Select Language

GBP/USD holds below 1.2600 as US PCE inflation data looms

Breaking news

GBP/USD holds below 1.2600 as US PCE inflation data looms

  • X
  • facebook
  • LINE
  • RSS

  • X
  • facebook
  • LINE
  • RSS
New update 2025.02.28 14:51
GBP/USD holds below 1.2600 as US PCE inflation data looms

update 2025.02.28 14:51

  • GBP/USD edges lower to around 1.2580 in Friday's early European session. 
  • Trump's tariff threats weigh on the Pound Sterling. 
  • Investors brace for the US January PCE inflation data, which is due later on Friday. 

The GBP/USD pair extends its downside to near 1.2580 during the early European session on Friday. Tariff uncertainty from US President Donald Trump undermines the Pound Sterling (GBP) against the US Dollar (USD). The US Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) Price Index for January will be the highlight later on Friday. 

Trump met with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer late Thursday, and President Trump was quick to announce that there might be trade tariffs imposed on the UK as well unless ambiguous terms of a trade deal with the US are agreed upon within an undetermined deadline. Investors will closely watch the developments surrounding further Trump's policies. Any signs of escalating trade tensions could lift the Greenback and create a headwind for GBP/USD. 

Data released by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) on Thursday showed that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded at an annual rate of 2.3% in the fourth quarter (Q4). This figure matched the initial estimate and came in line with the market consensus. 

Looking ahead, investors will take more cues on the US PCE inflation data for January, which is due on Friday. This report could influence market speculation for the Federal Reserve's (Fed) monetary policy outlook. According to the CME FedWatch tool, the markets are now pricing in nearly 68% odds that the Fed will cut its interest rate in the June policy meeting after holding them in the March and May meetings.

Pound Sterling FAQs

The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as 'Cable', which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the 'Dragon' as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).

The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of "price stability" - a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.

Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.

Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.

 


Date

Created

 : 2025.02.28

Update

Last updated

 : 2025.02.28

Related articles


Show more

FXStreet

Financial media

arrow
FXStreet

FXStreet is a forex information website, delivering market analysis and news articles 24/7.
It features a number of articles contributed by well-known analysts, in addition to the ones by its editorial team.
Founded in 2000 by Francesc Riverola, a Spanish economist, it has grown to become a world-renowned information website.

Was this article helpful?

We hope you find this article useful. Any comments or suggestions will be greatly appreciated.  
We are also looking for writers with extensive experience in forex and crypto to join us.

please contact us at [email protected].

Thank you for your feedback.
Thank you for your feedback.

Most viewed

Silver Price Forecast: XAG/USD drops near 4% weekly on strong US Dollar

Silver ended the week on a lower note, down almost 4%, as traders booked profits amid US recession jitters following the release of crucial US data.
New
update2025.03.01 08:02

USD/JPY Price Forecast: Rallies and reclaims 150.00, bulls eye key resistance

The USD/JPY rallied for the third straight day after bottoming near 148.60 on Tuesday.
New
update2025.03.01 07:28

Gold plunges 3% weekly as trade policies, recession fears fuel USD rally

Gold extended its losses on Friday, down more than 1% and over 3% in the week.
New
update2025.03.01 05:45

AUD/USD slides near 0.6200 after US PCE data, tariffs

The AUD/USD pair posts a fresh three-week low near 0.6200 in Friday's trading session after extending its losing streak for the sixth straight day.
New
update2025.03.01 05:43

Mexican Peso plunges as Trump confirms March tariffs, Peso faces weekly losses

The Mexican Peso (MXN) prolonged its agony and depreciated against the Greenback on Friday, set to achieve weekly losses of over 0.59% as the President of the United States (US) Donald Trump emphasized that tariffs on Mexico are moving forward on March 4.
New
update2025.03.01 04:29

US Dollar steadies after in-line PCE data

The US Dollar Index (DXY), which measures the value of the US Dollar against a basket of six major currencies, remains firm above 107.00 on Friday after January's Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) inflation data came in line with forecasts, easing concerns over unexpected inflation spikes.
New
update2025.03.01 03:34

Dow Jones Industrial Average rises then falls as headline turmoil resumes

The Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA) recovered some lost ground on Friday, rebounding about 200 points to remain in contention with the 43,500 level before giving up and falling back to the day's opening bids.
New
update2025.03.01 03:15

US President Trump, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy exchange barbs over defense deal

A meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy devolved into an argument on Friday.
New
update2025.03.01 02:39

EUR/USD Price Analysis: Pair stabilizes below 20-day SMA, sharp weekly decline

EUR/USD closed the week with a slight recovery but remains in a vulnerable position after failing to sustain gains above the 100-day Simple Moving Average (SMA).
New
update2025.03.01 01:22

GBP/USD struggles at 1.2600 set to first monthly gain since September

The Pound Sterling struggles to clear the 1.2600 figure against the US Dollar yet is set for it first monthly gain since September 2024.
New
update2025.03.01 00:57

Disclaimer:arw

All information and content provided on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to solicit any investment. Although all efforts are made in order to ensure that the information is correct, no guarantee is provided for the accuracy of any content on this website. Any decision made shall be the responsibility of the investor and Myforex does not take any responsibility whatsoever regarding the use of any information provided herein.

The content provided on this website belongs to Myforex and, where stated, the relevant licensors. All rights are reserved by Myforex and the relevant licensors, and no content of this website, whether in full or in part, shall be copied or displayed elsewhere without the explicit written permission of the relevant copyright holder. If you wish to use any part of the content provided on this website, please ensure that you contact Myforex.

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LINE

Myforex uses cookies to improve the convenience and functionality of this website. This website may include cookies not only by us but also by third parties (advertisers, log analysts, etc.) for the purpose of tracking the activities of users. Cookie policy

I agree
share
Share
Cancel