Home GBP/USD Forecast Nov. 28-Dec. 2

GBP/USD  rebounded last week, gaining 130 points. The pair closed at 1.2455. This week’s key events are the PMI reports.  Here is an outlook for  the highlights of this week and an updated technical analysis for GBP/USD.    

British Second GBP for Q3 posted a gain of 0.5%, matching expectations. In the US, durable goods orders were sharp and UoM Consumer Sentiment beat expectations.

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GBP/USD graph with support and resistance lines on it. Click to enlarge:

usd_jpy_-daily-chart-nov28-dec2

 

  1. Nationwide HPI:  Tuesday, 29th-30th.  This housing inflation indicator dipped to 0.0% in October, short of the forecast of 0.2%. The estimate for November stands at 0.2%.
  2. Net Lending to Individuals:  Tuesday, 9:30.  Borrowing levels are positively correlated with spending levels. The indicator climbed to GBP 4.7 billion in September, and is expected to rise to GBP 4.8 billion in October.
  3. GfK Consumer Confidence:  Wednesday, 00:01.  The indicator continues to point to weak consumer confidence. The index dropped to -3 points in October and is expected to drop to -4 points in November.
  4. Bank Stress Test Results:  Wednesday, 7:00. This  test is used to gauge the stability of the banking sector and capital reserve adequacy. Previous tests have indicated a strong banking sector.
  5. BoE Financial Stability Report:  Wednesday, 7:00. This semi-annual report provides an analysis of the stability of the British financial sector. Analysts will be especially interested in what the report has to say about the Brexit decision and the expected impact on the economy.
  6. Manufacturing PMI:  Thursday, 9:30. The index continues to point to expansion in the manufacturing sector. The indicator came in at 54.3 points in October and little change is expected in the November report.
  7. Construction PMI:  Friday, 9:30.  This indicator improved to 52.6 in October, pointing to slight expansion in the construction sector. The forecast for the November report stands at 52.3.

* All times are GMT

GBP/USD Technical Analysis

GBP/USD opened the week at 1.2322 and quickly dropped to a low of 1.2311, as support held at 1.2272  (discussed last week). The pair then reversed directions and climbed to a high of 1.2512. GBP/USD closed the week at 1.2455.

Live chart of GBP/USD:

Technical lines from top to bottom

We start with resistance at 1.2865.

1.2778 is next.

1.2612 was a cushion back in 1985.

1.2448 is a weak support line. It could see further action early in the week.

1.2272 is next.

1.2143 has been a cushion since late November.

I am neutral on GBP/USD.

With a December hike from the Fed a virtual certainty, sentiment towards the greenback is favorable. At the same time,  the pound received a boost as the BoE did not lower rates in November, as the bank acknowledged that its forecasts regarding fallout from Brexit were overly-pessimistic.

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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.