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Currencies GBP/USD

GBP/USD Inches Close to 1.3500 as Weak US Dollar and BoE Halt Bets Fuel Sterling

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  • June 2, 2025
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GBP/USD exchange rate starts the week strong, moving nearer to the important 1.3500 level as renewed US Dollar weakness keeps pressures on the pair. The weakening of the USD is fueled by increasing expectations of Federal Reserve rate reductions after soft PCE inflation readings and rising apprehensions regarding the US fiscal situation, especially in light of President Trump’s recent spending bill. In the meantime, the British Pound gets support from speculation that the Bank of England will maintain interest rates unchanged at its next June meeting. Yet, generalized caution in markets on account of rising geopolitical tensions and new US-China trade uncertainties might restrict the pair’s gains. The market now looks to future US economic news and Fed Chairman Powell’s statements for additional guidance. KEY LOOKOUTS • Market focus will be on near-term US economic releases, such as the ISM Manufacturing PMI, and remarks from Fed Chair Jerome Powell for additional indications about the direction of Fed interest rates. • Expectations of the BoE halting rate cuts at its June 18 gathering remain underpinning the GBP, with central bank guidance being a key variable in shaping GBP/USD sentiment. • Concerns about the US fiscal deficit, fueled by President Trump’s latest spending budget, and heightened US-China trade tensions can pressure the USD in the short term. • Rising geopolitical tensions—led by Russia, Ukraine, and the Middle East—can drive safe-haven demand for the USD and cap gains in GBP/USD even with underlying positive drivers. GBP/USD pair remains volatile to a variety of key factors that can influence its near-term direction. Market players will be keenly watching Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s forthcoming comments and the newest US macroeconomic reports, such as the ISM Manufacturing PMI, for cues on the Federal Reserve rate outlook. On the British side, hopes that the Bank of England will leave interest rates unchanged at its June 18 meeting remain behind the support for the Pound. But chronic worries over the US fiscal deficit, fueled by President Trump’s recent spending bill, and escalating tensions in US-China trade relations could further pressure the US Dollar to the downside. Meanwhile, wider risk-off sentiment sourced from the geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East might provide some support to the Greenback, potentially putting a lid on the upside for GBP/USD. The GBP/USD currency pair is supported by hopes of a BoE rate standstill and continued USD weakness fueled by weak US data and fiscal issues. Nevertheless, geopolitical tensions and a conservative global risk tone could cap any further appreciation. Traders are now looking to essential US data and Fed commentary for new direction. •  GBP/USD trades around 1.3500, gaining positive momentum in the face of new USD weakness. •  Expectations for Fed rate cut increase after weak PCE inflation data in the US. •  US fiscal worries deepen following President Trump’s spending bill, putting pressure on the Dollar. •   BoE to keep rates steady in its June 18 meeting, favoring GBP strength. •  Geopolitical tensions in Eastern Europe and the Middle East weigh on global risk appetite. •   US-China trade uncertainty returns after Trump’s remarks, contributing to USD pressure. •   Upcoming US data and Powell’s address are in the spotlight for short-term direction for markets. GBP/USD pair has begun the week on a firm footing, helped by more general weakness in the US Dollar and enhanced confidence in the British Pound. A milder US inflation reading, as expressed through the most recent PCE Price Index, has further fueled bets that the Federal Reserve will choose additional policy loosening in the months ahead. This mood, together with increasing unease regarding the US fiscal situation in the wake of passage of a new government appropriation bill, has further contributed to the downward pressure on the Dollar. In the meantime, the British Pound holds steady, supported by hopes the Bank of England will be less willing to make further cuts in future interest rates, with no near-term moves anticipated at its next policy session. GBP/USD DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView All the while, global market sentiment is being influenced by heightened geopolitical tensions and uncertainty regarding US-China trade relations. Recent comments from President Trump, in which he hinted that China might not completely live up to the terms of their trade deal, have also added to investor wariness. Also, all the recent conflicts in places like Eastern Europe and the Middle East still bear down on overall market sentiment. Therefore, investors are remaining close to upcoming US economic data and Federal Reserve speeches by officials, especially Chair Jerome Powell, for any signals that might impact policy expectations and currency market trends. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS GBP/USD is demonstrating signs of bullish momentum as it slowly inches towards the important psychological resistance around the 1.3500 level. Sustained break above this point may pave the way for further appreciation, with the next resistance at 1.3570–1.3600. On the downside, near-term support is at 1.3420, followed by firmer support at 1.3370, where the buyers may get back in. The overall framework is positive, but a decisive breakout above 1.3500 is required to ensure further uptrend. FORECAST GBP/USD pair holds scope for additional upside if prevailing momentum is sustained and the pair is able to achieve a clear breakout above the 1.3500 psychological mark. A change in market sentiment, aided by dovish communications from the Federal Reserve or improved UK economic indicators, could propel the pair to the next level of resistance around 1.3570–1.3600. Moreover, if the Bank of England is reticent about rate cuts while the Fed tends to ease, the policy differences might further favor bullish action in the pair. Conversely, any indication of strength in US economic statistics or even a more aggressive stance at the Fed can revive demand for the US Dollar at the expense of GBP/USD. A failure to hold above the 1.3500 level could trigger a short-term pullback, with initial support at 1.3420, and a further correction feasible towards 1.3370 if bearish momentum takes over. In addition, rising geopolitical tension or

