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GBP/USD: Trading the British Wages Jan 2016

British  Average Earnings Index, released each month, is  a leading  indicator of consumer inflation. A reading which is higher than the market forecast is bullish for the  pound.  

Update:  UK employment data OK  – GBP/USD attempts recovery

Here are all the details, and 5 possible outcomes for GBP/USD.

Published on Wednesday at 9:30 GMT.

Indicator Background

The Average Earnings Index is closely watched by analysts, and as a key indicator, an unexpected reading can have a significant effect on the movement of GBP/USD.

The indicator slipped to 2.4% in October, which was within expectations.  The  markets are expecting  the downward role to continue  in  November, with  an estimate of 2.1%.

Sentiments and levels

The US dollar  continues to enjoy broad strength against the pound, as nervous investors flock to the safe-haven currency. With speculation about another Fed rate hike early in 2016, the US dollar will be even more attractive to investors.  So, the overall sentiment is  bearish on GBP/USD towards this release.

Technical levels, from top to bottom: 1.4752, 1.4562, 1.4346, 1.4227, 1.4135 and 1.40.

5 Scenarios

  1. Within expectations: 1.8% to 2.4%. In this scenario, GBP/USD could show some slight fluctuation, but it is likely to remain within range, without breaking any levels.
  2. Above expectations: 2.5% to 2.9%: A stronger reading than predicted could push the pair above one resistance line.
  3. Well above expectations: Above 2.9%: An unexpectedly sharp rise could push GBP/USD upwards, with a second line of resistance at risk.
  4. Below expectations: 1.3% to 1.7%: A lower than expected reading could pull the pair downwards, with one support level at risk.
  5. Well below expectations: Below 1.3%:  In this scenario,  the pair could break below a second  support level.

For more on the pound, see the GBP/USD forecast.

Kenny Fisher

Kenny Fisher

Kenny Fisher - Senior Writer A native of Toronto, Canada, Kenneth worked for seven years in the marketing and trading departments at Bendix, a foreign exchange company in Toronto. Kenneth is also a lawyer, and has extensive experience as an editor and writer.