- GBP/USD under pressure as greenback perks up again.
- Risk-off markets are taking their toll on forex at the start of the week.
GBP/USD is down some 0.17% on the day as the greenback makes back some ground following a dismal performance at the end of last week's trade.
Cable is trading at 1.3841 after falling from a high of 1.3878 to a low of 1.3827.
Risk appetite in global markets is weak at the start of the week following poor Chinese data and the US.
Data on Friday showed a plunge in US consumer confidence. The survey showed US consumer sentiment dropped sharply in early August to its lowest level in a decade.
The fall was one of the six largest drops in the past 50 years of the survey and it underlines a broader concern at economic growth as virus cases rise around the world.
Meanwhile, a sharp slowdown in China's factory output and Retail Sales growth suggested to the market the world is a long way off from recovering from the coronavirus economic slowdown.
As a consequence, the US dollar has edged higher and the riskier currencies, such as GBP, generally lost out.
Bullish sentiment on GBP has gotten somewhat thinner of late as traders ponder as to whether the Bank of England’s optimistic outlook given the recent virus wave will be sustainable.
Investors, in this respect, will be very keen to scam this weeks calendar for domestic clues that could offer some clarity on the matter.
First up, July’s jobs data on Tuesday may see a tick lower in the Unemployment Rate as a supportive factor for the pound as the economy opens up.
Then, inflation data on Wednesday will be important and the focus will be on the headline CPI YoY outcome.
Finally, Retail Sales for July will be eyed for signs that the delta variant took its toll on the economy.
Meanwhile, the US dollar has firmed ahead of the Federal Open Market Committee Minutes this Wednesday that will be scanned for signs as to when the Fed might contemplate tapering its bond purchases.
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page.
If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet.
FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted.
The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice.
Recommended content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD edges lower toward 1.0700 post-US PCE
EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure but manages to hold above 1.0700 in the American session on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) gathers strength against its rivals after the stronger-than-forecast PCE inflation data, not allowing the pair to gain traction.
GBP/USD retreats to 1.2500 on renewed USD strength
GBP/USD lost its traction and turned negative on the day near 1.2500. Following the stronger-than-expected PCE inflation readings from the US, the USD stays resilient and makes it difficult for the pair to gather recovery momentum.
Gold struggles to hold above $2,350 following US inflation
Gold turned south and declined toward $2,340, erasing a large portion of its daily gains, as the USD benefited from PCE inflation data. The benchmark 10-year US yield, however, stays in negative territory and helps XAU/USD limit its losses.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC’s next breakout could propel it to $80,000 Premium
Bitcoin’s recent price consolidation could be nearing its end as technical indicators and on-chain metrics suggest a potential upward breakout. However, this move would not be straightforward and could punish impatient investors.
Week ahead – Hawkish risk as Fed and NFP on tap, Eurozone data eyed too
Fed meets on Wednesday as US inflation stays elevated. Will Friday’s jobs report bring relief or more angst for the markets? Eurozone flash GDP and CPI numbers in focus for the Euro.