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Currencies GBP/USD

GBP/USD Remains Firm Near Multi-Month Highs Amid Fed-BoE Policy Divergence and USD Caution

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  • March 21, 2025
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The GBP/USD currency pair remains firm near multi-month highs around the mid-1.2900s, resolute in the face of a modest appreciation in the US Dollar. Though the Greenback does get some help from safe-haven flows due to geopolitical tensions and uncertainty over US trade policy, the contrasting monetary policy direction between the Federal Reserve and the Bank of England supports the British Pound. As the Fed is likely to reduce rates several times this year and the BoE is hinting at a more dovish stance, the broad inclination for GBP/USD is skewed to the higher side. Lacking any significant economic data releases, price action will probably remain range-bound, although any retracement may offer buying chances, leaving the pair on course to record a third straight weekly gain. KEY LOOKOUTS • Still holding firm above the mid-1.2900s despite intraday volatility, the pair remains near the multi-month high at over 1.3000 recorded on Thursday. • The Bank of England’s dovish approach to rate cuts is in contrast to the Fed’s expected easing, providing sustained support to the Pound. • The Greenback makes minor gains from multi-month lows on the back of geopolitical tensions and uncertainties over trade tariffs, but upside is still capped. • Without any significant economic releases on Friday, GBP/USD is likely to be guided by USD dynamics and overall market sentiment, leaving the pair skewed to the upside. The GBP/USD pair remains stuck close to multi-month highs, stabilizing above the 1.2950 mark and within touching distance of the psychological level of 1.3000 touched on Thursday. The action of the pair is still heavily dictated by varying monetary policy expectations between the Bank of England and the Federal Reserve. While the Fed has stuck to its rate cut forecast for 2025 and upgraded its inflation forecast, the BoE has been more conservative, indicating reduced rate cuts in the future. This policy divergence supports the British Pound, although a modest rebound in the US Dollar — fueled by geopolitical tensions and trade tariff uncertainty — limits the upside. With minimal economic data on the calendar, the emphasis is on general market sentiment and USD dynamics, which maintains the path of least resistance slightly favorable for the bulls. GBP/USD remains steady above 1.2950, within striking distance of the multi-month high around 1.3000 in the face of diverging Fed-BoE policy expectations. Although a marginal USD recovery caps upside, the Pound finds support in bets for delayed BoE rate cuts. Lacking in major data releases, USD motion and sentiment will shape short-term direction. • GBP/USD consolidates above 1.2950, remaining near the multi-month high breached above 1.3000 yesterday. • Failure of distinct intraday direction, with the pair ranging narrowly in and about the 1.2960 area in the Asian session. • Limited USD reversal from multi-month lows serves as short-term cap on additional GBP/USD upside. • Fed leaves rate cut forecasts in 2025 unchanged, but inflation fears and uncertainty on trade tariffs provide support to the US Dollar. • BoE indicates a reduced rate cut pace, providing relative strength to the British Pound in the face of differing monetary policies. • No significant economic data releases from the UK or US on Friday, maintaining attention on general sentiment and USD dynamics. • GBP/USD set for a third straight weekly gain, with any pullbacks expected to be viewed as buying opportunities by traders. The GBP/USD currency pair remains a mirror of the general macroeconomic climate influenced by divergent central bank policy and sentiment globally. The Bank of England’s conservative approach to rate cuts, coupled with its revision of inflation expectations higher, indicates a more hawkish stance relative to other major central banks. This has given the British Pound a sense of underlying support, particularly as the market readjusts around monetary easing timelines. Conversely, the Federal Reserve’s consistent prediction of rate cuts for 2025, supported by increasing US trade uncertainty and inflation worries, introduces a degree of complication into the wider outlook. GBP/USD Daily Price Chart Chart Source: TradingView Moreover, the lack of significant economic data releases has led the market to focus more on sentiment-driven influences and policy divergence themes. Investors are also carefully observing the international geopolitical environment, particularly possible trade policy shifts in the US, which will impact currency markets more broadly. Under such conditions, investor interest is focused on how central banks react to inflation trends and economic events in the future. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS GBP/USD remains stuck in a consolidative range following a recent probe of the pivotal psychological resistance at the 1.3000 level. The pair remains supported above the 1.2950 level, reflecting underlying bulls, with buying interest evident on minor declines. A break and hold above 1.3000 would make way for more upside in the near term, while any retracement might encounter initial support near the 1.2900-1.2920 range. The broader direction is still positive as long as the pair is above key moving averages and has higher lows on the chart. FORECAST As long as bullish sentiment prevails and the Pound is upheld by the Bank of England’s relatively hawkish policy, GBP/USD may target a firm breakout above the psychological 1.3000 level. A continued break above this hurdle could initiate new buying interest, driving the pair towards the next resistance levels of 1.3050 and 1.3100 in the near term. Favorable UK economic news over the next few weeks or any indication of a delay in the Fed’s rate-cut schedule could further boost the upside momentum. Conversely, if the US Dollar strengthens further on safe-haven demand or better-than-expected US data, then GBP/USD can face pressure. A break below the 1.2950 support level may result in a correction lower with the next significant support at 1.2900 followed by 1.2840. Any dovish hint from the BoE or change in global risk appetite may boost downhill movement and leave bulls on the defensive in the near term.

