Pounddollar
Pound Tops $1.357 on Solid DataGBP/USD advanced above $1.357, hitting its highest level since February 2022, as Trump’s delay of the 50% EU tariff boosted global sentiment. The pound also gained from promising April data, with retail sales rising 1.2%, marking the fourth monthly gain. Inflation stayed high at 3.5%, adding uncertainty over the BoE’s next move. Markets now price in a 50% chance of a rate cut by August, with another possible by year-end.
Support lies at 1.3425, with resistance at 1.3600. Other key levels are 1.3850 and 1.3750 above, and 1.3165 and 1.2890 below.
GBP/USD bullish run still going?This week’s analysis for GU is centred around the current pro-trend momentum and where we could see potential entries to continue riding it.
To begin with, there’s a refined 3D supply zone located at a premium level which could cause a short-term bearish reaction. I’ll be monitoring this area for any possible short setups — but only with strong confirmation.
However, the overall structure remains predominantly bullish, as shown by a series of higher highs and higher lows, along with significant breaks of structure. The most relevant point of interest for a bullish continuation sits around the 1.34200 level, where a clean 9H demand zone resides. This is where I’ll be looking to enter long positions if price retraces to that area.
Confluences for GU Buys:
- Clear formation of higher highs and higher lows, confirming bullish structure
- Strong 9H demand zone that initiated the recent break of structure
- Liquidity above still yet to be cleared
- DXY remains bearish, supporting continued bullish momentum on GBP/USD
P.S. Don’t get too caught up chasing countertrend moves. The real edge lies in identifying the nearest POI that aligns with the overall trend and waiting for your setup to unfold there.
GBP/USD Firms as UK Data Performs WellGBP/USD edged up by 0.25% in Friday’s Asian session, nearing 1.3450, after upbeat UK retail sales and consumer confidence data lifted sentiment. The GfK index rose to -20 in May, beating forecasts, while April retail sales surprised to the upside.
However, PMI data showed divergence as manufacturing fell to 45.1 (vs. 46.0 expected), while services ticked up to 50.2 from 49.0.
The pound also benefited from a weaker U.S. dollar as Treasury yields retreated from 19-month highs. Trump’s budget bill, which includes tax breaks on tips and U.S.-made car loans, passed narrowly and is projected to add $3.8 billion to the deficit.
Resistance is at 1.3470, followed by 1.3550 and 1.3700. Key support lies at 1.3250, then 1.3150 and 1.3000.
Sterling Extends Rally Amid U.S. Fiscal ConcernsGBP/USD extended its gains for a fourth consecutive session, trading near 1.3430 during Thursday’s Asian session. The pair’s upward movement is largely supported by continued weakness in the U.S. Dollar, following Moody’s downgrade of the U.S. credit rating from Aaa to Aa1, in line with earlier downgrades by Fitch in 2023 and S&P in 2011.
Moody’s cited projections that U.S. federal debt could surge to 134% of GDP by 2035, up from 98% in 2023, with the budget deficit potentially widening to nearly 9% of GDP. Key concerns include rising interest payments, growing social expenditures, and weakening tax revenues.
The first critical support for GBP/USD is seen at 1.3450 and the first resistance is located at 1.3250.
Fundamental Market Analysis for May 21, 2025 GBPUSDThe GBP/USD pair rose slightly on Tuesday, rising to 1.34000 (but failed to overcome it). The price is ahead of key inflation and business outlook data: the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) is due out on Wednesday and a double dose of UK and US Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) survey results on Thursday.
Trade news remains the key driver for global markets this week. Investors remain hopeful of a deal with the US that will encourage the Trump administration to pull the tariff gun away from the head of its own economy, but the constant drift into the unknown is starting to limit bullish sentiment. The Trump administration is rapidly approaching its self-imposed 90-day deadline to pass a package of “retaliatory tariffs.” While some potential trade deals have been announced, nothing concrete has emerged.
UK CPI inflation for April will be released early Wednesday. Mid-market forecasts expect the monthly CPI to rise to 1.1% m/m from the previous reading of 0.3%. Annual CPI is also expected to rise to 3.3% from 2.6%. UK core CPI inflation is also expected to rise, to 3.6% y/y from 3.4%.
A double batch of UK and US PMIs will be released on Thursday. Markets are expecting a broad-based increase in indexed forward-looking business activity survey results, while mixed data is expected in the US. The US manufacturing PMI for May is expected to decline to 50.1 from 50.2, while the services component is expected to remain unchanged at 50.8.
