s fall below the 1.2000 figure. The US Dollar Index (DXY), a gauge of the buck’s value vs. a basket of six currencies, extended its losses, by 0.14%, at 104.380. Meanwhile, US Treasury bond yields, which underpinned the USD last week’s price action, are down, with the 10-year benchmark note rate below 4%, at 3.950%.
The week could be volatile due to US Federal Reserve (Fed) Chairman Jerome Powell’s appearance at the US Congress on March 7 and 8. Analysts expect Powell to maintain a hawkish stance, echoing some of his colleague’s tone. He’s expected to reiterate that interest rates must go higher for longer if the US economy continues to print solid data.
Following astonishing January data, the US Nonfarm Payrolls figures are awaited on Friday. Market participants estimate the US economy added 200K jobs to the economy. Any figures below expectations would weigh on the USD, meaning the GBP/USD could appreciate. On the flip side, stronger data would warrant further tightening by the Fed.
GBP/USD Technical levels
The GBP/USD daily chart suggests that the pair is bottoming around 1.2000. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is in bearish territory, with a downward slope, meaning that sellers are in control. The Rate of Change (RoC) suggests the sellers are losing momentum. Therefore mixed signals within oscillators suggest the GBP/USD pair is sideways. For a bullish continuation, the GBP/USD must clear the 200-day EMA at 1.2120. On the bearish front, the GBP/USD must break below the 100-day EMA at 1.2033 and beneath 1.2000 to pave the way for further losses.
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 extends recovery beyond 1.0400 amid Wall Street's turnaround
EUR/USD extends its recovery beyond 1.0400, helped by the better performance of Wall Street and softer-than-anticipated United States PCE inflation. Profit-taking ahead of the winter holidays also takes its toll.
GBP/USD nears 1.2600 on renewed USD weakness
GBP/USD extends its rebound from multi-month lows and approaches 1.2600. The US Dollar stays on the back foot after softer-than-expected PCE inflation data, helping the pair edge higher. Nevertheless, GBP/USD remains on track to end the week in negative territory.
Gold rises above $2,620 as US yields edge lower
Gold extends its daily rebound and trades above $2,620 on Friday. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield declines toward 4.5% following the PCE inflation data for November, helping XAU/USD stretch higher in the American session.
Bitcoin crashes to $96,000, altcoins bleed: Top trades for sidelined buyers
Bitcoin (BTC) slipped under the $100,000 milestone and touched the $96,000 level briefly on Friday, a sharp decline that has also hit hard prices of other altcoins and particularly meme coins.
Bank of England stays on hold, but a dovish front is building
Bank of England rates were maintained at 4.75% today, in line with expectations. However, the 6-3 vote split sent a moderately dovish signal to markets, prompting some dovish repricing and a weaker pound. We remain more dovish than market pricing for 2025.
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.