|

GBP/USD: UK rates markets pare back BoE easing expectations – Scotiabank

The UK budget update largely conformed to expectations. The government will raise taxes and borrowing significantly but will also spend heavily on priority projects, Scotiabank’s Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.  

GBP is trading firmer

“UK markets largely took the news in their stride. UK Gilts weakened in the budget aftermath but losses reflected the generally weaker tone of fixed income markets (where core European bonds actually performed worse).”

“UK rates markets continue to anticipate a November rate cut from the BoE but, with the budget expected to give the economy a lift relative to its prior state, expectations for a December follow up have been pared back significantly. Rate sentiment continues to weigh on Gilts today but may add to GBP underpinning in the short run at least.”

“Choppy markets yesterday have muddied the near-term outlook for the GBP. While spot is holding within its recent trading range, heavy selling pressure yesterday has left a dent in the intraday and daily charts which may stifle the week-long grind higher in Cable from the low 1.29s. Intraday support does look firm around 1.2935 but a move above 1.3043, yesterday’s high, is needed to give the pound a clearer technical lift now.”

Author

FXStreet Insights Team

The FXStreet Insights Team is a group of journalists that handpicks selected market observations published by renowned experts. The content includes notes by commercial as well as additional insights by internal and external analysts.

More from FXStreet Insights Team
Share:

Markets move fast. We move first.

Orange Juice Newsletter brings you expert driven insights - not headlines. Every day on your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to our Terms and conditions.

Editor's Picks

EUR/USD holds steady below 1.1800

EUR/USD moves sideways in a narrow channel below 1.1800 as the market volatility remains low ahead of the New Year holiday. On Tuesday, investors will pay close attention to the minutes of the Federal Reserve's December policy meeting.

GBP/USD retreats below 1.3500 as trading conditions remain thin

GBP/USD corrects lower after posting strong gains in the previous week and trades below 1.3500 on Monday. With the action in financial markets turning subdued following the Christmas holiday, however, the pair's losses remain limited.

Gold extends correction from record-high, trades below $4,400

Gold retreats sharply from the record-peak it set at $4,550 and trades below $4,400, losing more than 3% on the day. Growing optimism about a Ukraine-Russia peace agreement and profit-taking ahead of the New Year holiday seem to be causing XAU/USD to stay under heavy bearish pressure.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and XRP bulls regain strength

Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple record roughly 3% gains on Monday, regaining strength mid-holiday season. Despite thin liquidity in the holiday season, BTC and major altcoins are regaining strength as US President Donald Trump pushes peace talks between Russia and Ukraine. The technical outlook for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple gradually shifts bullish as selling pressure wanes.

Economic outlook 2026-2027 in advanced countries: Solidity test

After a year marked by global economic resilience and ending on a note of optimism, 2026 looks promising and could be a year of solid economic performance. In our baseline scenario, we expect most of the supportive factors at work in 2025 to continue to play a role in 2026.

Avalanche struggles near $12 as Grayscale files updated form for ETF

Avalanche trades close to $12 by press time on Wednesday, extending the nearly 2% drop from the previous day. Grayscale filed an updated form to convert its Avalanche-focused Trust into an ETF with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.