Pound Sterling’s Foggy Future
Weaker recoveries were seen in both the UK manufacturing and service sectors, with the latter recording the greatest loss of momentum since July.
Highlights of the Bank of England's meeting
2022-01-26 • Updated
The Bank of England published its latest views on interest rates and monetary policy setting earlier today. Bank rate was held at 0.25%, government bond purchases at £435bn and corporate bond purchases at £10bn. No changes from its previous meeting as you might have noticed. All eyes were on the minutes and the voting. The market participants didn’t expect the split among Monetary Policy Committee members to widen and change from its last 7-1. Three officials from 8 called for a rate increase, warning that inflation could rise more than previously thought and eventually flatten the wallets of the British consumers.
The unexpected shift in the MPC’s voting comes against an uncertain backdrop for the U.K., with real wages falling, consumer spending declining, Brexit negotiations knocking at the door and Prime Minister Theresa May unexpectedly losing her parliamentary majority after Thursday’s general election. The greatest division among the BOE’s policymakers on the interest rate can be explained by the UK economic fundamentals.
In recent weeks, the BOE’s policy had a chance to see further evidence of sharply rising prices, subdued wage growth and a weakening demand from consumers. CPI inflation has been pushed above the bank’s 2 percent target and reached 2.9% in May. The BOE policymakers said it may surge higher above 3%. GDP growth declined markedly in the Q1 mainly due to weaker household spending. So, the rate hike will be needed, anyways, but it will be gradual and limited.
The unexpected split helped GBP to regain its strength. It rose above 1.2770 following the rate announcement.
The BoE’s interest rate announcement is not the single event that may influence the GBP today. Governor Mark Carney will speak at 11 pm MT time at the annual high-profile Mansion House event in London’s financial district.
Similar
GBP Awaits Bank of England’s Policy Report
What will happen? The Bank of England will present a monetary policy statement on Thursday, August 4 at 14:00 MT (GMT+3)…
Bank of America: GBP Will Rise in 2021
The British pound has advanced in the first half of the year, especially against the euro. Will this trend sustain in the second part of 2021?
Latest news
USD: Powell Speaks on Cutting Interest Rates
Jerome H. Powell, the Federal Reserve chair, stated that the central bank can afford to be patient in deciding when to cut interest rates, citing easing inflation and stable economic growth. Powell emphasized the Fed's independence from political influences, particularly relevant as the election season nears. The Fed had raised interest rates to 5.3 ...
WTT: Currency Pairs To Trade In April
Hello again my friends, it’s time for another episode of “What to Trade,” this time, for the month of April. As usual, I present to you some of my most anticipated trade ideas for the month of April, according to my technical analysis style. I therefore encourage you to do your due diligence, as always, and manage your risks appropriately.
EURUSD: Seeking liquidity in weekly selling zones. Key intraday levels.
Bearish scenario: Sell below 1.0820 / 1.0841... Bullish scenario: Buy above 1.0827...
