|

GBP: Brexit transition clarity to give direction - ING

Over the space of a week, we've had 3 key UK events and 3 muted reactions in GBP markets; the cumulative reaction to (1) the BoE's Brexit-contingent hawkish signal; (2) the positive UK inflation surprise (which confirmed the Bank’s hawkish signal); and (3) a fairly inconsequential speech by Boris Johnson – was a 0.5% move higher in GBP against both USD and EUR, explains Viraj Patel, Research Analyst at ING.

Key Quotes

“That’s a pretty tame reaction – even by the Brexit-impaired pound’s standards and to us, suggests that there is only one thing on the minds of GBP investors right now – and that’s clarity over a Brexit transition deal. The period leading up to the 22-23 March EU leaders summit will be noisy – but GBP’s relative resilience is telling of a different Brexit trading environment to what we saw in 2017. Look for GBP/USD to consolidate around 1.40 – with deferred upside on an agreed transition deal.”

Author

Sandeep Kanihama

Sandeep Kanihama

FXStreet Contributor

Sandeep Kanihama is an FX Editor and Analyst with FXstreet having principally focus area on Asia and European markets with commodity, currency and equities coverage. He is stationed in the Indian capital city of Delhi.

More from Sandeep Kanihama
Share:

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD trims losses, back to 1.1830

EUR/USD manages to regain some composure, leaving behind part of the earlier losses and reclaim the 1.1830 region on Tuesday. In the meantime, the US Dollar’s upside impulse loses some momentum while investors remain cautious ahead of upcoming US data releases, including the FOMC Minutes.

GBP/USD bounces off lows, retargets 1.3550

After bottoming out just below the 1.3500 yardstick, GBP/USD now gathers some fresh bids and advances to the 1.3530-1.3540 band in the latter part of Tuesday’s session. Cable’s recovery comes as the Greenback surrenders part of its advance, although it keeps the bullish bias well in place for the day.

Gold remains offered below $5,000

Gold stays on the defensive on Tuesday, receding to the sub-$5,000 region per troy ounce on the back of the persistent move higher in the Greenback. The precious metal’s decline is also underpinned by the modest uptick in US Treasury yields across the spectrum.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP upside looks limited amid deteriorating retail demand

The cryptocurrency market extends weakness with major coins including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP) trading in sideways price action at the time of writing on Tuesday.

UK jobs market weakens, bolstering rate cut hopes

In the UK, the latest jobs report made for difficult reading. Nonetheless, this represents yet another reminder for the Bank of England that they need to act swiftly given the collapse in inflation expected over the coming months. 

Ripple slides to $1.45 as downside risks surge

Ripple edges lower at the time of writing on Tuesday, from the daily open of $1.48, as headwinds persist across the crypto market. A short-term support is emerging at $1.45, but a buildup of bearish positions could further weaken the derivatives market and prolong the correction.