GBP/USD hold steady near 1.3250 after mixed US economic data
- Pound set to end week positively as US Jobless Claims beat, Housing Data sends mixed signals.
- US jobless claims drop to 215K, below estimates, reinforcing a resilient labor market outlook.
- Strong UK wage growth contrasts with cooling inflation, keeping BoE rate cut speculation alive post-Easter.
The Pound Sterling remained steady against the US Dollar on Thursday after US economic data suggested that the labor market remains solid, while housing data was mixed. At the time of writing, the GBP/USD trades at 1.3250 up 0.11%.
GBP/USD edges up on thin trading and solid US labor data; UK markets brace for extended Easter closure
The US economic docket was slightly busy with the release of Initial Jobless Claims, which came below estimates, a positive reading for the jobs market. Claims in the week ending April 12 rose by 215K, down from 224K, beneath forecasts of 225K.
Regarding housing data, Building Permits grew 1.6%, from 1.459 million to 1.482 million, above estimates of 1.45 million. Nevertheless, Housing Starts disappointed investors, falling from 1.494 million to 1.324 million.
Across the pond UK economic data showed that growth is increasing, and wages remain strong. Meanwhile, inflation data suggests the Bank of England (BoE) could lower borrowing costs.
In the meantime, the GBP/USD could remain trading choppy amid thin volume conditions. UK markets are closed on Friday and Monday for an extended Easter break.
Ahead this week, the US economic docket will feature further Fed speeches.
GBP/USD Price Forecast: Technical outlook
The GBP/USD is set to extend its rally, but it will most likely remain below the weekly high of 1.3291 set on April 16, as investors head into the Easter break, affecting trading volumes. Although the Relative Strength Index (RSI) suggests further upside, buyers need to reclaim 1.3300 to challenge the October 1, 2024 peak at 1.3389, ahead of 1.34.
For a bearish continuation, traders need to push GBP/USD below the 1.3200 figure, to test April’s 15 low of 1.3163.
Pound Sterling FAQs
The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).
The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.
Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.