- GBP/USD attracts some buyers to near 1.3290 in Monday’s early European session.
- The positive view of the pair prevails above the key 100-day EMA with the bullish RSI indicator.
- The first upside barrier is seen at 1.3445; the initial support level is located at 1.3234.
The GBP/USD pair gains traction to around 1.3290 during the early European session on Monday. The US Dollar (USD) softens against the Pound Sterling (GBP) amid heightened economic uncertainty in the wake of US President Donald Trump’s erratic trade policies.
According to the daily chart, the bullish outlook of GBP/USD remains intact, characterized by the price holding above the key 100-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The upward momentum is supported by the 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI), which stands above the midline near 55.60, suggesting the path of least resistance is to the upside.
The immediate resistance level emerges at 1.3445, the high of April 28. Extended gains could see a rally to 1.3580, the upper boundary of the Bollinger Band. Further north, the next hurdle is located at 1.3642, the high of February 18, 2022.
On the flip side, the low of April 23 at 1.3234 acts as an initial support level for a major pair. The key contention level to watch is the 1.3000 psychological level. The additional downside filter is seen at 1.2905, the 100-day EMA, followed by 1.2870, the lower limit of the Bollinger Band.
GBP/USD daily chart
Pound Sterling FAQs
The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data.
Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).
The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates.
When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money.
When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.
Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP.
A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.
Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period.
If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.