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Currencies GBP/USD

GBP/USD Resists Below 1.3000 as US Dollar Weakness and Central Bank Prudence Take Hold

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  • March 18, 2025
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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.

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Currencies EUR/USD

EUR/USD Grapples Below 1.0900 on Overbought Conditions, Trade War Jitters

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  • March 10, 2025
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The EUR/USD currency pair is under selling pressure below the significant 1.0900 barrier, as an overbought technical environment and fresh global trade war tensions offer resistance. Despite its bullish tone above the 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), the pair has dropped to approximately 1.0830 during early European trade on Monday. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) around 70 indicates limited upside potential in the near term, which may trigger possible consolidation. The traders now look forward to crucial economic indicators, such as Germany’s Industrial Production and the Eurozone Sentix Investor Confidence, for fresh directional signals. KEY LOOKOUTS • EUR/USD encounters strong resistance at the 1.0900 level; a strong breakout can trigger a rally towards 1.0936 and 1.1000. • The RSI at 71 indicates overbought levels, which could signal a pullback or consolidation prior to the next directional movement. • A decline below 1.0712 could gain traction in the bearish direction, leaving the pair vulnerable to the 100-day EMA level of 1.0544 and lower. • Traders look to Germany’s Industrial Production and Eurozone Sentix Confidence Index for new market catalysts and possible EUR/USD volatility. The EUR/USD currency pair remains under pressure, fluctuating around 1.0830 as it fights to cross above the important psychological resistance of 1.0900. In spite of trading above the 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), the overbought Relative Strength Index (RSI) close to 71 shows minimal near-term upside potential, pointing towards a possible phase of consolidation. Market sentiment is still bearish as fears of a possible global trade war continue to escalate, weakening appetite for riskier currencies such as the Euro. Market participants are now focusing their attention on forthcoming economic releases, such as Germany’s Industrial Production figures and the Eurozone Sentix Investor Confidence Index, for new hints that might drive the next direction in the EUR/USD pair. EUR/USD is held below the 1.0900 resistance line on overbought RSI readings and concerns of global trade war. Investors are waiting for significant Eurozone releases for new direction. Continuing to hold above the 100-day EMA remains bullish to a modest extent. • EUR/USD trades near 1.0830, unable to gain traction above the psychological barrier of 1.0900. • Overbought RSI at levels around 71 suggests potential consolidation or minor retracement in the near term. • The currency pair is in a positive skew, trading above the 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), upholding the bullish setup. • The nearest resistance is at 1.0900, with additional upside targets at 1.0936 and the pivotal 1.1000 level. • First support is at 1.0712, with additional downside risk to 1.0544 (100-day EMA) and 1.0360. • Risk appetite is under pressure due to global trade war tensions, impacting demand for risk assets such as the Euro. • Attention is on the forthcoming economic indicators, such as Germany’s Industrial Production and Eurozone Sentix Investor Confidence for new directional signals. EUR/USD is still in the spotlight among investors with increasing fears regarding the overall global economic environment. Market sentiment has become fearful as the specter of a possible trade war discourages risk appetite, and investors are keeping a sharp eye on political and economic happenings. In such a setup, the Euro tends to get exposed to overall market movements, particularly when the world is experiencing heightened uncertainty. At the start of the week, market players are keeping an eye on developments that may influence the overall financial environment and currency fluctuations. EUR/USD Daily Price Chart Chart Source: TradingView Investors are also anticipating major economic data releases from Europe, including Germany’s Industrial Production numbers and the Eurozone Sentix Investor Confidence. These reports will give new information about the state of the European economy and can impact investor sentiment. With volatility likely to continue, market participants are still paying close attention to macroeconomic variables and geopolitical events that can influence the direction of major currency pairs like EUR/USD in the near term. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS EUR/USD has a moderately bullish bias as it remains above the 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), showing underlying support. Nevertheless, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) above the 70 level signals overbought, and therefore, the pair might experience resistance in further extending its rise without a retracement pullback. The psychological barrier at 1.0900 continues to be the major obstacle, and a decisive breach above here could set the stage for more gains. Conversely, if the selling gathers pace, the support levels will be monitored to resist a deeper pullback. FORECAST EUR/USD is able to break through the near-term resistance at 1.0900, it might indicate fresh bullish strength in the pair. A successful break might lead the way towards 1.0936, a recent swing high, and then the psychological level at 1.1000. Strong buying interest and positive economic news from the Eurozone might also sustain this upward move, prompting traders to position for higher levels in the near term. Conversely, if the pair is unable to sustain its current levels and comes under mounting selling pressure, it may move towards the initial support level of 1.0712. A fall below this level can initiate a more severe correction towards the 100-day EMA of 1.0544, with additional weakness potentially pulling the pair down to 1.0360. Any disappointing economic data or heightened global risk aversion could accelerate the downside move, weakening the Euro further against the US Dollar.

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