Trading recommendation: BUY 1.34200, SL 1.33900, TP 1.34900
GBP/USD potential shorts back downMy analysis revolves around a possible bearish reaction from the 2‑hour supply zones. If price does respect these zones, I’ll look for a sell setup to drive price lower—though I’ll approach with caution because there’s liquidity resting just above those points of interest.
Should price push downward, my next target is the 10‑hour demand zone that triggered the recent change of character. This discounted area could spark a bullish response.
Confluences for GU sells are as follows:
- An unmitigated 4‑hour supply zone overhead.
- A “sell‑to‑buy” scenario fits: price sits closer to supply and still needs a retracement.
- Imbalance and untapped liquidity lie below, inviting a move south.
- Liquidity has just been swept above, leaving a clean supply zone behind.
P.S. If price punches through these supply zones and breaks structure to the upside, I’ll watch for the new zone that forms—there could be a nearer‑term long opportunity from there.
Pound Gains on Strong UK GDPThe British pound climbed to $1.3320 on Friday after strong UK GDP data showed the economy grew 0.7% in Q1 and 1.3% year-over-year, easing pressure on the Bank of England to cut rates aggressively. While a cut is still likely, the solid growth figures suggest urgency has diminished. At the same time, a softer U.S. dollar, driven by speculation that the U.S. may be allowing depreciation to support exports, has supported sterling. However, the UK’s broader outlook remains mixed, with rising unemployment and slowing wage growth signaling uneven momentum.
GBP/USD faces resistance at 1.3350, with additional levels at 1.3450 and 1.3550. Support levels are at 1.3160, 1.3000, and 1.2960.
Pound Steadies with Trade Deal ReliefThe GBP/USD pair opened Thursday with gains following the Bank of England’s expected 25 basis point rate cut, but the pound’s momentum faded as attention turned to U.S. trade developments. By Friday morning, the pair was trading around 1.3240.
Sentiment shifted toward the U.S. dollar after the Trump administration announced an upcoming trade deal with the UK, helping Britain avoid steep reciprocal tariffs originally set to resume on July 9. While some relief came from Trump’s earlier ‘Liberation Day’ delay, a broad 10% tariff on all UK imports to the U.S. remains on track, potentially weighing on sentiment. Refined ethanol has been fully exempted, though U.S. import data shows none has been sourced from the UK in over 15 years.
If GBP/USD breaks above 1.3280, resistance levels come in at 1.3450 and 1.3550. Support lies at 1.3160, followed by 1.3000 and 1.2960.
GBP Falls Ahead of Fed and BOE MeetingsSterling fell 0.24% to $1.3265 on Tuesday as the U.S. dollar firmed ahead of the Federal Reserve’s policy decision, with rates expected to remain unchanged. While the dollar recovered slightly, doubts over its safe-haven appeal and Trump’s tariff stance persist. Markets also await the Bank of England’s meeting, where a 25 bps rate cut is expected. Dovish signals or dollar softness may support GBP/USD.
If GBP/USD breaks above 1.3430, the next resistance levels are 1.3500 and 1.3550. Support levels are at 1.3200, followed by 1.3050 and 1.2960.
GBP/USD Buy from 2hr demand zone?This week, my analysis for GU focuses on a potential buy opportunity from the 2H demand zone. Although this zone is still quite a distance from current price action, I’m patiently waiting to see which side of liquidity gets taken first — that will help highlight a more immediate area of interest.
Given the recent bearish movement, I’m anticipating a possible break of structure to the downside, targeting the underlying Asia lows. This move could create a new supply zone, which may present a more valid setup in the short term.
However, if price maintains its current trajectory, I’m also eyeing the 13H supply zone, which would offer a strong POI for future sell opportunities after a bullish correction.
Confluences for GU Buys:
- Price is approaching a 2H demand zone.
- Market has been bearish, suggesting a correction may be due.
- DXY analysis aligns with a potential GU recovery.
- Liquidity buildup points toward a possible retracement to the 13H supply zone.
P.S. If the week starts with a bullish move, that could offer a better setup for shorts later on as price approaches the higher supply zone. Stay alert and flexible with your setups — wishing everyone a strong and disciplined trading week!
Pound Pressured by BOE Cut ExpectationsGBP/USD dipped to approximately 1.3425 during early Asian trading on Tuesday, as a slight rebound in the U.S. dollar put pressure on the pair. The dollar was supported by easing U.S.-China trade tensions, following China’s decision to exempt certain U.S. imports from tariffs, despite its denial of ongoing negotiations.
Meanwhile, expectations of a 25 basis point rate cut by the Bank of England in May continue to weigh on the pound. Markets are now focused on an upcoming speech by BoE Deputy Governor Dave Ramsden, with any dovish remarks likely to add further downside pressure on the GBP.
