- GBP/USD attracts some buying for the second straight day and is supported by a softer USD.
- The divergent Fed-BoE policy outlook might keep a lid on any meaningful appreciating move.
- Traders now look to the final UK GDP for a fresh impetus ahead of the US Core PCE Price Index.
The GBP/USD pair gains some positive traction for the second successive day on Friday and looks to build on the previous day's goodish recovery from the vicinity of its lowest level since March 17. Spot prices trade around the 1.2220 region during the Asian session and draw support from a mildly softer tone surrounding the US Dollar (USD).
The USD Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback against a basket of currencies, remains depressed below the YTD peak set earlier this week and is pressured by Thursday's rather unimpressive US macro data. The final estimate published by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) showed that the US expanded by a 2.1% annualized pace during the second quarter, in line with market expectations. Furthermore, the Labor Department reported that Initial Jobless Claims rose by 2,000 to 204K during the week ended September 23. This, along with a modest fall in the US Treasury bond yields and a stable performance around the equity markets, undermines the safe-haven buck and acts as a tailwind for the GBP/USD pair.
The US macro data, however, still pointed to a resilient economy and ensured that the Federal Reserve (Fed) would keep interest rates higher for longer. This should help limit the downside for the US bond yields and lend support to the Greenback. Traders might also refrain from placing aggressive directional bets and prefer to wait for the release of the US Core PCE Price Index – the Fed's preferred inflation gauge. The US central bank warned last week that still-sticky inflation in the US was likely to attract at least one more interest rate hike by the end of this year. Hence, the data will influence expectations about the Fed's future rate-hike path, which, in turn, should provide a fresh impetus to the USD and drive the GBP/USD pair.
Heading into the key data risk, traders might take cues from the release of the final UK GDP print, though the immediate market reaction to a positive surprise is more likely to remain limited on the back of the Bank of England's surprise pause in its rate-hiking cycle earlier this month. Moreover, the UK central bank provided little hints of its intends to raise rates any further. This, in turn, warrants some caution for bullish traders and positioning for any further appreciating move for the GBP/USD pair. Hence, it will be prudent to wait for strong follow-through buying before confirming that spot prices have formed a near-term bottom ahead of the 1.2100 round-figure mark.
Technical levels to watch
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 holds near 1.1100, looks to post small weekly gains
EUR/USD trades near 1.1100 in the American session on Friday. Although the risk-averse market atmosphere caps the pair's upside, dovish comments from Fed officials and the disappointing US jobs report help it hold its ground.
GBP/USD retreats to 1.3150 area after post-NFP spike
GBP/USD turns south and declines to 1.3150 area after spiking to 1.3240 in the early American session. The negative shift seen in risk mood following the US labor market data for August helps the US Dollar stay resilient against its peers and weighs on the pair.
Gold pulls away from near record highs, holds above $2,500
Gold came within a touching distance of a new all-time high near $2,530 as US Treasury bond yields turned south on disappointing US jobs data. The US Dollar's resilience amid a souring risk mood, however, caused XAU/USD to erase its daily gains.
Crypto today: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP tests key support, TRON network non-stablecoin activity hits new highs
Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP hover around key support levels after registering a steep correction earlier this week. TRON network’s stablecoin activity hit new highs following the release of SunPump.
Nonfarm Payrolls expected to show modest hiring rebound in August after July’s tepid report
The Nonfarm Payrolls report is forecast to show that the US economy added 160,000 jobs in August, after creating 114,000 in July. The Unemployment Rate is likely to dip to 4.2% in the same period from July’s 4.3% reading.
Moneta Markets review 2024: All you need to know
VERIFIED In this review, the FXStreet team provides an independent and thorough analysis based on direct testing and real experiences with Moneta Markets – an excellent broker for novice to intermediate forex traders who want to broaden their knowledge base.