EURGBP looks for the channel

The Euro versus the Pound has been in a bearish channel for over a year and it looks likely to hold if we see another test of the upper level. With a big week ahead for both currencies, this could be an important technical pattern.

The channel on the above EURGBP weekly chart has been tested on numerous occasions and has so far held firm. With growth and inflation rates in the UK at much higher levels than in the EU, it is easy to see why the channel has formed.

The week ahead could certainly increase volatility between the pair and that could lead to a test of the upper level. If fundamentals hold their current state, we will see the channel hold and the Euro weaken against the Pound.

From the Euro’s side of things the Greek general election is the biggest item of note and it takes place on Thursday. The party leading the polls, Syriza, has vowed to end austerity and any co-operation with the EU and IMF lenders. If elected, Greece could end up exiting the Euro which could start a chain reaction. The Euro could certainly take a dive on the election results.

Before the election, Manufacturing and Services PMI results will be released for France, Germany and the Euro. The ZEW institute will also release their German Economic Sentiment report, which could shift the Euro.

The UK has a plethora of economic data out this week. Later on today the Bank of England will release its Financial Stability Report along with the results of the bank stress test. Shortly after UK inflation figures will be released and could see the pound tumble if CPI is less than the 1.2% the market expects.

Wednesday will see the Unemployment rate and the Monetary Policy committee voting breakdown, which will give an indication of the stance of each board member. We also have Retail Sales figures to round out the week.

The EURGBP pair has found a bit of resistance at the present level after a touch off the 200 day moving average. If volatility increases as expected, look for the upper level of the channel to act as solid dynamic resistance. If the price breaks out, it will find resistance at 0.79958, 0.8033 and 0.8083. If the channel holds as expected, price will look to find support at 0.7909, 0.7851 and 0.7800.

The EURGBP pair is currently in a bearish channel. With a big week of news ahead for both currencies, volatility will increase, but the channel is likely to hold firm, sending the pair lower.