GBP/USD Price Analysis – May 15, 2024
Daily Price Outlook
Despite the Bank of England's dovish stance on interest rates, the GBP/USD pair has been showing a slight upward trend, hovering around the 1.2601 level and hitting an intraday high of 1.2606. Despite the Federal Reserve's hawkish stance, the US dollar has been struggling, providing support for the Pound Sterling. The recent US Producer Price Index (PPI) data, which rose 2.2% year-over-year in April, slightly higher than March's 1.8% increase, failed to boost the dollar significantly. This suggests that market participants are not rushing to buy into the greenback, even in the face of moderately higher inflation.
Federal Reserve’s Hawkish Stance and Economic Indicators Impact GBP/USD
On the US front, the Federal Reserve has maintained its hawkish stance, emphasizing the need to monitor economic indicators closely before making any decisions regarding interest rates. Despite the uptick in inflation indicated by the PPI data, Fed officials have indicated that this alone may not warrant immediate action on rates.
Cleveland Fed President Loretta Mester's suggestion to start tapering asset purchases this year underscores the Fed's cautious approach to monetary policy adjustments. This means that the Fed is being careful and deliberate in considering any changes to its monetary policy, including potential adjustments to interest rates or asset purchases.
Investors are now keenly awaiting the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) data for further insights. However, the hotter-than-expected CPI reading could diminish hopes for a Fed rate cut this year, potentially boosting the US dollar against the Pound Sterling.
UK Employment Reports and Speculation of BoE Rate Cuts
On the flip side, the UK's employment reports reveal signs of cooling, fueling expectations that the Bank of England (BoE) might opt for rate cuts in the coming months. The UK's Unemployment Rate rose to 4.3% in the three months to March, while private-sector wage growth slowed. Additionally, the UK Employment Change showed a decline of 177,000 jobs in the same period.
These indicators suggest a slowdown in the UK economy, prompting speculation of a rate cut by the Bank of England before the Federal Reserve. It should be noted that the financial markets are anticipating potential rate cuts from the BoE as early as June or August, which could exert downward pressure on the GBP/USD pair in the near term.
GBP/USD - Technical Analysis
GBP/USD is currently trading at $1.25949, showing a modest increase of 0.02% for the day. The 4-hour chart reveals key levels that could determine the next directional move. The pivot point, marked in green, is at $1.25668, which serves as a critical reference for traders.
Immediate resistance is situated at $1.26348, followed by $1.26981 and $1.27643. Breaking above these resistance levels would signal a stronger bullish trend, potentially leading to further gains. Conversely, immediate support is found at $1.25099, with subsequent support levels at $1.24470 and $1.23890. If the price falls below these support levels, it could indicate a bearish reversal.
Technical indicators provide additional insights into the market conditions. The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 66, suggesting that the market is approaching overbought territory but still has room for further upward movement. The 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) is at $1.25403, which aligns closely with the current price, reinforcing the medium-term bullish trend.
The overall technical outlook for GBP/USD remains bullish above the pivot point of $1.25668. A break above this level could encourage more buying interest, targeting the immediate resistance levels. However, if the pair fails to maintain above the pivot point, it may test the immediate support levels, leading to potential downside risks.
In conclusion, the recommended entry price for a buy is above $1.25678, with a take profit target at $1.26346 and a stop loss at $1.25344.
Related News
- GOLD Price Analysis – May 15, 2024
JOIN LONGHORNFX TODAY
24/7 live support, lightning fast withdrawals, guaranteed safe and reliable trading platforms with a true ECN broker.