|

GBP/USD stumbles below 1.3450, Sterling bulls on the backfoot ahead of Wednesday's inflation hearing

  • Sterling heading lower on the new week as positive trade vibes boost the Greenback.
  • Brexit continues to swamp the GBP, Scottish independence comes back into the light.

The GBP/USD is trading down in early Monday trading, kicking down below 1.3450 as the US Dollar makes a broad market recovery on easing trade fears.

This weekend saw a relaxing of trade tensions between the US and China, as the two parties agreed to hold off on imposing any further trade tariffs while they continue the negotiation process. Markets are reacting positively to the news, and the US Dollar is rebounding across the board.

The Sterling continues to suffer at the hands of disappointing economic figures for the UK's economy, and headlines highlighting the many gaps that still exist in patching up the Brexit framework. The final exit day of next March has been stricken from legislation, and the UK may wind up staying within the EU's trade union for several years, while the Irish border debate remains unresolved and talks of another Scottish independence vote loom on the horizon.

The week is starting off on a quiet note for the Sterling, although Wednesday will be bringing Inflation Report Hearings at 08:00 GMT, followed by Retail Sales on Thursday. Following the recent slump in economic data for the UK, GBP bulls will be hoping that a rebound in inflation and Retails Sales can bring the GBP/USD back into the running.

GBP/USD levels to watch

Technical indicators are beginning to turn mixed for the pair, though a bearish stance remains the overarching trend following the pair's break below the recent consolidation range, and as FXStreet's own Valeria Bednarik noted about the pair's technical outlook: "technically the daily chart shows that the 20 DMA heads south almost vertically some 100 pips above the current level, and also that the Momentum indicator heads nowhere right below its mid-line, while the RSI indicator heads lower at 26, having spent almost a month in oversold territory. In the 4 hours chart, the pair presents a neutral-to-bearish stance, holding below a modestly bearish 20 SMA, and with technical indicators heading south, the Momentum within neutral levels, but the RSI gaining downward traction, now around 40, favoring additional declines ahead."

Support levels:  1.3450 1.3410 1.3370

Resistance levels: 1.3490 1.3520 1.3570  

Author

Joshua Gibson

Joshua joins the FXStreet team as an Economics and Finance double major from Vancouver Island University with twelve years' experience as an independent trader focusing on technical analysis.

More from Joshua Gibson
Share:

Editor's Picks

GBP/USD bounces off lows, back above 1.3200

After bottoming out near 1.3160, GBP/USD manages to regain a bit of shine and reclaim the 1.3200 mark and beyond at the end of the week. Stronger-than-expected UK Retail Sales data seem to be helping the British Pound limit its losses, while the chaotic UK political environment keeps the bulls at bay for now.

EUR/USD looks consolidative around 1.1460

EUR/USD stages a modest rebound after slipping to a three-month low below 1.1420 at the end of the week. That said, the pair now looks to consolidate humble gains just above 1.1460 despite growing uncertainty surrounding the next round of US-Iran negotiations, which keeps the US Dollar’s downside contained.

Gold slips back to six-day lows, targets $4,100

Gold retreats for the third consecutive day on Friday, eroding gains seen in the first half of the week and approaching the key $4,100 mark per troy ounce. Indeed, the precious metal continues to face headwinds from the Fed's hawkish stance and renewed uncertainty surrounding the next round of US-Iran negotiations.

Breaking: Iran closes the Strait of Hormuz amid ceasefire deal violation
Iran says it is closing the Strait of Hormuz after accusing the United States (US) and Israel of violating the ceasefire. According to Iran, the decision came over the continued Israeli strikes in Lebanon. The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy issued a warning to all vessels: "Do not approach the Strait of Hormuz; otherwise, your security will be jeopardized."
The Iran war didn't break the US economy, but what happens next?

Nearly four months after the start of the Iran war, the US economy remains remarkably resilient. While the conflict initially triggered a severe disruption to global energy markets and a sharp rise in Oil prices, recent diplomatic progress between Washington and Tehran has eased concerns about a prolonged supply shock.

Regime change: Inside Kevin Warsh's first move to make the Fed unreadable on purpose

The rate did not move. That was the least interesting thing about Kevin Warsh's first meeting in charge of the Fed. The FOMC held its benchmark at 3.50%-3.75% for the fourth straight meeting, exactly as priced, and then the new chair used his first press conference to dismantle the machinery the market has leaned on for a decade.