|

UK: Tax plans unlikely to be interpreted as a GBP-positive factor – Commerzbank

On Wednesday, UK Chancellor Jeremy Hunt presented the Autumn Statement. Economists at Commerzbank analyze GBP outlook following the Tories’ tax plans.

Lower taxes and public spending are possibly going to be welcomed by Tory voters

Lower taxes and public spending are possibly going to be welcomed by Tory voters due to the effects on the individual, but I find it difficult to believe that FX traders and/or a large share of the electorate will believe in the Laffer curve. In that case, the tax plans are not going to be interpreted as a GBP-positive factor.

Don’t get me wrong: I certainly do not want to say that this interpretation might not turn out to be correct. Such an assessment would exceed my competence. But for the current development of GBP exchange rates, it does not matter. What matters is how the tax plans are seen today. I can only guess that. There is no watertight way to prove my view. However, the readers who disagree will at least draw the conclusion that it is this kind of sentiment that currently drives GBP developments.

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 gathers recovery momentum, trades near 1.1750

Following the correction seen in the second half of the previous week, EUR/USD gathers bullish momentum and trades in positive territory near 1.1750. The US Dollar (USD) struggles to attract buyers and supports the pair as investors await Tuesday's GDP data ahead of the Christmas holiday. 

GBP/USD rises toward 1.3450 on renewed USD weakness

GBP/USD turns north on Monday and avances to the 1.3450 region. The US Dollar (USD) stays on the back foot to begin the new week as investors adjust their positions before tomorrow's third-quarter growth data, helping the pair stretch higher.

Gold not done with record highs

Gold extends its rally in the American session on Monday and trades at a new all-time-high above $4,420, gaining nearly 2% on a daily basis. The potential for a re-escalation of the tensions in the Middle East on news of Israel planning to attack Iran allows Gold to capitalize on safe-haven flows.

Top 10 crypto predictions for 2026: Institutional demand and big banks could lift Bitcoin

Bitcoin could hit record highs in 2026, according to Grayscale and top crypto asset managers. Institutional demand and digital-asset treasury companies set to catalyze gains in Bitcoin.

Ten questions that matter going into 2026

2026 may be less about a neat “base case” and more about a regime shift—the market can reprice what matters most (growth, inflation, fiscal, geopolitics, concentration). The biggest trap is false comfort: the same trades can look defensive… right up until they become crowded.

XRP steadies above $1.90 support as fund inflows and retail demand rise

Ripple (XRP) is stable above support at $1.90 at the time of writing on Monday, after several attempts to break above the $2.00 hurdle failed to materialize last week. Meanwhile, institutional interest in the cross-border remittance token has remained steady.