GBP/USD moves back closer to 1.3500 mark amid broadly weaker USD

GBP/USD kicks off the new week on a positive note amid the emergence of fresh USD selling.
Fed rate cut bets and US fiscal concerns weigh on the USD amid trade-related uncertainties.
A weaker risk tone could limit losses for the safe-haven buck and cap the upside for the pair.

Haresh Menghani FXStreet

The GBP/USD pair regains positive traction at the start of a new week amid renewed US Dollar (USD) selling, though it remains below the 1.3500 psychological mark during the Asian session.

The Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index released on Friday pointed to further easing inflationary pressures in the US and bolstered the case for more policy easing by the Federal Reserve (Fed). Adding to this, concerns about the worsening US fiscal condition, fueled by the passage of US President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” exert fresh downward pressure on the USD.

The British Pound (GBP), on the other hand, continues with its relative outperformance on the back of expectations that the Bank of England (BoE) would pause at its next meeting on June 18 and take its time before lowering borrowing costs further. This, in turn, is seen as another factor lending support to the GBP/USD pair. However, a weaker risk tone limits USD losses and might cap the pair.

The global risk sentiment took a hit after Trump stated on Friday that China is not committed to fulfilling the terms of the trade agreement reached in Switzerland. This comes on top of persistent geopolitical risk stemming from the Russia-Ukraine war and conflicts in the Middle East, which temper investors' appetite for riskier assets and could offer some support to the safe-haven Greenback.

Traders now look forward to this week's important US macro releases scheduled at the start of a new month, starting with the ISM Manufacturing PMI later this Monday. Apart from this, Fed Chair Jerome Powell's appearance will influence the USD price dynamics and provide some impetus to the GBP/USD pair.

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

Haresh Menghani

FXStreet

Haresh Menghani is a detail-oriented professional with 10+ years of extensive experience in analysing the global financial markets.

AUD/USD hangs near three-week low, below 0.6950 as traders await US NFP report

AUD/USD hits a three-week low during the Asian session on Friday as the RBA’s dovish shift and a rout in equity markets weigh on the risk-sensitive Aussie. However, the recent slump in US bond yields to a two-month low keeps US Dollar bulls on the back foot and limits losses for the currency pair as traders look to the US NFP report for a fresh impetus.

USD/JPY bounces off three-week low; keeps the red near 157.65 as focus remains on US NFP

USD/JPY bounces off the weekly low set during the Asian session, as bears turn cautious ahead of the US NFP report due later this Friday. The upside seems limited as the recent slump in US bond yields and hopes of Iran war de-escalation undermine the US Dollar. Moreover, a hawkish BoJ and intervention risks support the Japanese Yen, capping the pair.

Gold weakens further below $4,050; looks to US NFP for fresh impetus

Gold extends the previous day's retracement slide from a two-week high, weakening further below $4,050 during Friday’s Asian session amid modest US Dollar strength. The USD Index builds on its recovery from the lowest level since late September, and is seen weighing on the commodity. The downside, however, seems limited as traders await the release of the closely watched US monthly employment details before placing aggressive directional bets.

Zcash defies crypto market sell-off as NU7 upgrade fuels breakout hopes

Zcash (ZEC) shows resilience above $1,300 on Friday, defying the broader cryptocurrency market sell-off, which saw over $1 billion in liquidations the previous day. This strength aligns with Network Upgrade 7 (NU7), scheduled for Friday, which enables faster payments and disables older transaction pools.

Neither the election nor the US Dollar: Why Friday's payrolls hold the key to Gold's next move

Gold has climbed back above $4,000 as the US Dollar weakened following a Democratic sweep in the US midterm elections. However, with every Gold rally facing heavy selling throughout the year, investors are looking to Friday's Nonfarm Payrolls report to determine whether this move marks a sustainable breakout or just another temporary rebound.

US Dollar breaks below 101.50 as Democrats sweep Congress

The US Dollar (USD) comes under heavy selling pressure on Wednesday, with the US Dollar Index (DXY) falling around 0.5% to trade near 101.35 after sliding below the 101.50 level. The Greenback retreats to its lowest level in four weeks as investors reassess the political and economic outlook following the Democratic Party's sweeping victory in the United States (US) midterm elections.