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GBP Steadies After UK Data, EURUSD Eyes FOMC Decision-TraderFactor

GBP Steadies After UK Data, EUR/USD Eyes FOMC Decision

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The world of currency trading is on high alert as the GBP/USD pair manages to tread water above the 1.2700 mark despite softer UK inflation data, and the EUR/USD awaits the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) and the Federal Reserve’s (Fed) interest rate decisions.

GBP/USD Holds Ground Despite UK Inflation Dip

On Wednesday morning, GBP/USD was put through its paces but remained resilient, hovering above the key psychological threshold. Official figures revealed that the UK’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation retreated to 3.4% in February from January’s 4%, underscoring a less intense pricing environment than many had forecasted. Despite a prediction of a 3.6% rise, this lower inflation has sparked a brief sell-off in GBP dropping it just below 1.2700 before making a modest comeback.

Amidst soft inflation figures and the broader backdrop of a vigorous US Dollar, boosted by Treasury yields lingering above 4.3%, Sterling’s recovery succinctly illustrates the tension-filled atmosphere pervading forex desks worldwide. Speculators now wonder whether the pair could slip into oversold territory, given the lackluster buying momentum. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Jeremy Hunt’s optimistic economic outlook may provide a semblance of support to the beleaguered British currency.

Here’s a table summarizing the United Kingdom’s inflation rate details for February 2024:

CategoryInflation Rate Feb 2024Previous Month (Jan 2024)Change
Overall Inflation3.4%4.0%Decreased
Food and Non-Alcoholic Beverages5.0%6.9%Decreased
Restaurants and Hotels6.0%7.0%Decreased
Recreation and Culture5.4%5.7%Decreased
Miscellaneous Goods and Services3.6%4.5%Decreased
Housing and Utilities-1.7%-2.1%Fell at a slower pace
Transport-0.1%-0.3%Fell at a slower pace
Core Inflation Rate4.5%Market consensus: 4.6%Below expectations

This table highlights the key changes in the inflation rates across various categories in the UK for February 2024, showing a general trend of decreased inflation rates compared to previous months, with the overall and core inflation rates falling below market expectations.

GBP/USD Eyes Potential Rally Amid Positive Technical Indicators

The GBP/USD pair is capturing traders’ attention with its latest performance hinting at a bullish trend. Analysts have identified a critical support line that suggests a rising momentum, with a BUY recommendation set in motion. The entry point for this optimistic forecast is pegged at 1.2500, aiming for targets of 1.2890 and 1.2995.

This trading strategy, suitable for intraday trading within the spot market, is bolstered by a positive Risk Strength Index (RSI), indicating upward momentum.

GBPUSD Daily Chart

GBPUSD Daily Chart

EUR/USD Awaits its Fate

Across the Channel, EUR/USD is displaying similar tentativeness, with traders caught between recent USD strength and forthcoming economic pronouncements. Despite the vortex of volatility, the Eurozone’s single currency retains a grip on the 1.0850 level, as market participants brace themselves for the ECB President Christine Lagarde’s speech and the Fed’s policy announcements. These twin high-impact events could dictate the immediate trajectory of the currency pair.

EURUSD Daily Chart

Bullish Signals Ahead: Navigating the Upswing in EUR/USD with a Strategic Intraday Approach

In the latest developments in the forex markets, the EUR/USD pair is showing signs of a bullish trend with short-term forecasts indicating an upside potential. Analysts suggest a BUY recommendation with an entry pivot at 1.0690, targeting profit levels at 1.1015 and extending up to 1.1150. This trading strategy is proposed for intraday periods within the spot market, where the Risk Strength Index (RSI) presents a mixed to bullish outlook.

EURUSD Daily Chart

Eye of the FOMC Storm

Anticipation is brimming ahead of the FOMC’s monetary policy declaration. The consensus is veering towards the Fed holding steadfast to its lofty interest rate objective, a move to persist in their battle against stubborn inflation. This hawkish anticipation reinforces the Dollar’s allure, thereby influencing pairs like the GBP/USD and EUR/USD.

The precious metals sector is also caught in the crosshairs, with Gold hovering just above the $2,150 level, shackled by a robust Dollar and the comforting blanket of risk appetite encasing global markets. Investors are seemingly biding their time, with a conservative approach prevailing until clearer signals emerge from the Federal Reserve.

Australasia in Focus

Not to be overshadowed, the Australian Dollar is offering a drama of its own, rebounding from initial losses while the underlying economic indicators point to turbulence. The steadiness in the AUD/USD could be ascribed to the broader market sentiment, as well as domestic factors like the Reserve Bank of Australia’s (RBA) decision to keep its rates unchanged at a decade-high, signaling an unwavering stance towards inflation control.

AUD/USD Gains Momentum Amid Market Optimism

The Australian Dollar is showing signs of strength against the US Dollar, with current trends suggesting a potential for significant gains. Analysts have set a BUY recommendation for the AUD/USD pair, with an entry point at 0.6440 and targeting profit levels of 0.6690 to 0.6780. This strategy is particularly aimed at intraday traders operating within the spot market, where the Risk Strength Index (RSI) indicates a strong upside momentum.

AUDUSD Daily Chart

AUDUSD Daily Chart

In Context

GBP’s shaky yet steadfast response following the UK data, EUR’s holding pattern prior to the FOMC, and AUD’s struggle with steadfast USD strength, all paint a broader picture of the forex market’s fascinations and fears ahead of one of the most significant economic events on the calendar — the FOMC rate decision. Traders worldwide are holding their breath, waiting to decode the Fed’s next message and to quantify its impact on the slippery slopes of currency charts.

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