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Currencies

USD/CHF Dips to Two-Week Low as Dollar Weakness and Safe-Haven Flows Drive Swiss Franc Higher

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  • May 21, 2025
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USD/CHF currency pair has continued its losing streak for the third day in a row, dropping to a two-week low at the 0.8220 level due to ongoing US Dollar weakness and an increase in safe-haven buying of the Swiss Franc. The greenback pressure to the downside is fueled by rising US fiscal worries following an unexpected sovereign credit rating downgrade, in addition to growing speculation that the Federal Reserve will lower interest rates further this year as inflation is easing and growth is slowing. Moreover, renewed US-China tensions over chip export controls have weighed on market sentiment, supporting demand for safe-haven assets such as the CHF. In the absence of significant US data releases, eyes now shift to speeches by FOMC members and geopolitical events to drive the near-term path of the pair. KEY LOOKOUTS • Market participants will carefully listen to statements from Federal Reserve officials for new indications of the timing and magnitude of prospective rate reductions. • Rising geopolitical tensions, particularly surrounding chip export ban tensions and retaliatory threats, may support safe-haven flows and benefit the Swiss Franc. • No significant data is scheduled for midweek, but future releases on growth, inflation, or employment might affect USD sentiment and determine the way the pair goes. • Any additional decline in global risk appetite or return of market volatility might make the CHF stronger and continue to apply pressure to USD/CHF. USD/CHF pair is still at risk of further declines on a mix of bearish sentiment around the US Dollar and persistent demand for safe-haven currencies such as the Swiss Franc. Market focus will be placed on near-term speeches from influential FOMC members, which may provide new insights into the Fed’s monetary policy direction, particularly in light of increasing interest rate cut expectations. In addition, increased US-China trade tensions related to chip export restrictions are likely to hurt investor sentiment, potentially triggering additional safe-haven flows into the CHF. With few economic data points on the calendar, broad risk appetite and geopolitics will be instrumental in dictating the near-term direction of the pair. USD/CHF pair continues to face pressure as continuous USD weakness and increasing safe-haven demand for the Swiss Franc act on the pair. Attention now turns to FOMC speeches and US-China trade tensions, which may further impact short-term market mood. •  USD/CHF falls to two-week low, trading near 0.8220 level in face of continuous selling pressure on US Dollar. •  US fiscal woes and a recent sovereign credit rating downgrade remain overhanging the greenback. •  Bets on a rate cut by the Fed become increasingly strong with evidence of slowing inflation and a weak US economic outlook. •  Safe-haven demand for the Swiss Franc is intensifying, further pinning back the USD/CHF pair. •  US-China trade tensions intensify over chip export controls, damaging world risk sentiment and underpinning CHF strength. •  Deficiency of significant US economic data turns attention in the market towards FOMC members’ speeches for policy direction. •  Technical