If GBP/USD breaks above 1.3430, resistance levels are at 1.3500 and 1.3550. Support is at 1.3200, followed by 1.3050 and 1.2960.
GBP/USD upcoming shorts from 1.33600 back down to demandMy focus this week for GU is around a key daily supply zone that price is currently approaching. As we near this level, I expect price to slow down and begin distributing, potentially leading to a deeper retracement. I anticipate the short setup to form around Tuesday, depending on how price reacts.
If price does retrace, I’ll be watching the 2-hour and 17-hour demand zones, where we could see a bullish reaction and a potential rally from those levels. Since GU has been overall bullish, this would be a counter-trend short, followed by a possible continuation to the upside.
Confluences for GBP/USD Shorts:
- Price is overbought, indicating a potential correction to clear liquidity and fill imbalances.
- Plenty of downside liquidity and imbalances that price could target.
- Approaching a strong daily supply zone, which could act as a key reversal point.
- Unmitigated demand zones below, which may need to be tapped before price continues higher.
P.S. If price doesn’t reach the daily supply zone, I’ll remain patient and look for a buy opportunity to ride price up toward that supply level.
Wishing everyone a great trading week ahead!
Fundamental Market Analysis for April 14, 2025 GBPUSDThe initial market reaction to US President Donald Trump's decision last week to suspend sweeping reciprocal tariffs for 90 days was short-lived amid heightened fears of a US recession amid an escalating trade war between the US and China. China's 84 per cent tariffs on US goods went into effect on Thursday, and Trump raised duties on Chinese imports to an unprecedented 145 per cent. Given that the US still imports a number of hard-to-replace materials from China, these developments have weakened confidence in the US economy.
Meanwhile, data released last week showed that the US consumer price index (CPI) declined 0.1% in March, while core CPI rose +2.8% year-on-year, below consensus forecasts. In fact, markets are now pricing in the likelihood of a 90 basis point rate cut before the end of this year. Conversely, investors believe the likelihood of a Bank of England (BoE) interest rate cut next month is slightly less likely.
The aforementioned favourable fundamental backdrop supports a positive outlook for spot prices in the near term, although bulls seem reluctant to make aggressive bets and prefer to wait for important UK macro releases. Tuesday will see the release of the all-important monthly employment report, followed by the latest consumer inflation data on Wednesday. In addition, this week investors will be keeping an eye on the release of monthly US retail sales data and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell's speech, which will play a key role in influencing dollar price action. This, in turn, should give a significant impetus to the GBP/USD pair in the second half of the week.
Trading recommendation: BUY 1.3130, SL 1.3010, TP 1.3310
GBP/USD Awaits CPI After Tariff-Driven GainGBP/USD hovered near 1.2830 on Thursday morning, holding its upward momentum for a third straight session. The pair remained supported as market sentiment improved following Trump’s tariff pause. All eyes are now on today’s U.S. inflation data, which is expected to influence the next move.
If GBP/USD breaks above 1.2860, resistance levels are at 1.2900 and 1.2940. Support is at 1.2715, followed by 1.2650 and 1.2600.
GBP/USD Maintains a Consistent Upward ChannelThe bearish bias seen in previous sessions appears to have paused temporarily, giving way to a notable bullish momentum, which has driven gains of over 1% in the short term in favor of the British pound. Today’s White House announcement to temporarily pause tariffs on several previously threatened countries—excluding China, which could face tariffs of up to 125%—has weakened the U.S. dollar in the short term. This shift has allowed the British pound to regain ground, supporting a steady bullish bias in the GBP/USD pair.
Upward Channel
Since January 14 of this year, bullish strength has been dominant, forming a clear ascending channel that has repeatedly pushed the price above the 200-period moving average. Recent bearish swings have failed to break through the ascending trendline, which remains intact, making this bullish channel the most important formation to monitor for now.
TRIX
Despite recent declines in the TRIX line, the indicator continues to oscillate above the zero level. This suggests that buying momentum remains intact when averaging recent moving periods. As long as the TRIX line continues to hold above the neutral level, bullish strength may become increasingly consistent in the short term.
RSI
The RSI line is approaching the 50 level, which marks the neutral zone on the indicator. However, if a significant breakout above this level occurs, bullish impulses could become dominant in the market—potentially strengthening upward pressure on GBP/USD.
Key Levels:
1.29275 – Near Resistance: This level represents the recent weekly high. Bullish moves above this level could reinforce the short-term buying bias and lead to more sustained upward momentum.
1.27772 – Near Barrier: This level aligns with the 200-period moving average. Continued price action around this zone may lead to neutral consolidation and the formation of a short-term sideways range.
