GBP/USD: Potential move to 1.2400 on the cards – UOB

Pablo Piovano FXStreet

Cable could extend the upside momentum to the 1.2400 mark in the next weeks, suggested FX Strategists at UOB Group.

Key Quotes

24-hour view: “Yesterday, we detected the ‘uptick in momentum’ and expected a ‘slightly higher GBP’. However, GBP staged an abrupt lift-off and rocketed to end the day up by +1.19% (1.2338), the biggest 1-day gain in almost 2 months. While further GBP strength is not ruled out in the days ahead, the current rally is deep in overbought territory and GBP may not have enough fuel to move clearly above the overnight high of 1.2363. For today, the rally in GBP probably needs to catch its breath and GBP is likely trade sideways. Expected range for today, 1.2265/1.2365.

Next 1-3 weeks: “We narrowed our expected consolidation range for GBP from 1.2100/1.2400 to 1.2100/1.2320 yesterday (26 May, spot at 1.2200). We did not anticipate the subsequent strong surge in GBP that sent it higher by +1.19% (1.2338). Upward momentum has improved considerably but at this stage, it is too soon to expect the start of a sustained advance in GBP. Only a daily closing above 1.2400 would indicate the start of a move towards 1.2460 (and possibly higher). Meanwhile, GBP is expected to trade with an upward bias towards 1.2400 as long as it does not move below 1.2230.”

Author

Pablo Piovano

FXStreet

Born and bred in Argentina, Pablo has been carrying on with his passion for FX markets and trading since his first college years.

AUD/USD consolidates above 0.7000; remains close to monthly top

AUD/USD holds steady above 0.7000 during the Asian session on Friday, trading just below the previous day's monthly low amid diverging forces. A hawkish RBA continues to support the Aussie, while the recent decline in US bond yields keeps the US Dollar depressed near a three-week low. However, oil-driven inflation fears reinforce Fed hike bets, which, along with geopolitical risks, could benefit the safe-haven buck and cap the currency pair.

USD/JPY bounces off one-month low; climbs to 157.00 amid reviving USD demand

USD/JPY rebounds from the 156.00 neighborhood, or a one-month low touched during Friday’s Asian session, with bulls looking to extend momentum beyond 157.00 amid the emergence of some US Dollar buying. Meanwhile, Japan's National CPI rose to a nine-month peak and reaffirmed BoJ rate-hike bets, which could support the Japanese Yen and cap gains for the currency pair.

Gold treads water around $4,000

Gold prices maintain its offered stance in place at the end of the week, hovering around the key $4,000 threshold per troy ounce. The persistent selling bias in the precious metal comes amid decent gains in the US Dollar and an acceptable rebound in US Treasury yields across the curve, all alongside further upside traction in crude oil prices.

Crypto Today: Bitcoin holds the 50-day EMA as Ethereum and XRP face structural resistance

Bitcoin gradually ticks up on Friday, trading above $81,000. The Crypto King has recently defended structural support near $80,000, reinforcing the prevailing bullish outlook. Ethereum similarly edges higher above $2,400, while Ripple trades above $1.32 after testing support around $1.30.

The French bond panic is overdone. Here's what the market is misreading

France's 10-year government bond yield has climbed above 5%, reigniting fears of a sovereign debt crisis in the Eurozone. With public debt exceeding €3.5 trillion, persistent budget deficits and a fragmented political landscape, investors are increasingly questioning the French government's ability to stabilize its finances.

What November 3 means for the Fed's rate path and the US Dollar

The USD faces a decisive period ahead of the November 3 midterm elections. While markets anticipate another interest rate increase from the Fed in December, the battle for control of Congress could reshape fiscal policy expectations and, indirectly, the path of US monetary policy in 2027.