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GBP/USD: Trading the British Wages Dec 2015

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.  

Updates:

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 has been steady and  posted two straight readings of 3.0%.  The  markets are expecting a reversal in  October, with  an estimate of 2.5%.

Sentiments and levels

The widely expected Fed rate hike has seen the US dollar post gains against a host of rivals, but the British pound has held its own in the past few weeks. Recent British releases have been OK, although the UK economy is not as strong as that of the US. So, the overall sentiment is  neutral on GBP/USD towards this release.

Technical levels, from top to bottom: 1.5341, 1.5269, 1.5163, 1.5026, 1.4856 and 1.4752.

5 Scenarios

  1. Within expectations: 2.2% to 2.8%. 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: 2.9% to 3.3%: A stronger reading than predicted could push the pair above one resistance line.
  3. Well above expectations: Above 3.3%: An unexpectedly sharp rise could push GBP/USD upwards, with a second line of resistance at risk.
  4. Below expectations: 1.8% to 2.1%: A lower than expected reading could pull the pair downwards, with one support level at risk.
  5. Well below expectations: Below 1.8%:  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.