British Pound Outlook, GBP/USD, EUR/GBP BoE Rate Decision, Brexit – TALKING POINTS
- British Pound braces for BoE rate decision and commentary
- Governor Mark Carney's outlook could spook regional traders
- UK election season kicks off as lawmakers start to campaign
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The British Pound may edge lower if the Bank of England rate decision and subsequent commentary by Governor Mark Carney on Brexit and the economic outlook unnerves traders. While the central bank is expected to hold borrowing costs at 0.75 percent, GBP may move lower if the Governor’s economic forecasts and view on Brexit spooks markets and causes capital to flow out of the British Pound.
Brexit Latest
UK lawmakers officially started campaigning on Wednesday in what is arguably one of the most consequential elections of the past two decades. With Brexit delayed until January 31 after the Brussels granted the UK a “flextension”, both the Labour and Conservative parties are vying to acquire as many votes as possible in order to break the gridlock.
Chart Showing Brexit Timeline
Uncertainty about the divorce has negatively impacted the UK economy. The GFK consumer confidence indicator has been declining alongside industrial production. However, the latter’s slump in performance has in large part had to do with the US-China trade war that has been the leading factor behind what economists are calling an “industrial recession”. Avoiding a no-deal Brexit could help put the economy back on track.
Inflation Continues to Slide Below BoE Two Percent Inflation Target
However, it is worth noting that even if the UK is able to secure a Brexit deal which may be followed by a relief rally in the British Pound, it is unclear as to how long Sterling will remain on its high. Following a breakup with its European partner, the UK will find itself in a more protectionist world that is afflicted by geopolitical strife. As a result, it may not be too long until it then retraces its gains and looks at the new reality.
Read more about the BoE’s monetary policy conundrum here!
EUR/GBP Technical Analysis
Since October 16, EUR/GBP has been range bound between 0.8597-0.8642, in large part due to the absence of major Brexit developments. This is unlike what we saw in October where EUR/GBP fell over 3.70 percent in less than a week. Looking ahead, the pair may attempt an upside breakout, though the move may be muted by traders waiting for the election results later this year.
EUR/GBP – Daily Chart
EUR/GBP chart created using TradingView
GBP/USD Technical Analysis
However, GBP/USD has had comparatively more volatile swings relative to EUR/GBP, but this has had more to do with gyrations in the US Dollar than Sterling. The pair appears to be sandwiched between 1.2816-1.3015 but may aim to test the lower bound if the upcoming fundamental risks catalyze a downside-move.
GBP/USD – Daily Chart
GBP/USD chart created using TradingView
BRITISH POUND TRADING RESOURCES
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--- Written by Dimitri Zabelin, Jr Currency Analyst for DailyFX.com
To contact Dimitri, use the comments section below or @ZabelinDimitri on Twitter
