GBP/USD Forecast and technical analysis â–º preview of the main events that move the British Pound (Sterling), and especially pound/dollar (cable) during the week. Here are some general data. Scroll down for the latest GBP/USD outlook
Pound/dollar characteristics
GBP/USD is a major pair and certainly one of the first to emerge in modern
forex day trading. Its nickname "cable"
originates from transmitting the exchange rate over the telegraph cable between the UK and the USA in the 19th century.
Above average volatility characterizes pound/greenback trading. In comparison to other major
forex trading pairs,
stop-loss orders are usually placed at wider margins.
Another tidbit of Sterling trading is that the pair "front-runs" economic publications from Great Britain. We usually see a significant market movement ahead of a release. Leaks, rumors, or sheer nervousness move GBP USD
The pound is a moderate "risk" currency. When the global mood is positive, GBP often gains against the dollar, albeit usually not at the same magnitude as commodity currencies. When markets become risk-averse, Sterling is on the retreat.
Brexit talks and GBP/USD
The biggest market mover of GBP/USD is the surprising decision of voters in the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. This unprecedented move shook up Her Majesty's currency.
Brexit has sent Pound/USD to levels last seen in 1985 and despite the recovery, Sterling still suffers.
The economy did well in 2016, before and after the EU Referendum, but it
slowed down in 2017. On the other hand, the weak pound
pushed inflation above the
rises in wages. The Bank of England decided to raise rates in November 2017 but
clarified it is a one-off. Mark Carney and his colleagues foresee only two hikes in the next three years.
Brexit negotiations were deadlocked for quite some time, but fresh hopes help the pound stabilize.
PM Theresa May may agree to pay the high "divorce bill" that the EU demands.
Check out our guides on the
best forex brokers and
forex signals to help with your trading.
Latest weekly GBP/USD forecast:
