British economy

On Tuesday, the demand for the pound was significantly higher than that for the euro. As soon as this happened, many analysts began to pay attention to the report on prices in UK stores, as shop price inflation accelerated to 9% this month. This indicates that UK inflation is decreasing slowly or not decreasing at all, despite the benchmark interest rate being raised to 4.5%.   The consensus forecast for the Bank of England's rate currently suggests two more quarter point rate hikes in June and August.   This would bring the rate to 5%. Any further tightening without alternatives would push the British economy into a recession, and even the current rate could potentially cause it, despite the BoE's optimistic forecasts. But how can inflation be combated if it hardly responds to the actions of the central bank?     I believe there can only be one disheartening answer: it cannot. If further rate hikes lead to a recession, the Brits, clearly dissatisfied with recent events within the country, may start a new wave of mass strikes. Take note that in the past year, many Brits have openly criticized the British government for the sharp decline in real incomes and high inflation.   If the rate increases further, the economy will contract, leading to an increase in unemployment. If the rate is kept as it is, it might take years for inflation to return to the target level. The BoE is in a deadlock. BoE Governor Andrew Bailey expects inflation to start decreasing rapidly from April. He noted the decline in energy prices, which will somewhat dampen inflationary pressure on all categories of goods and services. However, the April inflation report was unusually contradictory. While headline inflation showed a significant slowdown, core inflation continues to rise.   Therefore, it is not possible to conclude that inflation is slowing down in the general sense. We can only wait and observe. If Bailey turns out to be right, then the BoE will not need to raise the rate to 5.5% or 6%, which currently seems like a fantasy.   However, if inflation continues to hover around 10%, the BoE will need to devise new measures to address it without exerting serious pressure on the economy. It might require patience for several years. It is entirely unclear which option the central bank will choose.   The demand for the British pound may increase as market expectations of a hawkish stance grow. But will these expectations be justified? The pound may rise based on this, but fall even harder when it becomes clear that the BoE is not ready to raise the rate above 5%. I believe that wave analysis should be the primary tool for forecasting at the moment.     Based on the analysis conducted, I conclude that the uptrend phase has ended. Therefore, I would recommend selling at this point, as the instrument has enough room to fall. I believe that targets around 1.0500-1.0600 are quite realistic.   A corrective wave may start from the 1.0678 level, so you can consider short positions if the pair surpasses this level. The wave pattern of the GBP/USD pair has long indicated the formation of a new downtrend wave. Wave b could be very deep, as all waves have recently been equal.   A successful attempt to break through 1.2445, which equates to 100.0% Fibonacci, indicates that the market is ready to sell. I recommend selling the pound with targets around 23 and 22 figures. But most likely, the decline will be stronger.    

The GBP/USD currency pair was traded with low volatility on Tuesday but still managed to move upwards, while the euro currency stood still and decreased more than it grew. Thus, even on a completely empty Tuesday, the pound sterling found reasons to start moving north again.   The price has re-fixed above the moving average and is still very close to its local maximums, which also coincide with the annual maximums. The British currency still cannot correct down properly, which is especially visible in the 24-hour timeframe. Occasionally, there are downward corrections on the 4-hour timeframe, but in most cases, they are purely formal.   The logic of the movements needs to be improved. Two weeks ago, when the Bank of England unexpectedly raised the rate by 0.5% for many, the pound did not grow. But yesterday, when it was a holiday in the States, it added about 40-50 points. The British economy is still weak and is holding out with the last of its strength not to slide into a recession.   US GDP exceeds forecasts by 0.7% and shows a value of +2% q/q. The Bank of England's rate continues to rise but is still lower than the Fed's. The British regulator can raise the rate several times but will likely stay within the Fed's rate. All this suggests that even if the dollar doesn't have strong reasons to grow now, it certainly has no reasons to fall. However, in most cases, we continue to observe the pair's growth. Only business activity indices in the manufacturing sectors can be highlighted for the first two days of the week. In the US and UK, the indices fell synchronously for June and have long been below the "waterline" of 50.0. Again, the pound did not have an advantage over the dollar due to macroeconomic statistics.     Thursday and Friday promise to be "stormy"! The week's most important events are concentrated in its last two days. Today, of course, the Fed's minutes will be published. In the European Union and Britain, the second estimates of business activity indices for June will become known, but all these are secondary data. It is unlikely that the Fed's minutes will surprise traders who are already confident in a rate hike in July, as well as after Jerome Powell's five speeches over the past weeks, in which he laid everything out. Therefore, the main movements are planned for Thursday and Friday, when the ISM, ADP, unemployment benefit claims, the number of job openings, NonFarm Payrolls, and the unemployment rate will be released in the US.   As we can see, almost all reports are related to the labor market, which the Fed continues to monitor closely, and which has a priority for the regulator and the market. However, even if the reports are disastrous (which is currently hard to believe), the Fed will not change its plans to raise the rate.   And for the GBP/USD pair, it doesn't matter at all. The pound grows for a reason and without. If statistics from overseas turn out to be weak, it will merely get a new reason to grow against the dollar. If the statistics from the US turn out to be strong, we will see a new pullback down, a maximum of 100 points, and the Fed's position on the rate will not change. Thus, the market's local reaction could be significant.   In the medium term, these reports will not affect the situation in the market. The average volatility of the GBP/USD pair over the last 5 trading days is 94 points. For the pound/dollar pair, this value is "medium." Therefore, on Wednesday, July 5, we expect movement within the range limited by levels 1.2612 and 1.2800. The Heiken Ashi indicator's reversal down signals a possible new downward movement wave.    

