empty
19.08.2024 02:02 PM
The pound gains strength

A strong economy leads to a strong currency. This is a principle of fundamental analysis that remains unchanged. We all remember how the USD index surged from January to April, fueled by the revival of the American exceptionalism narrative. Investors expecting a slowdown in U.S. GDP were met with the opposite outcome, which set the U.S. apart from other countries and allowed the dollar to strengthen. Now, the UK has assumed a similar position to that of the U.S. earlier in the year. It should come as no surprise that GBP/USD is experiencing a rapid rally.

Following mixed reports on the labor market and inflation in the UK, positive data has started to emerge. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by an impressive 0.6% in the second quarter, and retail sales jumped by 0.5% in July, with revisions showing an upward adjustment. This bolsters the belief that the economy will continue its steady progress in the third quarter. In the first half of the year, it outpaced the U.S. and confidently leads the G7.

G7 Economies' Performance

This image is no longer relevant

Strong macroeconomic data allows the Bank of England to proceed cautiously before continuing its monetary easing cycle, which began on August 1 with a reduction in the repo rate from 5.25% to 5%. Derivatives estimate the chances of a second BoE move in September at 37%. By the end of the year, borrowing costs are expected to decrease by 43 basis points, which is significantly less than the 93 basis points expected for the Federal Reserve. The different speeds of monetary policy easing provide favorable conditions for GBP/USD.

Political stability and growing global risk appetite also play into the pound's favor. Not long ago, investors had doubts about whether Keir Starmer's government could fulfill its promise to lead the UK economy to the top of the G7. The budget deficit seemed enormous, and the proposed tax hikes exerted downward pressure on the pound. However, recent macroeconomic data suggests that the Labour Party didn't have to exert much effort: when major competitors, led by the U.S., slow down, the UK gets a chance. So far, it's seizing that opportunity successfully.

I doubt that GBP/USD could have reached the 1.3 level without the rapid rally in U.S. stock indices. Both the S&P 500, Nasdaq, and the Dow Jones index saw their best weekly performance since November, as the market transitioned from fear to greed. While the specter of recession haunted investors in early August, by mid-month, it had been largely forgotten. Global risk appetite is growing, and the U.S. dollar is being sold off as a safe-haven asset.

This image is no longer relevant

The GBP/USD rally is also supported by expectations of signals pointing to the imminent start of the Fed's monetary easing, which are expected to be included in the minutes of the July FOMC meeting and Jerome Powell's speech at Jackson Hole.

Technically, on the daily chart, GBP/USD has managed to consolidate above its moving averages, trend line, and fair value level. This is a clear bullish signal and a reason to increase long positions formed from the 1.28 level. The target levels are 1.3015 and 1.3140.

Marek Petkovich,
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

GBP/USD Overview. April 15: Trump Giveth, Trump Taketh Away

The GBP/USD currency pair continued its upward movement on Monday. As with the euro, there was no specific reason for the pair to decline. Of course, the current rally looks

Paolo Greco 03:57 2025-04-15 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview. April 15: Who Found a Reason for Optimism?

The EUR/USD currency pair continued its upward movement on Monday. Despite the slower growth this time, the pair continues to rise. Yesterday saw a 50-pip increase; today, it's 250. What

Paolo Greco 03:57 2025-04-15 UTC+2

ECB Meeting: What to Expect?

This week, the ECB's meeting in April is happening, and the euro is in high spirits. The euro has been doing exceptionally well for at least two months—seemingly without much

Chin Zhao 00:35 2025-04-15 UTC+2

The Pound Forms a Top

The British economy grew by 0.5% in February, rebounding from no growth in January and significantly exceeding the forecast of +0.1%. This was the strongest growth in the last

Kuvat Raharjo 00:35 2025-04-15 UTC+2

EUR/USD: Northern Trend, Southern Pullbacks

The upward trend in the EUR/USD pair remains intact amid the overall weakness of the U.S. dollar. Significant downward pullbacks allow buyers to open long positions at more favorable prices

Irina Manzenko 00:35 2025-04-15 UTC+2

USD/JPY. Analysis and Forecast

The Japanese yen continues to strengthen, remaining near its highest levels of 2024. This is driven by growing demand for traditional safe-haven assets amid a weakening U.S. dollar caused

Irina Yanina 12:31 2025-04-14 UTC+2

The Uncertainty Factor Will Pressure the Dollar and Support Demand for Safe-Haven Assets (There is a likelihood of further decline in USD/JPY and rising gold prices)

Global markets remain heavily influenced by Donald Trump's erratic behavior. In his attempt to pull the U.S. out of severe economic dependence on imports, Trump continues to juggle the topic

Pati Gani 09:45 2025-04-14 UTC+2

The Market Wants to, But Hesitates

Do you have a plan, Mr. Donald Trump? Some believe what's happening is masterful diplomacy — they hope that once serious proposals from other countries reach the White House, tariffs

Marek Petkovich 09:45 2025-04-14 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on April 14? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

No macroeconomic events are scheduled for Monday. However, the macroeconomic background is not of much interest to traders at the moment. At the very least, it does not drive

Paolo Greco 06:08 2025-04-14 UTC+2

EUR/USD Weekly Preview: The Show Must Go On

Last week, EUR/USD posted its strongest rally of the year, climbing from 1.0882 to a weekly high of 1.1474. A corrective pullback or consolidation phase typically follows such an impulsive

Irina Manzenko 05:37 2025-04-14 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.