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GBP/USD holds ground above the 1.2600 mark on softer US Dollar

  • GBP/USD gains traction for the second consecutive day around 1.2608 on Wednesday. 
  • The expectation of interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve (Fed) has waned due to the stronger-than-expected US economic data. 
  • The potential technical recession in the UK economy might lead Bank of England (BoE) officials to shift to a dovish interest rate stance.

The GBP/USD pair trades on a stronger note amid the US Dollar's (USD) weakness during the early Asian trading hours on Wednesday. The rebound of the major pair is supported by the softer Greenback and lower US Treasury bond yields. At press time, GBP/USD is trading at 1.2608, adding 0.06% on the day. 

The expectation of interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve (Fed) has waned as US economic data came in better than expected. Additionally, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said on Sunday that it would not be appropriate to cut rates until there was greater confidence that inflation is moving to 2%. The markets are now pricing in a 15% possibility of rate cuts in March and priced in 50% odds of rate cuts in the May meeting. This, in turn, lifts the US Dollar (USD) and acts as a headwind for GBP/USD. 

On the Pound Sterling (GBP) front, the GBP is at risk of a technical recession, which might lead Bank of England officials to shift to a dovish interest rate stance. The Bank of England (BoE) Chief Economist Huw Pill said on Monday that the question now for most of the central bank's policymakers was when it would be appropriate to start to cut interest rates, not if. Meanwhile, Governor Andrew Bailey said that inflation was moving in the right direction and that the BoE would keep borrowing costs under review. 

On Wednesday, the UK Halifax House Prices for January and the US Goods Trade Balance for December will be due. Market players will keep an eye on the Fedspeaks this week for fresh impetus. These events could give a clear direction to the pair.

GBP/USD

Overview
Today last price1.2611
Today Daily Change0.0010
Today Daily Change %0.08
Today daily open1.2601
 
Trends
Daily SMA201.269
Daily SMA501.2678
Daily SMA1001.2477
Daily SMA2001.2564
 
Levels
Previous Daily High1.2603
Previous Daily Low1.2531
Previous Weekly High1.2773
Previous Weekly Low1.2614
Previous Monthly High1.2786
Previous Monthly Low1.2597
Daily Fibonacci 38.2%1.2576
Daily Fibonacci 61.8%1.2559
Daily Pivot Point S11.2554
Daily Pivot Point S21.2506
Daily Pivot Point S31.2481
Daily Pivot Point R11.2626
Daily Pivot Point R21.2651
Daily Pivot Point R31.2698

Author

Lallalit Srijandorn

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.

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