Sterling regains swagger after softer than expected US payroll data
GBP/USD regained its footing after a whippy few days which saw the pound fall from high of 1.3043 to Thursday's low at 1.2845, the bid aided by rising gilt yields and today's soft payrolls release which may prod cable to re-test recent highs as we head into U.S. elections on November 5.
Thursday's GBP/USD slide, though short-lived, may provide a clue as to which way traders are leaning. The UK budget, with its softening economic overtones given higher taxes and spending cuts, was the primary catalyst for recent GBP weakness.
While GBP longs exited the market, the quick return was based on fundamentals.
The rise in gilt yields pushed down expectations for UK rate cuts and the widening rate differentials between the UK and other trading partners primarily the U.S., EZ and Japan should support GBP strength.
The prudent budget, addressing some of the COVID-era excesses should also be a boon for GBP/USD, as it indicates leadership is keeping an eye on the overall health, and future, of the UK economy rather than a quick fix to stimulate growth.
The upcoming U.S. elections remain a wildcard, but UK rates and policy should support sterling near current levels. Though with the BoE slated to cut near 100bps by year-end 2025 a rise above the 2024 high by 1.3434 is likely not in the cards given current U.S.-UK rate expectations.
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GBP Chart: https://tmsnrt.rs/4hFC01k
(Paul Spirgel is a Reuters market analyst. The views expressed are his own)
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