empty
15.01.2025 12:55 AM
The Pound is Oversold, but No Buy Signals Yet: GBP/USD Overview

The economic outlook for the UK has recently come under scrutiny. According to Deloitte's quarterly survey of financial directors from the country's largest companies, hiring is expected to decline at the fastest pace since the COVID era. This comes alongside reduced investment due to the government's announced significant tax increases in the budget. As a result, business optimism has fallen to a two-year low. Recent data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), published in December, revealed that the economy contracted for the second consecutive month in October and showed zero growth in the third quarter. Additionally, the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR) has forecasted a decline in GDP for December, which appears to be materializing and offers no support for the pound.

This image is no longer relevant

In 2024, inflation in the UK trended downward, prompting the Bank of England to implement two rate cuts. However, there was a rise in inflation during October and November, largely attributed to base effects from energy prices. This increase is expected to subside by spring, leading UK economists to suggest that this temporary spike in inflation should not be heavily weighted in future analyses. Interestingly, while energy prices have impacted countries worldwide, the UK is unique in identifying this as a primary driver of rising inflation. In contrast, inflation in the services sector has exceeded 5%, which is higher than in many other countries, and is only slightly related to energy prices. Despite this, there does not seem to be significant concern.

When it comes to possible changes in U.S. tariff policy, the UK is in a stronger position compared to the Eurozone, as its trade with the U.S. focuses primarily on services rather than goods.

BoE Governor Andrew Bailey noted late last year that if inflation continues to decline, four rate cuts could be anticipated in 2025. The upcoming December report, to be released on Wednesday, will provide clarity on whether inflation is indeed decreasing. Current mixed forecasts suggest that headline inflation may rise from 2.6% to 2.7% year-on-year, while the core inflation figure could drop from 3.5% to 3.4%. If these predictions hold true, the markets may view the results as bearish, aligning with the BoE's forecasts and increasing the likelihood of four rate cuts.

The bond market, typically quick to respond to changes in trends, is currently showing no clear direction. By October of last year, the yield on 10-year UK gilts exceeded that of comparable U.S. Treasuries, indicating a shift in sentiment that contributed to the sharp decline in GBP/USD. However, yields have since stabilized, reflecting skepticism towards the BoE's plans for four rate cuts this year. For now, the bond market remains cautious.

In addition to the inflation report, the pound will also be influenced by industrial production and GDP data scheduled for release on Thursday, along with retail sales figures on Friday. This consistent stream of data may lead to significant market movements, but it is likely that investors will hold off until Donald Trump's inauguration, as this event is anticipated to have a more substantial impact.

Currently, speculative positioning on the pound is neutral, with the calculated price losing momentum and lacking a clear direction.

This image is no longer relevant

The pound continues to be heavily sold, having slid further last week towards the support level of 1.2036. The outlook for the pound remains decidedly bearish; however, its clear oversold condition—indicated by the RSI being in the oversold zone on both daily and weekly charts—suggests a potential for a technical correction. If there is an attempt to rally, resistance is anticipated at 1.2295, where selling may resume. The primary target remains at 1.2036.

Kuvat Raharjo,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

April to play crucial role in Europe's gas future

Europe's gas sector is entering a critical phase, as the end of the heating season sets the stage for refilling storage facilities, which are now two-thirds empty after the winter

Miroslaw Bawulski 13:01 2025-03-31 UTC+2

WTI – West Texas Intermediate. Prices Lack Support for Growth

West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil prices are attempting to attract buyers, but the market remains in a state of uncertainty. Concerns over President Trump's aggressive trade tariffs are putting

Irina Yanina 12:39 2025-03-31 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Analysis and Forecast

At the start of the new week during the Asian session, the EUR/USD pair attempted to attract buyers, but this was unsuccessful. The euro received support from easing concerns about

Irina Yanina 12:35 2025-03-31 UTC+2

US stock market runs into trouble

Rumors about mutual tariffs and another blow to consumer confidence triggered the second-worst sell-off of the S&P 500 this year. Investors are still holding piles of US stocks

Marek Petkovich 10:58 2025-03-31 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Hello, April: Eurozone Inflation Report, ISM Indices, and Nonfarm Payrolls

The first week of every month is the most informative for EUR/USD traders. The economic calendar traditionally includes a report on inflation growth in the eurozone, American ISM indices

Irina Manzenko 06:28 2025-03-31 UTC+2

GBP/USD Pair Overview – March 31: Nonfarm Payrolls, Trump, and Unemployment May Create New Problems for the Dollar

The GBP/USD currency pair continued to trade sideways near its highs on Friday. This sideways movement has persisted for several weeks, and the British pound has not managed even

Paolo Greco 06:24 2025-03-31 UTC+2

EUR/USD Pair Overview – March 31: A New Week of Trials for the Dollar

The EUR/USD currency pair rose again on Friday. As we can see, the correction against the upward trend of recent weeks ended very quickly. But that's no surprise, given that

Paolo Greco 06:24 2025-03-31 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on March 31? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

There are very few macroeconomic events scheduled for Monday. The only somewhat interesting reports will come from Germany. Retail sales and inflation data for March will be released. However, we'd

Paolo Greco 03:21 2025-03-31 UTC+2

AUD/USD: Analysis and Forecast

The AUD/USD pair continues its sideways consolidation, remaining within a familiar range near the key psychological level of 0.6300. This movement is driven by several factors impacting global market sentiment

Irina Yanina 11:16 2025-03-28 UTC+2

EUR/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Today, the EUR/USD pair is consolidating near the key psychological level of 1.0800, showing no intention of retreating below 1.0780 as traders and investors await the release of the U.S

Irina Yanina 10:45 2025-03-28 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.