|

British Pound: Strong PMIs and retail rebound in focus – TD Securities

TD Securities notes that the UK Composite PMI climbed back into expansion at 52.1 in July, led by Manufacturing strength and a Services PMI recovery to 51.8. Input cost inflation eased and business confidence hit its highest since February. Retail Sales also surprised to the upside, rising 1.0% month-on-month in June versus a market expectation of a decline.

Activity and spending show renewed strength

"The UK Composite PMI rose to 52.1 from 49.3, returning to expansion territory for the first time since April."

"Manufacturing led the recovery, with output growing and new orders recording their strongest increase since February 2022, supported by AI investment, data-centre supply chains, defense spending, and stronger exports."

"The Services PMI increased to 51.8, returning to growth for the first time since April as consumer-facing sectors and hospitality activity improved.Input cost inflation eased to a five-month low, while business confidence climbed to its strongest level since February, reflecting improving demand conditions and AI-related investmentLastly, retail sales rose 1.0% m/m in June (mkt -0.3%)."

"The strong number primarily came on the back of summer shopping amidst the heatwave and earlier timing for online discounting."

(This article was created with the help of an Artificial Intelligence tool and reviewed by an editor. Know more.)

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD defends 1.3300 after strong UK PMI data

Following Thursday's sharp decline, GBP/USD clings to small gains above 1.3300 in the American session on Friday, supported by the upbeat UK Retail Sales and July PMI data. Nevertheless, the pair's upside remains capped as investors cling to a cautious stance amid a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East. The US July PMI data failed to trigger relevant price action.

EUR/USD remains below 1.1400 after mixed US PMIs

EUR/USD pressures daily lows below the 1.1400 mark in the American session on Friday. Mixed S&P Global PMIs, as manufacturing output contracted while services activity expanded in July, triggered no relevant market reaction. The focus remains in Middle East developments and inflation-related concerns.

Gold holds above $4,050 but momentum still missing

Gold builds on its modest intraday bounce and climbs above the $4,050 level on Friday, hitting a fresh daily high amid a modest US Dollar pullback. The fundamental backdrop, however, warrants some caution before confirming that the pullback from an over two-week high, touched on Wednesday, has run its course and positioning for any meaningful upside.

Ethereum: Derivatives interest in ETH improves, but signs of caution remain

Ethereum is hovering slightly below the $1,900 level, down 3% on Thursday following a slight expansion in derivatives interest. The top altcoin's open interest has increased to 14.60 million ETH, marking a 600K ETH increase over the past two days and its highest level since June 7.

XRP retreats as ETF interest cools
Ripple (XRP) slides toward the short-term $1.10 support on Friday, as broader crypto market sentiment weighs on crypto assets. The sell-off mainly stems from fears of inflation in the United States (US) amid the ongoing war in the Middle East and rising Oil prices.
US Dollar mid-year outlook: Exceptional currency, exceptional risks?
The US Dollar enters the second half of 2026 in a markedly different position from a year ago. The King currency has recovered, reflecting persistent US inflation, changing expectations for Fed policy, geopolitical tensions and renewed demand for defensive assets.