FOREX.com by StoneX logo

US CPI Eyed GBPUSD to 12815

Improved sentiment on the trade front and worse than forecast PPI data from the US hit demand for the dollar. Inflation at wholesale level dropping to 1.8% doesn’t bode well for future consumer inflation

Fiona Cincotta
Fiona Cincotta

Share this:

US CPI Eyed: GBP/USD to 1.2815?
Pound rallies as wages unexpectedly rise
The pound was experiencing a rare up day, rebounding from a 4-month low as investors reacted to the better than expected employment data. UK unemployment held steady at a 44-year low whilst UK average wages unexpectedly jumped in the three months to April. Wages increased 3.4%, higher than the 3.3% previously and significantly above the 3.1% forecast.

The labour market continues to show resilience in the face of Brexit uncertainty and ongoing trade tension. Whilst a strong labour force is often considered a sign of a healthy economy, the data is slightly misleading in current circumstances. Rather than strong employment figures depicting a robust economy, what we are actually seeing is evidence of firms preferring to hire rather than commit to investment. It is, after all, easier and quicker to fire staff than unwind an expensive investment.

Political uncertainty is expected to keep a lid on any moves higher. The Tory leadership battle has officially started, with the 10 candidates confirmed. The candidates are a mix between those that are willing to deliver a hard Brexit and those that are looking for more concessions from the European Union. The only candidate to fail to win enough support was Sam Gyimah, supporter of a second referendum. Th first ballot takes place on Thursday. A strong showing for hard-line Brexiteers could hit the pound, meaning any move hiher could be short lived.

US PPI hit dollar ahead of Wednesday’s CPI 
Improved sentiment on the trade front and worse than forecast PPI data from the US hit demand for the dollar. Inflation at wholesale level dropping to 1.8% doesn’t bode well for future consumer inflation and only served to reinforce expectations that the Fed will be cutting interest rates, possibly as soon as the July meeting. 
The market is currently pricing in a 78% probability of a rat cut in July and a 92% chance of a cut in September.
Traders will now turn their attention to US CPI data on Wednesday. Expectations are for consumer inflation to drop to 1.9% yoy from 2.1% in April. Weaker data could boost expectations of a rate cut further and drag the dollar lower.

GBP/USD Levels to watch:
GBP/USD uptrend is marginally positive as it trades above 50 and 100 sma, but below 200 sma. Support can be seen at $1.2685 prior to $1.2640 and $1.2605. On the upside resistance $1.2750, $1.2763 and $1.2815.


Pound rallies as wages unexpectedly rise
The pound was experiencing a rare up day, rebounding from a 4-month low as investors reacted to the better than expected employment data. UK unemployment held steady at a 44-year low whilst UK average wages unexpectedly jumped in the three months to April. Wages increased 3.4%, higher than the 3.3% previously and significantly above the 3.1% forecast.

The labour market continues to show resilience in the face of Brexit uncertainty and ongoing trade tension. Whilst a strong labour force is often considered a sign of a healthy economy, the data is slightly misleading in current circumstances. Rather than strong employment figures depicting a robust economy, what we are actually seeing is evidence of firms preferring to hire rather than commit to investment. It is, after all, easier and quicker to fire staff than unwind an expensive investment.

Political uncertainty is expected to keep a lid on any moves higher. The Tory leadership battle has officially started, with the 10 candidates confirmed. The candidates are a mix between those that are willing to deliver a hard Brexit and those that are looking for more concessions from the European Union. The only candidate to fail to win enough support was Sam Gyimah, supporter of a second referendum. Th first ballot takes place on Thursday. A strong showing for hard-line Brexiteers could hit the pound, meaning any move hiher could be short lived.

US PPI hit dollar ahead of Wednesday’s CPI 
Improved sentiment on the trade front and worse than forecast PPI data from the US hit demand for the dollar. Inflation at wholesale level dropping to 1.8% doesn’t bode well for future consumer inflation and only served to reinforce expectations that the Fed will be cutting interest rates, possibly as soon as the July meeting. 
The market is currently pricing in a 78% probability of a rat cut in July and a 92% chance of a cut in September.
Traders will now turn their attention to US CPI data on Wednesday. Expectations are for consumer inflation to drop to 1.9% yoy from 2.1% in April. Weaker data could boost expectations of a rate cut further and drag the dollar lower.

GBP/USD Levels to watch:
GBP/USD uptrend is marginally positive as it trades above 50 and 100 sma, but below 200 sma. Support can be seen at $1.2685 prior to $1.2640 and $1.2605. On the upside resistance $1.2750, $1.2763 and $1.2815.


Related tags:

Open an account in minutes

Experience award-winning platforms with fast and secure execution, and enjoy tight spreads from 0.5 pts on FX and 0.3 pts on indices.

Economic calendar

Web Trader platform

Our sophisticated web-based platform is packed with features.

Related articles

This report is intended for general circulation only. It should not be construed as a recommendation, or an offer (or solicitation of an offer) to buy or sell any financial products. The information provided does not take into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs. Before you act on any recommendation that may be contained in this report, independent advice ought to be sought from a financial adviser regarding the suitability of the investment product, taking into account your specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs.

StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd., may distribute reports produced by its respective foreign entities or affiliates within the StoneX group of companies or third parties pursuant to an arrangement under Regulation 32C of the Financial Advisers Regulations. Where the report is distributed to a person in Singapore who is not an accredited investor, expert investor or an institutional investor (as defined in the Securities Futures Act), StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. accepts legal responsibility to such persons for the contents of the report only to the extent required by law. Singapore recipients should contact StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. at 6826 9988 for matters arising from, or in connection with the report.

In the case of all other recipients of this report, to the extent permitted by applicable laws and regulations neither StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. nor its associated companies will be responsible or liable for any loss or damage incurred arising out of, or in connection with, any use of the information contained in this report and all such liability is hereby expressly disclaimed. No representation or warranty is made, express or implied, that the content of this report is complete or accurate.

StoneX Financial Pte. Ltd. is not under any obligation to update this report.

Trading CFDs carries a high level of risk that may not be suitable for some investors. Consider your investment objectives, level of experience, financial resources, risk appetite and other relevant circumstances carefully. The possibility exists that you could lose some or all of your investments, including your initial deposits. If in doubt, please seek independent expert advice. Visit www.forex.com/en-sg/terms-and-policies for the complete Risk Disclosure Statement.

It's your world. Trade it.