|

GBP/USD is under pressure after labour data

  • GBPUSD moves toward 2-month trough.

  • RSI and MACD tick south.

GBPUSD is diving toward the two-month low of 1.3260 following the release of disappointing UK labor market figures. The unemployment rate unexpectedly rose to 4.8% in the three months to August, up from 4.7% in the previous quarter, while employment levels declined, adding pressure to the British pound.

The pair is nearing a medium-term ascending trendline, which may act as a support level. A potential rebound from this area could shift attention toward the 23.6% Fibonacci retracement level at 1.3370, followed by resistance at the mid-level of the Bollinger Band and the 50-day simple moving average (SMA) in the 1.3435–1.3475 zone.

However, a decisive break below the trendline would expose the 200-day SMA at 1.3190 and the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the uptrend from 1.2100 to 1.3788, located at 1.3140. Such a move would likely neutralize the medium-term bullish outlook.

From a momentum perspective, the RSI is trending below the neutral 50 level, indicating weakening buying interest, while the MACD continues to extend its negative trajectory below both its signal and zero lines.

All in all, GBPUSD is at a critical juncture, with technical indicators pointing to increased downside risks. A sustained move below 1.3260 could open the way for a neutral phase.

Author

Melina Deltas, CFTe

Melina joined XM in December 2017 as an Investment Analyst in the Research department. She can clearly communicate market action, particularly technical and chart pattern setups.

More from Melina Deltas, CFTe
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD: Bulls pray for a dovish Fed

EUR/USD has finally taken a breather after a pretty energetic climb. The pair broke above 1.1680 in the second half of the week, reaching its highest levels in around two months before running into some selling pressure. Even so, it has gained almost two cents from the late-November dip just below 1.1500 the figure.

GBP/USD trims gains, recedes toward 1.3320

GBP/USD is struggling to keep its daily advance, coming under fresh pressure and retreating to the 1.3320 zone following a mild bullish attempt in the Greenback. Even though US consumer sentiment surprised to the upside, the US Dollar isn’t getting much love, as traders are far more interested in what the Fed will say next week.

Gold: Bullish momentum fades despite broad USD weakness

After rising more than 3.5% in the previous week, Gold has entered a consolidation phase and fluctuated at around $4,200. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision and revised Summary of Economic Projections, also known as the dot plot, could trigger the next directional move in XAU/USD. 

Week ahead: Rate cut or market shock? The Fed decides

Fed rate cut widely expected; dot plot and overall meeting rhetoric also matter. Risk appetite is supported by Fed rate cut expectations; cryptos show signs of life. RBA, BoC and SNB also meet; chances of surprises are relatively low. Dollar weakness could linger; both the aussie and the yen best positioned to gain further. Gold and oil eye Ukraine-Russia developments; a peace deal remains elusive.

Week ahead – Rate cut or market shock? The Fed decides

Fed rate cut widely expected; dot plot and overall meeting rhetoric also matter. Risk appetite is supported by Fed rate cut expectations; cryptos show signs of life. RBA, BoC and SNB also meet; chances of surprises are relatively low.

Ripple faces persistent bear risks, shrugging off ETF inflows

Ripple is extending its decline for the second consecutive day, trading at $2.06 at the time of writing on Friday. Sentiment surrounding the cross-border remittance token continues to lag despite steady inflows into XRP spot ETFs.