GBP/USD stumbles as US economic optimism boosts the greenback after upbeat GDP

GBP/USD drops sharply in the North American session following the release of outstanding data in the United States (US), painting an optimistic economic outlook and cementing the case for additional tightening by the US Federal Reserve (Fed). Therefore, the greenback is rising, underpinned by elevated US Treasury bond yields. At the time of writing, the GBP/USD is trading at 1.2611, down 0.18%.

Favorable US data and anticipation of additional Fed tightening dampen Pound Sterling

The US Dollar (USD) is the primary driver of the session as data continues to surprise market participants. The US’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) was revised upwards to a 2% YoY advance, above estimates of 1.3%. At the same time, a measure of the jobs market, Initial Jobless Claims droppest the most in 20 months, to 239K, below estimates of 265K, which could trigger another hike by the Fed to cool demand.

After the data release, the GBP/USD tumbled from around 1.2660 towards the 1.2600 figure, extending its fall to a new two-week low of 12590. The buck strengthened as well as the US Treasury bond yields, with the 10-year benchmark note rate yielding 3.846%, gaining 14 basis points, reaching levels last seen in March 2023.

In the meantime, Fed Chair Jerome Powell crossed the wires and said the labor market remains tight, inflation too high, and expressed the Fed’s “long way to go” before inflation gets back to Fed’s 2% target. He added the majority of the Federal Reserve Open Market Committee (FOMC) expects “two or more” interest rate increases by the end of the year.

Other data showed that Pending Home Sales plunged to a five-month low in May, coming at -22.2% YoY, worst than April’s -20% contraction.

Aside from this, an empty UK economic docket left traders adrift to US Dollar dynamics, as well as market mood. Nevertheless, the Pound Sterling (GBP) weakened on comments by The Bank of England (BoE) Governor Andrew Baily, saying that rates could continue to rise, hurting the British economy. Even though it could propel the GBP/USD, it would hurt the economy. That can be seen by the GBP/USD’s fall after the BoE 50 bps rate hike.

Money market futures see a 65% chance or a 50-bps hike at the BoE’s next meeting. Regarding the Federal Reserve, the CME FedWatch Tool odds for a 25 bps hike in July are 86.8%, higher than the 81.8% yesterday.

Upcoming events

The UK economic agenda will feature the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for Q1 2023, the Current Account, and Business Investment. On the US front, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) will feature the Fed’s preferred gauge for inflation, the core Personal Consumption Expenditure (PCE). The University of Michigan will also reveal the Consumer Sentiment, while the Chicago Fed will release its PMI.

GBP/USD Price Analysis: Technical outlook

 The GBP/USD is set to extend its losses if it achieves a daily close below 1.2600; otherwise, GBP buyers could remain hopeful of a possible test of the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) at 1.2645. Nevertheless, if GBP/USD surpasses below 1.2600, the next support would be the 50-day EMA at 1.2544 before challenging the 1.2500 mark.