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GBP/USD keeps pushing against 1.2430 support weighed by weak UK employment data

  • The Pound drops on weak UK employment data, to retest support area at 1.2430.
  • UK Unemployment rate increased to 4.2% in the three months to February against expectations of a 4% reading.
  • Investors’ focus is on Wednesday’s UK CPI data for more clues about the BoE’s monetary policy outlook.

The Sterling has resumed its broader bearish trend during Tuesday’s London trading session. The uninspiring UK employment figures have endorsed the theory that the BoE might start cutting rates ahead of schedule, which has punished the GBP.

The Claimant count range increased below expectations but wage growth eased to 6% YoY in the three months before February, from from 6.1% in the previous period. But above all, the unemployment rate increased to 4.2% disappointing the market that had forecasted a 4% rate, unchanged from the previous month.

The US Dollar maintains its bullish trend intact, fuelled by higher US Treasury yields. The 10-year benchmark yield is trading at year-to-date highs near 4.70%. The 2-year yield the most closely related to interest rate expectations remains pinned to the key 5% level.

Later on Tuesday BoE Governor Bailey is expected to meet the press although the highlight of the week in the UK will be Wednesday’s CPI data, which is expected to have cooled significantly. Also on Tuesday, Fed Governor, Jerome Powell is expected to participate in a panel discussion in Washington. His comments about monetary policy might have some impact on US Dollar crosses.

GBP/USD Price Analysis: Technical outlook

Bears have pushed the pair back to the bottom of the monthly descending channel, at 1.2430, which is being tested at the moment. Last Friday’s low is right below there, at 1.2430. A clear break of that support area clears the path towards 1.2370. Further down there is no support until 1.2220.

On the upside 1.2505 level should be cleared to advance towards 1.2565, where an unmitigated order block may provide a fresh boost for bears.

GBP/USD

Overview
Today last price1.2436
Today Daily Change-0.0010
Today Daily Change %-0.08
Today daily open1.2446
 
Trends
Daily SMA201.2615
Daily SMA501.2653
Daily SMA1001.2667
Daily SMA2001.2582
 
Levels
Previous Daily High1.2499
Previous Daily Low1.2436
Previous Weekly High1.2709
Previous Weekly Low1.2427
Previous Monthly High1.2894
Previous Monthly Low1.2575
Daily Fibonacci 38.2%1.246
Daily Fibonacci 61.8%1.2475
Daily Pivot Point S11.2421
Daily Pivot Point S21.2397
Daily Pivot Point S31.2358
Daily Pivot Point R11.2484
Daily Pivot Point R21.2523
Daily Pivot Point R31.2547

Author

Guillermo Alcala

Graduated in Communication Sciences at the Universidad del Pais Vasco and Universiteit van Amsterdam, Guillermo has been working as financial news editor and copywriter in diverse Forex-related firms, like FXStreet and Kantox.

More from Guillermo Alcala
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