On Thursday, the GBP/USD experienced a decline of 0.51%, partially reversing the 0.58% rally seen on Wednesday. The currency pair ended the day at $1.27322, with a high of $1.28273 and a low of $1.27121. In the upcoming days, investor interest will be focused on UK house prices for December and US Chicago PMI numbers.
Economists consider housing sector economic data as leading indicators for the UK economy. Therefore, the release of UK house prices for December will be closely watched. A pickup in house prices would signal an increasing demand environment, which could fuel consumer spending and demand-driven inflationary pressures. This could potentially delay the Bank of England’s discussions about rate cuts. Analysts forecast UK house prices to stall in December, following a 0.2% increase in November. However, better-than-expected numbers could generate increased buyer demand for the GBP/USD.
Aside from the housing sector data, investors also need to monitor the commentary from the Bank of England. References to the economic outlook, inflation, and interest rates will need careful consideration. The central bank’s stance and any shift in forward guidance in response to a deteriorating macroeconomic environment could impact monetary policy divergence with the US dollar.
In addition to the UK house prices, investor interest will also be drawn to the US Chicago PMI numbers for December. Private sector PMI numbers from Richmond and Dallas have already delivered mixed signals, but the Chicago PMI carries more weight. A marked decline in the Chicago PMI could increase speculations about a Q1 2024 Fed rate cut. However, a slump below 50 could reignite fears of a hard landing. Economists predict that the Chicago PMI will fall from 55.8 to 51.0 in December. It is crucial for investors to track any commentary from the Federal Reserve on inflation, the economic outlook, and interest rates, as this could significantly influence market sentiment.
The near-term trends of the GBP/USD currency pair will depend on the Bank of England’s commitment to keeping rates higher for an extended period. If the central bank modifies its forward guidance due to a deteriorating macroeconomic environment, it may favor the US dollar. Recent US economic indicators suggest that the US economy is on track for a soft landing.
Currently, the GBP/USD remains above the 50-day and 200-day Exponential Moving Averages (EMAs), which confirms the presence of bullish price signals. A break above the $1.28013 resistance level would support a move towards the $1.29 handle. However, if the currency pair falls through the $1.27 handle, it would bring the 50-day EMA into view. The 14-period daily Relative Strength Index (RSI) reading of 58.51 indicates the potential for the GBP/USD to move towards the $1.28500 handle before entering overbought territory.
There are several potential scenarios that could impact the future movements of the GBP/USD currency pair. If UK house prices exceed expectations and the Bank of England remains committed to higher rates, the GBP/USD could experience increased demand. Conversely, weaker UK house prices and a change in the central bank’s stance could favor the US dollar and lead to a decline in the GBP/USD.
As investors eagerly await the release of UK house prices for December and US Chicago PMI numbers, the future trajectory of the GBP/USD remains uncertain. The outcome of these key economic indicators, along with central bank commentary, will significantly influence market sentiment and ultimately determine the near-term trends of the currency pair. Traders will need to carefully analyze the data and statements to make informed decisions about their GBP/USD positions.
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