GBP/USD consolidates above 1.2900, eyes Fed minutes for fresh impetus


  • US dollar weakness, speeding up on Brexit talks keeps the sentiment underpinned.
  • Technical set up points to further upside in play, 1.2950 on sight ahead of US data, Fed minutes.

Having hit fresh nine-day tops at 1.2925 in the US last session, the GBP/USD pair entered into a consolidative mode ahead of the 1.29 handle in Asia, as the bulls now look forward to the US housing data and FOMC minutes for the next push higher.

The ongoing correction in Cable from thirteen-month lows of 1.2662 is largely in response to the broad-based US dollar weakness. The greenback came under heavy selling pressure over the last two trading sessions after the US President Trump criticized the Fed’s rate hike policy. Meanwhile, the sell-off in the US dollar accentuated following the report that the Trump's former personal lawyer, Michael Cohen, pleaded guilty on Tuesday to eight charges related to tax fraud, excessive campaign contributions, making false statements to a financial institution and unlawful corporate contribution.

Further, the spot also found support from some positive development around the Brexit issue after the two chief Brexit negotiators, Michel Barnier and Dominic Raab, noted that negotiations were in their final stage and will occur continually from in the coming months, despite acknowledging the potential for a no-deal or a “hard” Brexit.

Later today, the bulls are awaiting fresh impetus from the US existing home sales data and FOMC meeting minutes, as the UK docket remains data-empty today. Also, in focus remains the releases of the first of a series of notices on how to deal with a hard Brexit later this Thursday.

GBP/USD Technical Levels

FXStreet’s Chief Analyst, Valeria Bednarik, notes: “The GBP/USD pair surged above 1.2900 figure for the first time since August 8, maintaining the short-term technical positive stance, given that, in the 4 hours chart, the price is well above a bullish 20 SMA, while technical indicators reached overbought readings, with the Momentum partially losing its upward strength but the RSI still heading north, currently at 78. As long as the pair holds above the 1.2860/70 region, the risk is leaned to the upside, with scope to test the 1.3000 level sometime this Wednesday. Support levels: 1.2900 1.2865 1.2820. Resistance levels: 1.2950 1.2995 1.3030.”

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 holds above 1.0700 ahead of US jobs report

EUR/USD holds above 1.0700 ahead of US jobs report

EUR/USD stays in a consolidation phase above 1.0700 after closing the previous two days in positive territory. Investors eagerly await April jobs report from the US, which will include Nonfarm Payrolls and Unemployment Rate readings.

EUR/USD News

GBP/USD advances to 1.2550, all eyes on US NFP data

GBP/USD advances to 1.2550, all eyes on US NFP data

The GBP/USD pair trades on a stronger note around 1.2550 amid the softer US Dollar on Friday. Market participants refrain from taking large positions as focus shifts to April Nonfarm Payrolls and ISM Services PMI data from the US.

GBP/USD News

Gold remains stuck near $2,300 ahead of US NFP

Gold remains stuck near $2,300 ahead of US NFP

Gold price struggles to gain any meaningful traction and trades in a tight channel near $2,300. The Fed’s less hawkish outlook drags the USD to a multi-week low and lends support to XAU/USD ahead of the key US NFP data.

Gold News

XRP edges up after week-long decline as Ripple files letter in reply to SEC’s motion

XRP edges up after week-long decline as Ripple files letter in reply to SEC’s motion

Ripple filed a letter to the court to support its April 22 motion to strike new expert materials. The legal clash concerns whether SEC accountant Andrea Fox's testimony should be treated as a summary or expert witness. 

Read more

US NFP Forecast: Nonfarm Payrolls gains expected to cool in April

US NFP Forecast: Nonfarm Payrolls gains expected to cool in April

The NFP report is expected to show that the US economy added 243,000 jobs last month, sharply lower than the 303,000 job creation seen in March. The Unemployment Rate is set to stay unchanged at 3.8% in the same period.

Read more

Forex MAJORS

Cryptocurrencies

Signatures