GBP/USD holds positive ground near 1.2800, Bailey's testimony in focus

GBP/USD posts modest gains around 1.2790 in Wednesday’s early Asian session.
Investors brace for Bailey's testimony and the US ISM Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for February.
Rising expectation of more caution on easing from the BoE could help limit the GBP's losses.

Lallalit Srijandorn FXStreet

The GBP/USD pair trades with mild gains to near 1.2790 during the early European trading hours on Wednesday. The US Dollar (USD) hovered near a three-month low amid concerns over slowing US economic growth and the impact of tariffs.

"Fears about weaker U.S. and global economic activity are manifesting in the markets, with cyclicals driving the sell-off," said Kyle Rodda, senior financial markets analyst at capital.com. Additionally, Trump's 25% levies on Mexican and Canadian imports took effect on Tuesday, alongside a hike in Chinese duties to 20%

Investors will take more cues from the US ISM Services Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for February, which is due later on Wednesday. In case of a weaker-than-expected outcome, this could drag the Greenback lower against the Pound Sterling (GBP).

The Bank of England (BoE) governor Andrew Bailey thinks a renewed bout of inflation is nothing to worry about. Meanwhile, BoE Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden said that the UK central bank should keep a “careful and gradual” approach to monetary policy amid uncertainty over the labor market and global trade.

The expectation of a gradual monetary expansion approach is supported by elevated United Kingdom (UK) wage growth, which could keep inflationary pressures persistently higher.

"The February BoE cut was accompanied by a dovish vote split, but data has since pointed to more caution on easing. Fourth-quarter growth, December wages and January CPI all came in stronger than expected, and the risks are that we could see some hawkish adjustment in Bailey’s stance,” said ING’s FX analyst Francesco Pesole.

Pound Sterling FAQs

What is the Pound Sterling?

The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).

How do the decisions of the Bank of England impact on the Pound Sterling?

The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.

How does economic data influence the value of the Pound?

Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.

How does the Trade Balance impact the Pound?

Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.

Author

Lallalit Srijandorn

FXStreet

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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