GBP/USD tests key 1.30 handle ahead of FOMC
The pound rallied following the Bank of England’s decision to cut interest rates earlier. Governor Bailey refrained from defining what “gradual” would mean for the pace of future cuts. The GBP/USD rally was aided by a sharp drop in the US dollar. The focus is now turning to the FOMC rate decision, which means the greenback could change course again.
The Bank of England lowered rates by 25 basis points to 4.75%, aligning with market expectations. The Monetary Policy Committee voted 8-1 in favor of the cut, as anticipated. However, the BoE maintains it can’t lower rates “too quickly or by too much,” opting instead for a more measured approach. The central bank sees a gradual easing as appropriate, keeping to its September guidance on rates.
The recent budget is expected to lift inflation slightly, adding around 0.5% to CPI at its peak according to the BoE —just above the forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Like the OBR, the BoE isn’t expecting significant economic growth from this budget. As it stands, the Bank intends to continue cutting rates gradually over the coming months. This should keep the GBP under pressure.
Will the GBP/USD now hold below the key 1.30 handle or break above it? What it does here will determine the near-term direction. All eyes are on the Fed Chair Powell.
The Fed could shed light on the central bank’s next steps. Markets are fully expecting a 25-basis-point reduction. Chair Powell may steer clear of any commitment to a rapid easing cycle, especially if he believes Trump’s policies could drive inflation. Any indication of hawkishness could boost bond yields further, which could give the dollar another boost. Even though rate expectations have shifted, significant changes in market trends are unlikely in the immediate term. However, over the coming quarters, rising US yields could strengthen the dollar, adding pressure on other economies while supporting the US market’s broader trend.
By Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst with FOREX.com
The Bank of England lowered rates by 25 basis points to 4.75%, aligning with market expectations. The Monetary Policy Committee voted 8-1 in favor of the cut, as anticipated. However, the BoE maintains it can’t lower rates “too quickly or by too much,” opting instead for a more measured approach. The central bank sees a gradual easing as appropriate, keeping to its September guidance on rates.
The recent budget is expected to lift inflation slightly, adding around 0.5% to CPI at its peak according to the BoE —just above the forecast from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). Like the OBR, the BoE isn’t expecting significant economic growth from this budget. As it stands, the Bank intends to continue cutting rates gradually over the coming months. This should keep the GBP under pressure.
Will the GBP/USD now hold below the key 1.30 handle or break above it? What it does here will determine the near-term direction. All eyes are on the Fed Chair Powell.
The Fed could shed light on the central bank’s next steps. Markets are fully expecting a 25-basis-point reduction. Chair Powell may steer clear of any commitment to a rapid easing cycle, especially if he believes Trump’s policies could drive inflation. Any indication of hawkishness could boost bond yields further, which could give the dollar another boost. Even though rate expectations have shifted, significant changes in market trends are unlikely in the immediate term. However, over the coming quarters, rising US yields could strengthen the dollar, adding pressure on other economies while supporting the US market’s broader trend.
By Fawad Razaqzada, market analyst with FOREX.com
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