GBP/USD bulls run into a wall of critical resistance


  • GBP/USD bears are lurking at a key confluence area of resistance. 
  • The tables could be turning in terms of the outlook for the Fed and UK politics. 
  • Bulls eye a significant breakout on higher time frames. 

GBP/USD has been whipsawed on Tuesday in a day that ran through a vast territory for a fresh high for the week so far at 1.1489 from a low of 1.1280. The US dollar was hit hard on the back of poor JOLTS data that has accompanied weak Manufacturing data and prospects of a less hawkish Federal Reserve.

The bears are out to get the greenback and have pushed the pound towards extremes as per the longer-term charts in what has been a very strong bullish correction over the past two weeks from record lows. 

The dollar slid against major currencies and along with yields, it would appear to reflect the market participants' views on the outlook for interest rates. At the same time, participants in the sterling money markets welcomed the British government's U-turn on some tax cuts. The pound dropped to a record low of $1.0327 on Sept. 26 and bond prices tumbled following the unveiling of the new government's plans to slash taxes, particularly for the rich, and ramp up borrowing.

However, it was not a popular plan and the plans to get rid of the 45% top rate of income tax has helped the pound to recover, adding to gains that were sparked by the Bank of England (BoE) last week restarting its bond-buying programme following a dramatic plunge in long-dated gilts.

Meanwhile, US yields, which move inversely to prices, were pressured at the start of the week and stayed low on Tuesday on more weak data in the JOLTS Job Openings. This is a survey done by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics to help measure job vacancies. It collects data from employers including retailers, manufacturers and different offices each month:

US job openings fell to almost 10.1 million in August, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, below the consensus on Econoday for 11.15 million and down from 11.17 million reported in July. The larger-than-expected decline could be the first sign that demand for labour is falling ahead of this week's main event in the US Nonfarm Payrolls data.  The weaker data has caused traders to bet the Federal Reserve may raise interest rates less than previously expected.

GBP/USD technical analysis

The weekly outlook is bullish as per the strong recovery. However, the price is running into a wall of a confluence of resistances that include old lows, highs, trendline and high volumes. This would open the prospects of a meanwhile correction for the immediate future which could mean that we have seen the high of the week on Tuesday's trade. 

The hourly chart's structures could come under pressure should the price now start to decelerate on the bid and chip into and consequently break the trendline support as the first bearish leading indicator in terms of price action.  

Share: Feed news

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


Recommended content

Editors’ Picks

EUR/USD retreats toward 1.0850 on modest USD recovery

EUR/USD retreats toward 1.0850 on modest USD recovery

EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure and trades in negative territory at around 1.0850 after closing modestly lower on Thursday. In the absence of macroeconomic data releases, investors will continue to pay close attention to comments from Federal Reserve officials.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD holds above 1.2650 following earlier decline

GBP/USD holds above 1.2650 following earlier decline

GBP/USD edges higher after falling to a daily low below 1.2650 in the European session on Friday. The US Dollar holds its ground following the selloff seen after April inflation data and makes it difficult for the pair to extend its rebound. Fed policymakers are scheduled to speak later in the day.

GBP/USD News

Gold climbs to multi-week highs above $2,400

Gold climbs to multi-week highs above $2,400

Gold gathered bullish momentum and touched its highest level in nearly a month above $2,400. Although the benchmark 10-year US yield holds steady at around 4.4%, the cautious market stance supports XAU/USD heading into the weekend.

Gold News

Chainlink social dominance hits six-month peak as LINK extends gains

Chainlink social dominance hits six-month peak as LINK extends gains

Chainlink (LINK) social dominance increased sharply on Friday, exceeding levels seen in the past six months, along with the token’s price rally that started on Wednesday. 

Read more

Week ahead: Flash PMIs, UK and Japan CPIs in focus – RBNZ to hold rates

Week ahead: Flash PMIs, UK and Japan CPIs in focus – RBNZ to hold rates

After cool US CPI, attention shifts to UK and Japanese inflation. Flash PMIs will be watched too amid signs of a rebound in Europe. Fed to stay in the spotlight as plethora of speakers, minutes on tap.

Read more

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures