Pound Sterling trades with caution as BoE seems certain to cut interest rates next month
- The Pound Sterling remains on tenterhooks against its major peers as investors are concerned over the UK economic outlook.
- Traderds price in a 25 bps interest rate reduction by the BoE in February.
- Investors seek more clarity on President Trump’s tariff structure to make informed decisions.
The Pound Sterling (GBP) trades cautiously against its major peers on Thursday as the higher-than-expected United Kingdom (UK) Public Sector Net Borrowing in December has weighed on the economic outlook. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported on Wednesday that higher borrowing costs and a one-off payment for the repurchase of military accommodation swelled the budget deficit. This scenario could force Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves to raise the tax burden on individuals or trim public spending, which could slow down the already moderate growth rate in the UK.
UK government’s borrowing costs have accelerated lately amid concerns that higher tariffs by United States (US) President Donald Trump would dampen growth prospects. This led to a sharp increase in 30-year gilt yields to 5.47% on January 14, the highest level seen in over 26 years.
Meanwhile, investors are shifting their focus to the Bank of England’s (BoE) first monetary policy decision of the year, which will be announced on February 6. Traders have almost fully priced in a 25 basis points (bps) interest rate reduction that will push borrowing rates to 4.5%. BoE dovish bets accelerated due to soft inflation, a decline in Retail Sales in December, and weak labor demand in the three months ending November.
This week, market participants will pay close attention to the flash UK S&P Global/CIPS Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) data for January, which will be published on Friday. The agency is expected to show the overall business activity expanded at a slower pace.
Daily digest market movers: Pound Sterling ranges against US Dollar as investors seek clarity on Trump’s tariff plans
- The Pound Sterling trades sideways above 1.2300 against the US Dollar (USD) in Thursday’s European session. The GBP/USD pair consolidates as investors await US President Donald Trump's concrete tariff plans to build fresh positions. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, oscillates in a tight range above 108.00.
- Until now, Donald Trump has threatened to raise 25% tariffs on his neighbors Mexico and Canada and 10% on China, which could come into effect on February 1. He has also commented that he is considering imposing tariffs on Europe to fix trade imbalances but has not yet provided any explicit details. Before Trump’s inauguration, market participants anticipated he would implement full-scale tariffs universally on his first day at the White House.
- Investors should brace for a sideways trend in the US Dollar until Trump explicitly declares a tariff structure. Also, the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) monetary policy decision on Wednesday is unlikely to stem volatility in the US Dollar, as the central bank is certain to keep interest rates steady in the range of 4.25%- 4.50%, according to the CME FedWatch tool. However, market participants will pay close attention to the Fed’s monetary policy guidance.
Technical Analysis: Pound Sterling aims to break above 20-day EMA
The Pound Sterling strives to break above the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), which trades around 1.2356, against the US Dollar. The GBP/USD pair rebounded after posting a fresh over-one-year low of 1.2100 on January 13.
The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) rebounds to near 43.50 from the 20.00-40.00 range, suggesting that the bearish momentum has ended, at least for now.
Looking down, the pair is expected to find support near the October 2023 low of 1.2050. On the upside, the 20-day EMA and the round level of 1.2400 will act as key resistances.
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.