GBP/USD trades higher near 1.2630 amid weaker UK Business Confidence, US data eyed

GBP/USD rebounds after posting losses at the previous three successive sessions amid a stable US Dollar (USD). The GBP/USD pair trades higher near 1.2630 during the Asian session on Wednesday. The USD could face downward pressure again on the moderate comments by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva.

In an interview with CNN on Tuesday, IMF Managing Director Georgieva expressed optimism about the US economy, advising Americans to "cheer up." She highlighted that despite a robust labor market, interest rates are expected to moderate in 2024 due to a decline in inflation. This positive outlook suggests a potential easing of economic pressures and provides a less aggressive perspective on the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate trajectory.

The US Dollar Index (DXY) could maintain its strength on enhanced US Treasury yields. The 2-year and 10-year yields on US bond coupons improved to 4.32% and 3.94%, respectively, by the press time. The signs of sluggish global growth towards the end of 2024 initially led investors to seek refuge in the USD. However, there's a shift as market players reevaluate their aggressive bets on imminent rate cuts by the Fed.

The Pound Sterling (GBP) faces selling pressure due to the negative outlook on the British economy. The Institute of Directors' Economic Confidence Index survey revealed a continued decline in optimism among British directors about the country's economy for the next 12 months, with the index dropping to 28 in December from the previous month's decline of 21. Corporate executives in the United Kingdom (UK) are urging the Bank of England (BoE) to lower interest rates promptly to provide support to the struggling economy.

S&P Global's commentary also added to the concerns, stating that UK manufacturing output contracted at an accelerated rate at the close of 2023. The Bank of England (BoE) is now highly anticipated to cut interest rates starting from May 2024, reflecting the view that the UK's economy is vulnerable to a technical recession.

Wednesday brings the US data releases, including the December ISM Manufacturing PMI, November JOLTS Job Openings, and the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) Minutes. In the absence of any high-impact data from the UK’s docket during the week, the market participants will observe low-impact events including December S&P Global/CIPS Composite PMI and Halifax House Prices.