empty
15.04.2025 12:35 AM
The Pound Forms a Top

The British economy grew by 0.5% in February, rebounding from no growth in January and significantly exceeding the forecast of +0.1%. This was the strongest growth in the last 11 months. Industrial production rose 1.5%, while the quarterly services sector activity index added 0.3%.

This positive momentum was later supported by a forecast from NIESR, which expects continued GDP growth and projects a quarterly figure of +0.6%. While monthly data is not a precise indicator, it contributed to a sharp surge in the pound.

This image is no longer relevant

The coming week is no less important—the labor market report is due on Tuesday, followed by the March Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. The forecast suggests no change (+3.5% y/y), but surprises are possible, especially since NIESR expects that inflation will not peak until June. Until then, prices are expected to rise due to base effects.

The pound appears strong, but it's important to note that expectations regarding the Federal Reserve's interest rate path have shifted toward a slower pace of cuts. While traders in March were pricing four rate cuts for the year, they now expect only three. Uncertainty remains high, as it's unclear how significant the economic slowdown in the U.S. will be. A potential recession could completely alter interest and currency exchange rates forecasts.

Fed Chair Jerome Powell's key speech is scheduled for Wednesday, and he is unlikely to avoid commenting on the current economic situation. Late last week, Boston Fed President Susan Collins stated that the Fed is "fully prepared" to intervene and stabilize the currency markets using available tools. In light of recent developments, a drop in forex market volatility should not be expected.

The net long positioning on GBP was halved during the reporting week, going from $2.8 billion to $1.38 billion, and the fair value estimate is moving below the long-term average.

This image is no longer relevant

Despite the impressive rally in recent days, the pound has not broken through the upper boundary of the 1.3200 range. The rise has been driven by a surge in optimism following the delay in the trade war and strong GDP and industrial production figures. Although there is strong bullish momentum, we do not expect it to be sustained. A top will likely form near 1.3200, after which the pound may reverse to the downside. We see an opportunity to sell from current levels with a stop just above 1.3200 and a target of 1.3000. The potential for further decline should be supported by increased demand for safe-haven assets and a decrease in market euphoria.

Kuvat Raharjo,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

XAU/USD. Analysis and Forecast

Gold maintains a bearish tone today, though it has slightly recovered from the daily low, climbing back above the $3300 level. Investors continue to hope for a potential de-escalation

Irina Yanina 12:23 2025-04-25 UTC+2

The Market Has Nowhere Left to Run

While Donald Trump and Beijing are still trying to figure out whether trade negotiations between the U.S. and China are happening at all, the S&P 500 continues to climb

Marek Petkovich 11:57 2025-04-25 UTC+2

The U.S. Dollar Rises — Here's Why

The U.S. dollar strengthened against a number of global currencies, as did the U.S. stock market, following reports that the Chinese government is considering suspending its 125% tariffs on certain

Jakub Novak 11:31 2025-04-25 UTC+2

Why Could Gold Prices Drop Significantly? (There's a chance gold will continue to decline while the CFD on the NASDAQ 100 futures contract may rise)

The beginning of actual negotiations could lead to a significant drop in gold prices in the near future. In previous articles, I suggested that the previously surging price of gold

Pati Gani 10:14 2025-04-25 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – April 25: The Fed Is Starting to Worry for Real

The GBP/USD currency pair traded higher on Thursday, remaining near its 3-year highs. Despite the British pound's strong rally in recent months, corrections are still rare in the forex market

Paolo Greco 07:57 2025-04-25 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – April 25: America Files a Lawsuit Against Trump

The EUR/USD currency pair continued to trade calmly on Thursday, although volatility remained relatively high. This week, the US dollar showed some signs of recovery—something that could already be considered

Paolo Greco 07:57 2025-04-25 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on April 25? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

A few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Friday, but this doesn't matter, as the market continues to ignore 90% of all publications. Among the more or less significant reports today

Paolo Greco 07:06 2025-04-25 UTC+2

The Yen Is Looking Stronger and Stronger

The nationwide Consumer Price Index published last week showed accelerated core inflation in March—from 2.6% to 2.9%. Inflationary pressure is increasing, supporting the case for further interest rate hikes

Kuvat Raharjo 01:23 2025-04-25 UTC+2

Canada Awaits Election Results. USD/CAD Outlook

Last week, the Bank of Canada kept its interest rate unchanged at 2.75%, as expected. The accompanying statement was neutral in tone, emphasizing ongoing uncertainty. Confidence is hard to maintain

Kuvat Raharjo 00:59 2025-04-25 UTC+2

The Australian Dollar Could Suffer If the U.S.-China Trade War Escalates

U.S. President Donald Trump once again commented on Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell, openly expressing dissatisfaction with the pace of rate cuts. Another public expression of disapproval of the Fed's

Kuvat Raharjo 00:59 2025-04-25 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.