GBP/USD attracts some buyers above 1.2950 on weaker US Dollar

GBP/USD drifts higher to around 1.2965 in Monday’s Asian session, adding 0.21% on the day.
The fears of economic slowdown in the US drag the US Dollar lower.
UK Retail Sales climbed unexpectedly in February.

Lallalit Srijandorn FXStreet

The GBP/USD pair gathers strength to near 1.2965 during the Asian trading hours on Monday. The concerns that US President Donald Trump's tariffs will ignite inflation and dampen economic growth weigh on the US Dollar (USD) and act as a tailwind for the major pair.

Last week, Trump announced a 25% tariff on imported cars and light trucks set to take effect on April 3. This measure comes on top of a flat 25% tariff on steel and aluminum, and Trump's impending reciprocal tariff announcement on Wednesday. Many analysts are worried that tariffs will have a negative impact on the US economy, even while limiting the Federal Reserve's (Fed) chance for reducing interest rates while also increasing inflation in the near term. This, in turn, might drag the USD lower and lift the GBP/USD pair in the near term.

"Recession risks have become elevated – to a 40% probability – on concerns that aggressive U.S. policies hit business and household sentiment," warned Bruce Kasman, chief economist at JPMorgan.

UK data showed Retail Sales were surprisingly strong in February, supporting the Pound Sterling (GBP). The UK Retail Sales rose 1.0% MoM in February versus 1.4% prior (revised from 1.7%), the Office for National Statistics showed on Friday. This figure came in stronger than the estimation of a 0.3% decline. “The better news on retail sales in Q1 provides a glimmer of hope that that might be changing,” said Ruth Gregory, economist at the consultancy Capital Economics.

Pound Sterling FAQs

What is the Pound Sterling?

The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).

How do the decisions of the Bank of England impact on the Pound Sterling?

The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.

How does economic data influence the value of the Pound?

Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.

How does the Trade Balance impact the Pound?

Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.

BRANDED CONTENT

Finding the right broker for your trading strategy is essential, especially when specific features make all the difference. Explore our selection of top brokers, each offering unique advantages to match your needs.

Author

Lallalit Srijandorn

FXStreet

Lallalit Srijandorn is a Parisian at heart. She has lived in France since 2019 and now becomes a digital entrepreneur based in Paris and Bangkok.

GBP/USD defends 1.3300 after strong UK Retail Sales data

GBP/USD is defending its renewed uptick above 1.3300 in the European session on Friday, helped by stronger-than-expected UK Retail Sales data for June. The pair snaps a five-day losing streak but the upside potential could be limited amid heightened military tensions in the Middle East.

EUR/USD holds gains near 1.1400 after strong German, EU PMIs

EUR/USD is holding gains near 1.1400 in European trading on Friday. The Euro draws support from an unexpected increase in the German and Eurozone business PMI readings for July. However, further upside appears limited by escalating conflicts in the Middle East, despite the ECB's hawkish hold decision. The US PMI data are next in focus.

Gold sticks to intraday losses below $4,050 amid Fed hike bets, bullish USD

Gold remains under some selling pressure for the second straight day, and weakens further below the $4,050 level during the Asian session. Escalating US-Iran tensions support elevated crude oil prices, fueling inflation fears and bolstering expectations of higher-for-longer US interest rates. This helps the US Dollar preserve its strong weekly gains to a nearly one-month high, touched on Thursday, and turns out to be a key factor undermining the non-yielding bullion.

Ethereum: Derivatives interest in ETH improves, but signs of caution remain

Ethereum is hovering slightly below the $1,900 level, down 3% on Thursday following a slight expansion in derivatives interest. The top altcoin's open interest has increased to 14.60 million ETH, marking a 600K ETH increase over the past two days and its highest level since June 7.

Crypto Market Overview: Bitcoin tests 50-day EMA support – Pi Network and Sky lead losses

The broader cryptocurrency market faces headwinds with rising tensions between the US and Iran, pushing Bitcoin down to its 50-day Exponential Moving Average support around $65,135 on Friday. Under pressure, Pi Network and Sky emerge as the worst-performing crypto assets over the last 24 hours.

US Dollar mid-year outlook: Exceptional currency, exceptional risks?

The US Dollar enters the second half of 2026 in a markedly different position from a year ago. The King currency has recovered, reflecting persistent US inflation, changing expectations for Fed policy, geopolitical tensions and renewed demand for defensive assets.