GBP/USD climbs back closer to 1.3100, upside seems limited ahead of UK data/US CPI

GBP/USD attracts some buyers on Wednesday amid a modest USD decline.
The fundamental backdrop warrants before placing aggressive bullish bets.
Traders might also prefer to wait for the release of the crucial US CPI report.

Haresh Menghani FXStreet

The GBP/USD pair regains positive traction during the Asian session on Wednesday and climbs to a fresh daily peak, closer to the 1.3100 round-figure mark in the last hour. Spot prices, however, remain below the overnight swing high, warranting some caution before positioning for any meaningful recovery from a three-week low, around the 1.3050-1.3045 region touched the previous day.

The US Dollar (USD) stalls its positive trend witnessed over the past three days and retreats from the vicinity of the monthly top amid the prospects for an imminent start of the Federal Reserve's (Fed) policy-easing cycle in September. This, in turn, is seen as a key factor lending some support to the GBP/USD pair. That said, a generally weaker tone around the equity markets could help limit losses for the Greenback and cap the currency pair amid bets that the Bank of England (BoE) will announce more interest rate cuts this year.

The UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported on Tuesday that the number of people claiming unemployment-related benefits increased by 23.7K in August as compared to the 102.3K previous and well below the 95.5K expected. Adding to this, the ILO Unemployment Rate expectedly ticked lower from 4.2% to 4.1% in the three months to July. That said, a slowdown in the UK wage growth was seen as positive news for inflation and might provide the UK central bank with increased confidence regarding cutting interest rates further.

Traders might also refrain from placing aggressive bullish bets around the British Pound (GBP) ahead of the UK data dump, including the monthly GDP print, and the latest US consumer inflation figures. The crucial US Consumer Price Index (CPI) report will play a key role in influencing market expectations about the Fed's rate-cut path. This, in turn, will drive the USD demand in the near term and provide a fresh directional impetus to the GBP/USD pair.

Economic Indicator

Gross Domestic Product (MoM)

The Gross Domestic Product (GDP), released by the Office for National Statistics on a monthly and quarterly basis, is a measure of the total value of all goods and services produced in the UK during a given period. The GDP is considered as the main measure of UK economic activity. The MoM reading compares economic activity in the reference month to the previous month. Generally, a rise in this indicator is bullish for the Pound Sterling (GBP), while a low reading is seen as bearish.

EUR/USD recovers above 1.1600 as focus shifts to US data

EUR/USD stages a modest rebound and trades in positive territory above 1.1600 in the European session on Wednesday. Improving risk sentiment makes it difficult for the US Dollar to preserve its strength and helps the pair edge higher as focus shifts to key US data releases.

GBP/USD climbs above 1.3350 on improving risk mood

GBP/USD gains traction and advances toward 1.3400 on Wednesday. Although there are no headlines pointing to a de-escalation in the Middle East conflict, the modest recovery seen in US stock index futures limit the USD's gains and help the pair hold its ground.

Gold rebounds toward $5,200 as USD retreats

Gold maintains its offered tone through European session on Wednesday and climbs to the $5,200 region. The downward correction seen in the US Dollar and the ongoing crsis in the Middle East seem to be allowing XAU/USD to preserve its recovery momentum.

ADP Employment Report set to signal stronger February jobs growth, little effect on Fed outlook

The Automatic Data Processing (ADP) Research Institute will release its monthly report on private-sector job creation for February on Wednesday. The so-called ADP Employment Change report is expected to show that the United States private sector added 50K new positions in the month, following the 22K gained in January.

Asian stocks fall as South Korea’s KOSPI slumps over 10%

Asian equities drop on Middle East tensions; the MSCI Asia Pacific Index falls up to 4%. South Korea’s KOSPI fell 10.71% near 5,170, with the Korean Won weakened past 1,500 per dollar.

Solana Price Forecast: SOL consolidation near resistance as ETF inflows offer mild support

Solana price is facing slight rejection as it approaches the upper boundary of the consolidation range at around $88 on Wednesday. Institutional demand is strengthening as spot Exchange Traded Funds recorded two consecutive inflows so far this week.