1.26183 – Final Support: This level corresponds to late February lows. A confirmed break below this support could signal the end of the current bullish channel.
By Julian Pineda, CFA – Market Analyst
Sterling Remains Firm Despite Inflationary PressuresGBP/USD traded around 1.2830 on Wednesday, holding gains from the previous session. However, ongoing global trade tensions and fears of goods dumping from China and Europe weighed on sentiment. Though U.S. tariffs are relatively lower on the UK, broader economic concerns persist. At the same time, rising inflation risks may lower expectations for rate cuts, providing some support to the pound.
If GBP/USD breaks above 1.2850, resistance levels are at 1.2900 and 1.2940. Support is at 1.2715, followed by 1.2650 and 1.2600.
GBP Falls as Trade Tensions Fuel RecessionThe British pound fell to $1.28, its lowest since March 4, as Trump’s trade policies fueled recession fears. After China imposed 34% tariffs on U.S. goods, markets raised BoE rate cut bets. Traders now price in 88 bps of cuts by December, up from 43 bps in March, with a 90% chance of a 25bps cut in May.
If GBP/USD breaks above 1.2850, resistance levels are at 1.2900 and 1.2940. Support is at 1.2715, followed by 1.2650 and 1.2600.
GBP/USD Softens in Risk-Off TradeThe GBP/USD pair dipped 0.11% to $1.289 in Asian trading, pressured by global recession fears and rising U.S.-China trade tensions. While expectations of Fed rate cuts have weighed on the dollar, the pound remains weak amid economic uncertainty and an unclear Bank of England outlook. With no strong catalysts, GBP/USD may stay vulnerable, especially if risk aversion intensifies.
If GBP/USD breaks above 1.3000, resistance levels are at 1.3050 and 1.3120. Support is at 1.2900, followed by 1.2850 and 1.2800.
GBP/USD Long up towards a short 1.28400 up to 1.30000GBP/USD (GU) Analysis – This Week
This week, GBP/USD presents multiple opportunities depending on how price reacts at key levels. Recently, price has been moving bearish due to the impact of Trump’s tariffs, but this doesn’t change the fact that the overall market structure remains bullish, with strong upside momentum over the past few weeks.
If price breaks this major structural level, we could see bearish pressure dominate in the coming weeks. However, this could also be a deep retracement before another bullish continuation.
Right now, I’m watching a clean 4-hour demand zone positioned below liquidity. If price moves lower first, I’ll also be keeping an eye on the 3-hour supply zone as a potential area for shorts.
Confluences for GU Buys:
- GU has been bullish over the past few weeks despite recent short-term bearishness.
- The U.S. dollar has dropped significantly, which is generally bullish for GBP/USD.
- There is liquidity resting above, along with imbalances that need to be filled.
- A clean 4-hour demand zone sits below liquidity, with an additional 5-hour demand zone further below.
Note: If price reacts to the current demand zone and moves higher, I will wait for a deeper supply zone, such as the one marked in Scenario D at 1.30800. However, I’ll remain patient and watch where price starts to slow down, accumulate, or distribute before making a decision.
Fundamental Market Analysis for April 4, 2025 GBPUSDGBP/USD briefly broke above 1.32000 for the first time in six months on Thursday and climbed to fresh highs amid widespread weakness in the US Dollar. The Trump administration's reciprocal tariffs and flat tariffs knocked the legs out from under market sentiment, despite a delayed reaction to the tariff announcements that followed after US markets closed on Wednesday.
A fairly quiet calendar of economic publications is expected in the UK this week. However, investor attention will be focused on Friday's release of the US Non-Farm Payrolls (NFP) report. This data could have a major impact on market sentiment as the US economy enters a post-tariff phase. The March employment report is predicted to be a marker of sorts for the impact of the Trump administration's trade policies.
In addition, the ISM's US services business activity index (PMI) for March, released on Thursday, added to the negativity by falling to 50.8, its lowest level in nine months. The drop in the index was one of the fastest since the pandemic began. Weakening business activity and declining consumer optimism began before the tariffs went into effect, and are unlikely to normalize quickly anytime soon.
President Donald Trump approved the imposition of a 10 percent duty on all imports starting April 5, and the counter tariffs took effect on April 9. Analysts at Fitch Ratings believe U.S. GDP growth will be lower than the March forecast, which had previously been adjusted downward. The agency also warned that the effect of the tariff policy may affect the decisions of the Federal Reserve: the Fed may suspend the easing of monetary policy while it assesses the impact of duties on inflation and labor indicators.
Trading recommendation: BUY 1.30900, SL 1.30200, TP 1.32000