The GBP/USD currency pair continues to resist below the 1.3000 level due to a weak US Dollar amidst growing economic risks and prudent central bank expectations. As the pair trades around 1.2970, bears seem to have limited room as the Greenback grapples with weak US retail sales reports and fresh trade tensions. Investors believe the Federal Reserve will leave policy unchanged at the meeting on Wednesday, and similarly, the Bank of England is expected to leave interest rates untouched on Thursday. These moves combined with the BoE’s recent reluctance to try and balance growth worries against inflation worries may support the Pound Sterling further in the short term.
KEY LOOKOUTS
• Markets broadly expect the Fed to stick with its current interest rate policy, but any hint on future rate direction may influence USD sentiment.
• The BoE is expected to keep rates unchanged, with attention on dealing with inflation risks while facing low growth and revised expectations.
• Subpar retail sales figures, Trump’s tariff warning, and escalating economic uncertainty are still dragging down the Greenback, constraining its recovery.
• The pair is still supported around 1.2970, with minimal downside pressure. A breakout above 1.3000 may indicate additional bullish momentum if USD weakness continues.
Traders are keenly observing major economic and policy events this week that may influence the direction of GBP/USD. The Federal Reserve interest rate decision on Wednesday is likely to keep the current stance, but any indication of future monetary policy may influence the US Dollar. In the same vein, the Bank of England’s Thursday meeting is expected to keep rates unchanged, marking a conservative stance against ongoing inflation and decelerating growth. In contrast, the US Dollar continues to struggle with softer-than-expected retail sales figures and escalating trade tensions, capping its potential for recovery. These combined factors collectively favor the Pound, with GBP/USD remaining firm around 1.2970 and targeting a possible breakout above the 1.3000 level.
GBP/USD is stable around 1.2970 as the US Dollar falters with soft economic data and trade tensions. Investors look forward to major policy decisions by the Fed and Bank of England that might propel further action. A break above 1.3000 could be an indication of fresh bullish push for the pair.
• GBP/USD hovers around 1.2970, backing off but staying strong below the pivotal 1.3000 level.
• US Dollar is still susceptible to weakness with poor economic numbers and escalating trade tensions.
• February US Retail Sales increased just 0.2%, falling short and sparking concerns over consumer spending.
• Markets anticipate the Federal Reserve to leave interest rates steady in Wednesday’s policy meeting.
• US Dollar Index (DXY) stands near 103.50 but remains exposed to losses.
• Bank of England is also likely to keep rates unchanged on Thursday, underpinning GBP strength.
• Pound Sterling can also be further supported by the BoE’s conservative approach in the face of inflation and growth worries.
The GBP/USD currency pair is maintaining its ground as market attention turns to pivotal central bank announcements this week. Investors are monitoring closely the policy meeting of the Federal Reserve, where there is no rate change expected, but the focus is still on the tone of the Fed on future economic conditions. Recent US data, specifically weaker retail sales numbers, has worried investors on the strength of consumer spending and the overall economic prospect. In addition, trade policy and global economic stability uncertainties are weighing on the optimism of investors and putting pressure on the US Doller.
GBP/USD Daily Price Chart
Chart Source: TradingView
Meanwhile, the Pound Sterling is being supported by hopes that the Bank of England will stick with its present interest rate policy when it meets later. The central bank is walking a tightrope between containing sticky inflation and responding to easing economic growth. While the UK economy also has its challenges, the prudent policy stance of the BoE is steadying sentiment towards the British Pound. As both central banks take a wait-and-watch stance, the overall market environment remains influenced by economic data and world events.
TECHNICAL ANALYSIS
GBP/USD is now consolidating just below the psychological 1.3000 level, with 1.2970 serving as the immediate support area. Any prolonged break above 1.3000 might make way for additional bullish follow-through, perhaps heading higher towards broader resistance levels. Conversely, any break beneath 1.2950 could see near-term selling pressure, but overall, the pair remains in a bullish inclination so long as it remains above key moving averages. Traders will be looking for price action at these levels to confirm the next direction.
FORECAST
If the GBP/USD currency pair is able to hold above the 1.3000 psychological level, it could open the way to more upside momentum. A clean break above this level could lead to buyers driving the pair to the next resistance areas around 1.3050 and 1.3100. Bulls around the Pound, backed by the Bank of England’s firm policy direction and the US Dollar’s weakness, may also continue to propel bullish strength. Any sign of dovishness from the Federal Reserve or further disappointing US economic data could also add more to upward pressure on the pair.
To the downside, in the event that GBP/USD cannot resist below the 1.2950–1.2970 support zone, the pair might temporarily retreat. A fall below this level could trigger additional losses to 1.2900 or even 1.2850 in the near term. The US Dollar might regain momentum if the Fed turns more hawkish or if risk appetite declines in international markets. Moreover, any unexpected change in the Bank of England’s expectations or poor UK economic indicators may cap the rally potential and pull the Pound back.