and fundamental bias is still bearish, and there is potential for additional decline in the near future. The USD/CHF currency pair is presently subject to a mix of international and local drivers that are beneficial for the Swiss Franc. Continued unease about the fiscal condition of the U.S., particularly in the wake of recent sovereign credit rating downgrade for the country, has dented investor confidence in the U.S. Dollar. Further added to this is increased speculation that the Federal Reserve can consider interest rate reductions later this year with signs of inflation softening and economic growth slowing down. These trends have helped bring about a consistent weakening of the value of the Dollar, underpinning demand for traditionally safer assets such as the Swiss Franc. USD/CHF DAILY PRICE CHART CHART SOURCE: TradingView Besides local economic issues in the U.S., geopolitical tensions are also at large contributing to guiding market behavior. The renewed trade tension between the U.S. and China—initiated by export controls regarding cutting-edge chip technology—has generated new worries over global trade stability. The sharp response by China to U.S. actions has disturbed markets and spurred a flight to safety, which normally favors such currencies as the Swiss Franc. With little key economic data on the horizon in the near term, market players are keeping a close eye on central bank commentary and geopolitical developments to gauge the next set of moves in global currency markets. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS USD/CHF pair is trending downwards, indicating persistent bearish pressure. The pair is below crucial moving averages, which suggests a dominant short-term bearish bias. Momentum gauges like the Relative Strength Index (RSI) continue to be bearish, indicating ongoing selling pressure. Failure of the pair to maintain above the prevailing support zone may bring about the doorway for further losses. Yet any hoped-for reversal is expected to find resistance close to recent swing highs, where the sellers are likely to return to market. FORECAST USD/CHF pair may emerge if the market mood turns in favor of the US Dollar. This may happen if future speeches by Federal Reserve policymakers take a more hawkish tone, underestimating the probabilities of imminent rate cuts. Second, and perhaps more importantly, any resolution or relief in US-China trade tensions may dampen safe-haven demand, in turn weakening the Swiss Franc and favoring a bounce in the pair. Friendly surprises in major US economic indicators like higher-than-anticipated GDP or inflation figures may also give the USD a much-needed boost in the near future. On the negative side, the USD/CHF cross is still exposed to lower levels as the bearish forces continue. Renewed worries about the US fiscal situation coupled with growing market optimism regarding future Fed rate reductions are most likely to continue exerting downward pressure on the Dollar. Furthermore, if geopolitical tensions between the US and China heighten, Swiss Franc safe-haven flows can continue to strengthen. Under these conditions, the USD/CHF pair might continue its recent losses and challenge lower levels of support as safety demands from investors surpass risk appetite.

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Currencies NZD/USD

NZD/USD Falls Close to 0.5700 as China’s Deflationary Pressures Hit Kiwi Sentiment

