EUR/GBP extends recovery after a rebound from 0.8600 ahead of ECB Lagarde’s speech

The EUR/GBP pair has stretched its recovery to near 0.8615 in the Asian session. The cross rebounded firmly after testing Wednesday’s low around 0.8600 as investors are shifting their focus towards the speech from European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde.

The speech from ECB President will provide fresh impetus about the likely monetary policy actions in December monetary policy meeting. Although ECB policymakers believe that the central bank has done a lot in pushing interest rates and a neutral rate is not so far now but a rate hike in December is higher expected as inflationary pressures are still solid in Eurozone.

A survey from the ECB on consumer inflation expectations for the next 12 months conducted revealed that median expectations for inflation have increased to 5.4% from former projections of 5.1%. While three-year inflation expectations are unchanged at 3.0%. Therefore, investors should brace for a hawkish commentary on interest rate guidance by ECB President.

This week, monthly Retail Sales data contracted by 1.8% while expectations were aiming for a 1.7% contraction this week. And, annual Retail Sales contracted by 2.7% against the consensus of a 2.6% contraction. Ceteris Paribus, a decline in consumer spending is hinting that inflation may display a slowdown ahead.

On the United Kingdom front, inflation expectations have soared as escalating food supply crisis is fueling already firm food inflation. Rising input costs and shortage of labor are resulting in a shortage of food supply, which is expected to paddle up food inflation from the current pace of 12.4%. This could extend the extent of recession in the UK economy and could impact Pound Sterling.