GDP contracted by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2010. This was a shocker, as a growth of the same scale was expected. GBP/USD got a big blow from this figure and dropped sharply. In Q2, the British economy grew by 1.1% and an OK growth rate was seen in Q3 as well – 0.7% (After revisions). This release erases most of the growth in Q3. There were expectations for a weaker growth rate in Q4, but there weren’t expectations for contraction. GBP USD Chart After GDP Disaster - Click to enlarge While this is only the first release and it will be followed by two revisions, the terrible figure means that even if we are optimistic and expect upwards revisions, growth is highly unlikely to be seen. Such optimism isn’t realistic. GBP/USD already slid down before the release, just above 1.59. There were probably rumors. And after the publication, GBP/USD is falling to 1.58, and the move continues. Support at 1.5820 is broken at the time of writing. Further support appears at 1.5720. Both lines are minor. Significant support appears only at 1.5650. Above, 1.5910 is minor resistance, followed y the important 1.60 lines. See more lines, analysis and events in the GBP USD forecast. Last week, it seemed that a rate hike is inevitable as CPI reached an annual level of 3.7%. But as written also here, the economic situation in Britain isn’t too good. I remained bearish on cable. Now the central bank’s dilemma is even more complicated – another quarter of contraction and we have a double dip recession. But leaving the interest rate so low means that inflation can rage. Troubled times. Yohay Elam Yohay Elam Yohay Elam: Founder, Writer and Editor I have been into forex trading for over 5 years, and I share the experience that I have and the knowledge that I've accumulated. After taking a short course about forex. Like many forex traders, I've earned a significant share of my knowledge the hard way. Macroeconomics, the impact of news on the ever-moving currency markets and trading psychology have always fascinated me. Before founding Forex Crunch, I've worked as a programmer in various hi-tech companies. I have a B. Sc. in Computer Science from Ben Gurion University. Given this background, forex software has a relatively bigger share in the posts. Yohay's Google Profile View All Post By Yohay Elam Forex News Today: Daily Trading News share Read Next EUR/USD Jan. 25 – Falling to Support Yohay Elam 12 years GDP contracted by 0.5% in the fourth quarter of 2010. This was a shocker, as a growth of the same scale was expected. GBP/USD got a big blow from this figure and dropped sharply. In Q2, the British economy grew by 1.1% and an OK growth rate was seen in Q3 as well - 0.7% (After revisions). This release erases most of the growth in Q3. There were expectations for a weaker growth rate in Q4, but there weren't expectations for contraction. [caption id="attachment_14711" align="alignright" width="400" caption="GBP USD Chart After GDP Disaster - Click to enlarge"][/caption] While this is only… Regulated Forex Brokers All Brokers Sponsored Brokers Broker Benefits Min Deposit Score Visit Broker 1 $100T&Cs Apply 0% Commission and No stamp DutyRegulated by US,UK & International StockCopy Successfull Traders 9.8 Visit Site FreeBets Reviews$100Your capital is at risk. 2 T&Cs Apply 9.8 Visit Site FreeBets Reviews$100Your capital is at risk. 3 Recommended Broker $100T&Cs Apply No deposit or withdrawal feesTrade major forex pairs such as EUR/USD with leverage up to 30:1 and tight spreads of 0.9 pips Low $100 minimum deposit to open a trading account 9 Visit Site FreeBets ReviewsYour capital is at risk. 4 T&Cs Apply Visit Site FreeBets ReviewsYour capital is at risk. 5 Recommended Broker $0T&Cs Apply Trade gold, silver, and platinum directly against major currenciesUp to 1:500 leverage for forex trading24/5 customer service by phone and email 9 Visit Site FreeBets ReviewsYour capital is at risk.