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  • March 10, 2025
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The NZD/USD currency pair fell close to the 0.5700 level in Monday’s Asian session, weighed down by worsening deflationary pressures in China. China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) in February fell 0.7% year-over-year, the steepest decline since January 2024, fueling concerns over soft domestic demand in the world’s second-largest economy—New Zealand’s major trading partner. This has taken a heavy toll on the Kiwi. Yet, pair downside momentum can be curtailed by rising expectations of US interest rate cuts in light of weaker-than-expected Nonfarm Payrolls. The market waits now for Tuesday’s US CPI release for further cues on Fed policy and overall market direction. KEY LOOKOUTS • China’s sharper-than-expected decline in CPI signals weak domestic demand, adding pressure on the Kiwi from the strong trade links with China. • Markets await Tuesday’s US CPI data, which may impact Federal Reserve rate expectations and set the tone for NZD/USD action. • Soft US jobs data stokes rate cut speculation, which may cap USD strength and underpin a small NZD/USD rally. • International risk sentiment and geopolitics could affect safe-haven demand for USD, influencing near-term volatility in NZD/USD trading. The NZD/USD currency pair continues to be under pressure, trading close to the 0.5700 level in the wake of increasing deflationary pressures in China, New Zealand’s biggest trading partner. China’s CPI fall in February indicates poor consumer demand and puts additional bearish pressure on the Kiwi. Downside in the pair, however, may be capped as weaker US Nonfarm Payrolls data has reinforced expectations of future interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. Investors now look to Tuesday’s US CPI report, which will be instrumental in determining market sentiment and the short-term direction of the NZD/USD pair. NZD/USD hovers around 0.5700, weighed down by China’s worsening deflation and poor domestic demand. Downside is capped by weaker US jobs data, which enhances Fed rate cut hopes. All eyes now on Tuesday’s US CPI data for new direction. • NZD/USD quotes at 0.5700, weighed down by China’s emerging deflationary pressures. • China’s CPI dropped 0.7% in February, the largest fall since January 2024, indicating soft domestic demand. • New Zealand Dollar falls, as China is one of its key trading partners and economic slowdown dents Kiwi mood. • Soft US Nonfarm Payrolls data boosts expectations of several Fed interest rate cuts in 2024. • Fed policy direction continues to be prudent, with officials emphasizing caution and the requirement for data-driven decision-making. • US CPI releases on Tuesday are likely to be a major driver of the next direction in NZD/USD. • Market sentiment and global risk flows will continue to drive short-term currency pair movement. China’s increasing deflationary pressures have created new doubts about the strength of the world economy, particularly for nations such as New Zealand that enjoy strong trade relations with China. The steep drop in China’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) for February is an indicator of weak domestic consumption and weak household demand. As one of New Zealand’s largest export markets, any Chinese economic slowdown would tend to influence the Kiwi economy indirectly. Market players are becoming more cautious, observing how China’s domestic challenges may impact overall economic activity and global trade flows. NZD/USD Daily Price Chart Chart Source: TradingView Alternatively, the United States also has its own share of uncertainties, especially after the recent Nonfarm Payrolls reading indicated a moderation in job growth. This has promoted increasing speculation that the Federal Reserve will start cutting interest rates sooner rather than later. While policymakers have indicated a data-dependent policy, future economic indicators—particularly the US Consumer Price Index (CPI)—will have a crucial influence on forming expectations. These global macroeconomic trends are expected to drive investor sentiment and near-term policy choices in major economies. TECHNICAL ANALYSIS NZD/USD continues to come under bear pressure, trading near major support areas at the 0.5700 level. The pair has not been able to sustain buying momentum, reflecting that sellers still have the upper hand. A persistent break below this support level could pave the way for additional declines, but a bounce back above near-term resistance levels may reflect a potential change in mood. Traders will carefully observe price behavior around these major levels for reversal or breakout signals, particularly before high-impact economic releases such as the US CPI report. FORECAST If the coming economic data, specifically the US CPI, indicates softer inflation, this would reinforce expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts and possibly weaken the US Dollar. This situation might present some upside potential for NZD/USD to recover to higher resistance levels. Moreover, any indication of policy stimulus or stabilization in China may enhance market sentiment for the Kiwi and present additional scope for recovery. Conversely, in the event that US inflation numbers turn higher than anticipated, this can temper expectations of premature rate reductions by the Fed, strengthening the US Dollar and putting additional pressure on NZD/USD. Additionally, ongoing deflationary indications and subdued Chinese domestic demand might further drain the New Zealand Dollar. In that scenario, the duo can find it difficult to stay above major support levels and might experience further falls in the near future.

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