GBP/USD - .. Sterling's stellar performance in 2014 is backed up by positive fundamentals as U.K. growth is the strongest in the G7 countries n recent upbeat eco. data adds to market speculation of a first hike in Britain's interest rate sooner rather than later.
The Telegraph reported on Tuesday U.K. manufacturing sector expanded for a 16th consecutive month amid swollen order books n increased production. Strong demand for orders both at home and abroad also meant manufacturers took on staff at their quickest pace since March 2011.
Survey compilers Markit's senior economist Rob Dobson said "UK manufacturing continued to flourish in Jun, rounding off one of the best quarters for the sector over the past two decades." He added "With levels of production surging higher, and order books swollen by a further upswing in demand from both domestic and overseas clients, job creation accelerated to its highest for over 3 years."
The pound eases in Asia in tandem with intra-day retreat in eur/usd after yesterday's rally to a fresh 5-1/2 year peak of 1.7167. The pound jumped from 1.7102 to 1.7136 after U.K. mfg PMI beat estimate n climbed to 57.5 vs forecast of 56.8, st specs were reported buying cable on the data, price later rose to session high of 1.7167 near NY midday b4 pulling back on profit-taking.
Looks like the usual range trading in Asia would continue b4 sterling's recent strong ascent resumes as the trend is your trend. Initial bids are noted at 1.7140-30 n more below with stops reported below yesterday's low at 1.7096.
On the upside, a mixture of selling interest n stops is touted at 1.7465/70. Pay attention to U.K. construction PMI, forecast for Jun is 59.5 vs previous reading of 60.0, although this is the least of the important 3 PMIs, if actual is higher than street estimate, this will give sterling bulls another reason to take the pound higher.
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