GBP: BoE's easing cycle weighs on currency – HSBC

FXStreet Insights Team FXStreet

HSBC analyzes the implications of the Bank of England's (BoE) recent rate cut on the British pound (GBP). The report notes that the BoE's ongoing easing cycle may lead to the GBP underperforming against other currencies like the AUD and NZD, which are expected to see rate increases.

BoE cuts rates, GBP faces challenges

"The Bank of England (BoE) cut its policy rate by 25bp to 3.75% on 18 December, marking the sixth cut in the current easing cycle."

"The meeting’s tone was rather hawkish, as the guidance indicated that 'judgements around further policy easing will become a closer call.'"

"As the BoE is likely to continue to lower rates in 2026, the GBP will probably underperform against other G10 currencies whose policy rates are already at neutral levels or are set to rise, such as the AUD and NZD."

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

FXStreet

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.

EUR/USD faces extra pressure, drops below 1.1800

EUR/USD trades on the defensive, slipping back below the 1.1800 support on Thursday, all in response to decent gains in the US Dollar. Earlier on Thursday, the ECB matched consensus and left its policy rates unchanged, while President Largarde delivered quite a neutral press conference.

GBP/USD falls to new lows near 1.3530

GBP/USD extends Wednesday’s pullback on Thursday, easing lower towards two week lows around the 1.3530 area. Ongoing strength in the Greenback and the dovish hold from the BoE at its earlier meeting are keeping demand for the British Pound on the defensive for now.

Gold remains offered around $4,800

Gold is back under pressure on Thursday, slipping back towards the $4,800 region per troy ounce. A firmer US Dollar is weighing on the yellow metal, even as the broader mood remains risk off. That said, falling US Treasury yields across the curve are helping to cushion the downside and, for now at least, are limiting the depth of the pullback.