When is the UK construction PMI and how could it affect GBP/USD?

Dhwani Mehta FXStreet

The UK construction PMI overview

The UK construction PMI for February is due for release today at 0930GMT, with the figure expected to come in at 50.3, down from January’s 50.6 reading.

Deviation impact on GBP/USD

Readers can find FX Street's proprietary deviation impact map of the event below. As observed the reaction is likely to remain confined between 10 and 45 pips in deviations up to 2 to -2, although in some cases, if notable enough, a deviation can fuel movements of up to 70 pips.

How could affect GBP/USD?

Technically, the pair looks to break its consolidative mode to the upside and revisit 1.3275 levels. On a positive surprise, a break above the 1.33 handle cannot be ruled out. A sustained move above the last could see a test of 1.3351 inevitable (7-month tops). On the flip side, disappointing reads could a breach of the 1.3200 (round number) below which GBP/USD could test 1.3177 (10-DMA) en route 1.3150 (psychological levels).

A dismal UK construction PMI report cannot be ruled today, given Friday’s downbeat manufacturing PMI numbers. The construction PMI has widely shown the similar behavior as the manufacturing and services PMIs, analysts Societe Generale pointed out in a research note. However, the reaction in the GBP is more likely to be driven by the Brexit-related developments amid increased odds of Brexit delay.

Key Notes

Market themes of the Day: UK construction activity opens up the week

GBP/USD Analysis: Downside remains limited amid delayed Brexit hopes, UK PMI eyed for some impetus

GBP futures: dips appear shallow

About the UK construction PMI

The PMI Construction released by the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply and Markit Economics shows business conditions in the UK construction sector. It is worth noting that the construction sector does not influence, either positively or negatively, the GDP as much as the Manufacturing sector does. A result that values above 50 signals appreciates (or is bullish for) the GBP, whereas a result that values below 50 is seen as negative (or bearish).

Author

Dhwani Mehta

FXStreet

Residing in Mumbai (India), Dhwani is a Senior Analyst and Manager of the Asian session at FXStreet. She has over 10 years of experience in analyzing and covering the global financial markets, with specialization in Forex and commodities markets.

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