GBP/USD remains on the defensive below 1.2150, Fed, BoE rate decisions eyed

The GBP/USD pair remains on the defensive during the early Asian session on Wednesday. The major pair faces rejection near the 1.2200 mark. Market players await the highly anticipated Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) policy meeting on Wednesday ahead of the Bank of England (BoE) on Thursday. These events might trigger the volatility in the market. GBP/USD currently trades near 1.2139, losing 0.11% on the day. 

The two-day FOMC policy meeting begins today and will end in late Wednesday. The markets anticipate the FOMC to hold the interest rate unchanged at its November meeting. Traders will keep an eye on the FOMC Chair Powell’s press conference for fresh impetus. If the FOMC delivers a hawkish message, the US Dollar (USD) might attract some buyers and weigh on the GBP/USD pair. 

On the other hand, the Bank of England (BoE) is expected to keep interest rates steady at 5.25% at its November meeting on Thursday amid growing worries about a recession in the UK economy. Following the meeting, BoE governor Andrew Bailey might offer some hints about the latest forecasts for the UK economy and the future of monetary policy. 

The weaker UK data and stubborn inflation exert pressure on the British Pound (GBP) and act as a headwind for the GBP/USD pair. Additionally, the elevated geopolitical risks in the Middle East might boost safe-haven flows and benefit the Greenback. 

Investors will take cues from the US ADP employment report, JOLTS Job Openings, and the ISM Manufacturing PMI ahead of the FOMC meeting on Wednesday. On Thursday, the BoE rate decision and BoE Governor Bailey's speech will be the highlights. The US employment data, including Nonfarm Payrolls and Average Hourly Earnings for October, will be released on Friday.