GBP/JPY: 950‐pip rally in two‐weeks
The pair rallied more than 950 pips (174.86‐184.45) in two weeks (mid‐April to May 1st) as the markets ignored the election uncertainty in the UK. The rally was largely a result of a broad based sell‐off in the USD index on account of a slowdown in the first quarter economic growth. However, the USD managed to remain resilient against the Japanese Yen since the 10‐year Treasury yield continued to move higher to clock a seven‐week high today. Consequently, the GBP/JPY pair rose from 174.86 to 184.45.
Focus on UK elections, slowdown in the UK economic activity
Markets now focus on the election uncertainty, which is evident from the weakness in the British Pound. The GBP/JPY pair has weakened to 182.00 levels ahead of the May. 7 elections. The 2015 election is one of the most unpredictable since the main parties – Conservatives and Labor – are running neck to neck in opinion polls.
Back in 2010, the GBP/USD pair had dipped 300‐pips in the week ahead of elections, followed by a 400‐ pip drop on election day, and a further 500‐pip drop in the next two weeks. The pair is down almost 30‐ pips from the high of 1.5490 ahead of elections. Given, the highly unpredictable nature of the elections, we could very well see British Pound emulate its movement back in 2010. Hence, the Pound could continue to extend losses further as we move towards elections.
Meanwhile, we also have UK services PMI data due for release 24 hours ahead of elections. The latest PMI reports – Manufacturing, Construction – both missed the consensus estimate to show a sharp slowdown in the activity. The election uncertainty and a strong GBP/EUR exchange rate were two main reasons cited by the private sector for a slowdown in the activity. The services PMI too is likely to highlight slowdown driven by the same factors. Given the 950 point rally, coupled with election uncertainty, the British Pound looks more vulnerable that ever to an actual services PMI print for April that is weaker than the consensus estimate of 58.5.
On the other hand, the Japanese Yen is likely to remain relatively resilient in case of a broad based rally in the USD index. The Greece bond yields are rising sharply once again; ahead of the May 11 Eurogroup meeting. Markets do no expect any breakthrough deal. However, if the Greek yields continue to rise, then we are likely to see a fall in German yields leading to a drop in the US treasury yields. Thus, the Japanese yen is likely to remain relatively resilient, which reduces the possibility of a sharp rally in GBP/JPY due to broad based Yen sell‐off
GBP/JPY could drop to 180.32. Currently trading at 182.58
The pair could drop to its 200‐DMA located at 180.32 in a week’s time. The daily close below 182.18 (23.6% Fib retracement of 174.86‐186.45) for two consecutive session indicates 184.46 is likely to be a near‐term top in the pair.
After having declined to 181.50 earlier today, the pair has strengthened to 182.77. In case we see a daily close above 182.18 today, another attempt at 183.50 could be seen. However, the pair is likely to be offered on the rise.
A failure to close above 182.18 today could trigger sharp sell‐off on Wednesday and Thursday, shifting risk in favor of the pair falling to the anticipated level of 180.32 before weekend.
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