- EUR/GBP struggles to gain any meaningful traction and oscillates in a narrow band on Friday.
- A bleak outlook for the UK economy undermines the Sterling and continues to lend support.
- The recent hawkish ECB rhetoric underpins the Euro and supports prospects for further gains.
The EUR/GBP cross consolidates its recent gains to the highest level since September 29 touched earlier this Friday and seesaws between tepid gains/minor losses through the early European session. The cross remains below the 0.8900 round-figure mark following the release of the UK macro data, though seems poised to prolong the uptrend witnessed since the beginning of this week.
The UK Office for National Statistics reported that the economy expanded a modest 0.1% in November as compared to estimates for a 0.2% contraction. This, however, marked a notable slowdown from the 0.5% growth recorded in October. Moreover, weaker-than-expected UK industrial and manufacturing production data adds to the bleak outlook for the UK economy, which has been fueling speculations that the Bank of England (BoE) is nearing the end of the current rate-hiking cycle. This, in turn, could undermine the British Pound and lend some support to the EUR/GBP cross.
The shared currency, on the other hand, continues to draw support from more hawkish signals from the European Central Bank (ECB). In fact, several ECB officials spoke this week and confirmed that they will have to raise interest rates further in the coming months to tame inflation. That said, a modest US Dollar recovery keeps a lid on the Euro and holds back traders from placing aggressive bullish bets around the EUR/GBP cross. Nevertheless, the aforementioned fundamental backdrop suggests that the path of least resistance for spot prices is to the upside.
Even from a technical perspective, the overnight convincing breakout through the 0.8865-0.8875 supply zone supports prospects for a further near-term appreciating move. Some follow-through buying beyond the 0.8900 round figure will reaffirm the positive outlook and allow the EUR/GBP cross to reclaim the 0.9000 psychological mark.
Technical levels to watch
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD retreats below 1.0700 after US GDP data
EUR/USD came under modest bearish pressure and retreated below 1.0700. Although the US data showed that the economy grew at a softer pace than expected in Q1, strong inflation-related details provided a boost to the USD.
GBP/USD declines below 1.2500 as USD rebounds
GBP/USD declined below 1.2500 and erased the majority of its daily gains with the immediate reaction to the US GDP report. The US economy expanded at a softer pace than expected in Q1 but the price deflator jumped to 3.4% from 1.8%.
Gold drops below $2,320 as US yields shoot higher
Gold lost its traction and turned negative on the day below $2,320 in the American session on Thursday. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield is up more than 1% on the day above 4.7% after US GDP report, weighing on XAU/USD.
XRP extends its decline, crypto experts comment on Ripple stablecoin and benefits for XRP Ledger
Ripple extends decline to $0.52 on Thursday, wipes out weekly gains. Crypto expert asks Ripple CTO how the stablecoin will benefit the XRP Ledger and native token XRP.
After the US close, it’s the Tokyo CPI
After the US close, it’s the Tokyo CPI, a reliable indicator of the national number and then the BoJ policy announcement. Tokyo CPI ex food and energy in Japan was a rise to 2.90% in March from 2.50%.