UK GDP, Brexit and GBP price: news and analysis:
- UK GDP was up 0.2% in February month/month, better than the expected flat reading but still suggesting that the Brexit stalemate is holding the UK economy back.
- Theresa May will seek a short-term Brexit extension today but the EU will likely insists on a longer one.
- That could shift the GBPUSD price out of its recent narrow trading range but in which direction is debatable.
UK economy grows 0.2% in February
The UK economy grew by 0.2% month/month in February, with the latest monthly data showing GDP growth above the expected 0.0% but below the previous month’s 0.5%. That lifted year/year growth to 2.0% from an upwardly revised 1.5%. The three-month/three month growth rate was a same-again 0.3%
The data suggest that Brexit uncertainty is weighing only mildly on UK GDP but, for GBP traders, the principal driver of GBP prices near-term will be the outcome of talks today between the UK and the EU on a possible Brexit extension.
At today’s Summit, the key question is whether the EU will grant the UK a Brexit delay and, if so, for how long. UK Prime Minister Theresa May will seek an extension to June 30 but the EU is expected to insist on a longer delay, perhaps to the year-end or even next Spring.
In the political jargon, a “flextension” – where the leaving date depends on circumstances – is also possible, probably with conditions attached. As talks between May and Opposition leader Jeremy Corbyn are still showing few signs of progress, the EU will likely question whether a short delay will serve any purpose unless a way can be found in the UK to exit the Brexit maze.
GBPUSD Price Chart, 30-Minute Timeframe (April 4-10, 2019)
Chart by IG (You can click on it for a larger image)
For GBP traders, the key question is whether GBPUSD will break out from its recent narrow trading range between just under 1.30 and just above 1.31 but for now there is little sign of a strong move one way or the other.
As for the latest UK economic data, that also showed better-than-expected increases in industrial production, manufacturing output and construction. However, the deficit on trade in goods was worse than economists had predicted.
The GDP growth rate was the highest year/year since November 2017, perhaps due to pre-Brexit stockpiling.
Resources to help you trade the forex markets:
Whether you are a new or an experienced trader, at DailyFX we have many resources to help you:
- Analytical and educational webinars hosted several times per day,
- Trading guides to help you improve your trading performance,
- A guide specifically for those who are new to forex,
- And you can learn how to trade like an expert by reading our guide to the Traits of Successful Traders.
--- Written by Martin Essex, Analyst and Editor
Feel free to contact me via the comments section below, via email at martin.essex@ig.com or on Twitter @MartinSEssex
