- GBP/USD tests the 1.2800 mark before the European markets open on Friday.
- Brexit developments have been negative for the pair off-late.
- January month UK retail sales will be next on cards.
The GBP/USD pair trades around 1.2800 heading towards European session on Friday. The pair declined the previous day after the UK PM Theresa May lost the vote to delay Brexit by three months in the parliament. Investors will now look forward to the January month release of the UK Retail Sales in order to determine near-term moves.
The UK PM May sought to affirm support in the parliament on her new plan after the old one was rejected previously. Out of the many amendments, the one that got many hits was the failure to get support for delayed Brexit. With the defeat, it was also revealed that Theresa May losses her grip over the parliament and may damage the chances of her victory in future votings concerning Brexit.
Looking forward, January month retail sales will become an important reading for the GBP traders. The retail sales is key to the British GDP. Forecasts suggest +0.2% growth on a monthly basis after witnessing -0.9% contraction earlier whereas the YoY figures may increase to +3.4% from +3.0% growth registered during January 2018.
Other than the UK retail sales, developments relating to Brexit as well as the US-China trade discussions going on Beijing could also direct near-term trade sentiment of the GBP/USD pair.
GBP/USD Technical Analysis
Sustained break of 1.2800 can drag the GBP/USD pair to 1.2740 & 1.2700 whereas 1.2670 could please sellers on the break of 1.2700.
Meanwhile, 1.2880 and a downward sloping trend-line connecting recent highs, at 1.2920, may keep restricting immediate upside. During the pair’s rise past-1.2920, 1.2980 and 1.3000 become crucial to vote.
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 clings to gains above 1.0750 after US data
EUR/USD manages to hold in positive territory above 1.0750 despite retreating from the fresh multi-week high it set above 1.0800 earlier in the day. The US Dollar struggles to find demand following the weaker-than-expected NFP data.
GBP/USD declines below 1.2550 following NFP-inspired upsurge
GBP/USD struggles to preserve its bullish momentum and trades below 1.2550 in the American session. Earlier in the day, the disappointing April jobs report from the US triggered a USD selloff and allowed the pair to reach multi-week highs above 1.2600.
Gold struggles to hold above $2,300 despite falling US yields
Gold stays on the back foot below $2,300 in the American session on Friday. The benchmark 10-year US Treasury bond yield stays in negative territory below 4.6% after weak US data but the improving risk mood doesn't allow XAU/USD to gain traction.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: Should you buy BTC here? Premium
Bitcoin (BTC) price shows signs of a potential reversal but lacks confirmation, which has divided the investor community into two – those who are buying the dips and those who are expecting a further correction.
Week ahead – BoE and RBA decisions headline a calm week
Bank of England meets on Thursday, unlikely to signal rate cuts. Reserve Bank of Australia could maintain a higher-for-longer stance. Elsewhere, Bank of Japan releases summary of opinions.