|

GBP/USD: Major support at 1.2100 is unlikely to come into view – UOB Group

The Pound Sterling (GBP) is expected to trade with a downward bias and test 1.2130; the next major support at 1.2100 is unlikely to come into view. In the longer run, there has been a tentative buildup in momentum, but GBP must break clearly below the 1.2100/1.2130 support zone before further weakness can be expected, UOB Group's FX analysts Quek Ser Leang and Peter Chia note.

A tentative buildup in momentum

24-HOUR VIEW: "Our view of GBP trading in a 1.2190/1.2280 range last Friday was incorrect. Instead of trading in a range, GBP fell to a low of 1.2161. Downward momentum appears to be building, albeit tentatively. Today, we expect GBP to trade with a downward bias. While there is a chance for it to test the 1.2130 level, it does not appear to have enough momentum to break clearly below this level. The next major support at 1.2100 is unlikely to come into view. To sustain the buildup in momentum, GBP must remain below 1.2215, with minor resistance at 1.2190."

1-3 WEEKS VIEW: "Our most recent narrative was from last Thursday (16 Jan, spot at 1.2240), wherein 'the recent weakness has stabilised,' and GBP 'is likely to trade in a range between 1.2130 and 1.2390.' Although GBP is still trading within the range, there has been a tentative buildup in momentum. That said, it is not enough to indicate a sustained decline. For a sustained decline, GBP must not only break clearly below 1.2130, but also 1.2100. The likelihood of GBP breaking clearly below this support zone will increase in the next few days, provided that the ‘strong resistance’ level, currently at 1.2305, is not breached."


Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Editor's Picks

AUD/USD gains traction near  0.7100 as the post-Fed USD rally pauses

AUD/USD finds fresh buyers and retakes 0.7100 in the Asian session on Thursday as the US Dollar pauses its hawkish Fed-inspired rally to its highest level since late July. However, RBA rate-hike bets and hopes for US-Iran diplomatic efforts lift risk sentiment and support the risk-sensitive Australian Dollar and the major.

USD/JPY reverses a dip below 156.00 as focus shifts to BoJ

USD/JPY is reversing a brief dip below 156.00 in the Asian session on Thursday, looking to snap a three-day winning streak to a nearly two-week top set the previous day. The US Dollar pauses following the post-Fed rally to seven-week highs, while a more hawkish repricing of the BoJ's policy normalization path supports the Japanese Yen. This keeps the pair's upside limited, with the focus now shifting to the BoJ policy decision due on Friday.

Gold pops to weekly highs near $4,400

Gold climbs sharply and clinches fresh weekly peaks around the $4,480 zone per troy ounce on Thursday. The precious metal’s bounce leaves behind three daily declines in a row and follows the marked retracement in the US Dollar as well as another negative performance of crude oil prices.

BoE recap: A cautious stance amid rising inflation risks

The Bank of England left Bank Rate unchanged at 3.75% but delivered a distinctly hawkish message as its inflation outlook deteriorated sharply.

One hike down, more to come? The Fed’s new rate path says yes

The Federal Reserve (Fed) raised its Fed Fund Target Range (FFTR) range by 25 basis points to 3.75%-4.00% in a unanimous decision, saying the move would support a timelier return to its 2% inflation goal.

How Japan became the World's Banker and why that era may be ending

Japan's ultra-low interest rates helped finance trillions of dollars in global investments for more than a decade, making the Japanese Yen one of the world’s cheapest sources of funding. With the Bank of Japan expected to tighten policy again this week, that advantage may be entering a new phase. While most major economies raised interest rates, Japan remained the world's outlier.