In our conversation with Alex Kuptsikevich, an analyst from FXPro, we delve into the Bank of England's recent decision on interest rates and its implications for the British economy and the GBP. The central bank's move to raise its key interest rate by 25 basis points to 5.25% is a significant step, marking the highest rate since 2008. This decision comes as Britain grapples with one of the highest inflation rates among developed nations, leaving little room for inaction. Unlike the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank, the Bank of England cannot afford to take a wait-and-see approach. The soaring inflation necessitates swift action, and indications suggest that the central bank may not stop raising interest rates until it reaches 5.75%, matching the peak of monetary tightening seen in 2007.   FXMAG: What is your assessment of the Bank of England's decision on interest rates? Should we still expect a hike in the Isles? And what's next for the GBP in the context of the BoE's decision? The Bank of England is expected to raise its key interest rate by 25 points to 5.25%, the highest since 2008. Britain's inflation rate, one of the highest in the developed world, makes it impossible to pause and look around - a privilege the Fed has used and the ECB may do in September. It is worth bracing for indications that the BoE will not stop raising interest rates before the end of the year, taking the rate to 5.75% - the peak of monetary tightening in 2007.   The Bank of England's hawkish stance is also likely to attract buyers to the Pound, which has weakened over the past three weeks. An appreciating currency will suppress imported inflation and dampen consumer demand, helping to bring CPI back to the 2% target. With explicit hawkish comments from the central bank, GBP can avoid breaking the upward trend of recent months and accelerating its decline.  

As this week's macroeconomic readings unfold, providing insights into the state of the British economy, certain trends and challenges have emerged. The UK is facing a potential inflation rally, with average wages increasing by 6.9% over the three months ending in May, indicating a competitive labor market that can drive inflation higher. This pro-inflationary factor is closely monitored by the Bank of England, which stands ready to react if necessary. The central bank's ongoing efforts to raise interest rates are aimed at gaining control over inflationary pressures. However, the GDP data for May reflects a recessionary phase, with the economy contracting by 0.1% month-on-month. While this decline was not as severe as initially anticipated, the UK continues to grapple with inflation, logistic chain disruptions, and domestic challenges. Despite the current recessionary signals, there is optimism that the Bank of England's measures will yield positive results, leading to a decline in inflation and a normalization of economic processes. It is hoped that with time, negative statistics will gradually subside.   FXMAG.COM: What do this week's macroeconomic readings - wages, GDP, industrial production - tell us about the state of the British economy? Will the recession be deep? Will the BoE continue to raise rates   The UK faces a risk that the inflation rally will develop further. This week, statistical data has demonstrated that average wage over the three months ended in May increased by 6.9% against a rise of 6.7% earlier. There had been forecast an increase but a less expressed one. The growth of wages shows that the employment market is vigorous enough to compete over labour resources through raising payments. It is an apparent pro-inflationary factor. The Bank of England monitors this and will react if needed. The BoE's interest rate will be growing until inflation gets under control. The GDP data for May in the UK reflected a recession. The economy lost 0.1% m/m after a rise of 0.2% in April. The expectations had been gloomier, suggesting a decrease of 0.3%. The indications of a recession were not unexpected. The UK suffers greatly from inflation, logistic chain breaches, and domestic problems. It is doubtful whether the recession will be profound. Most probably, the Bank of England's effort will soon bring fruit, inflation will go down, and economic processes will start normalising. There might be a month or two more of negative statistics.     What does the industrial production reading from the Eurozone tell us about the state of the European economy and European industry? In May, industrial production in the Eurozone increased by 0.2% m/m, turning out inferior to the forecast. Calculated year by year, it dropped by 2.2% after a rise of 0.2% in April. It is very weak data. It was not unexpected, but the decrease in industrial production had been predicted to be less expressed. The statistics are comprised of extremely high purchase prices and increased salaries, and capacity maintenance expenses. At the same time, enterprises cannot count on future improvements and prefer to decrease production volumes, which allows for cutting down on estimated loss. Most probably, the picture of industrial production will be similar in June.     Visit RoboForex

In this interview, we sit down with Paweł Majtkowski to delve into the intricate web of macroeconomic data shaping the British economy. As a seasoned economic analyst, Mr. Majtkowski provides his expert insights on the latest series of economic indicators from the UK. From GDP growth and inflation figures to employment rates and trade balances, we explore the trends, challenges, and potential opportunities that lie ahead for the UK's economic landscape. Join us as we navigate through the numbers and uncover the narratives behind the data-driven journey of the British economy.   FXMAG.COM: Let me ask you to comment on the whole series of macroeconomic data from the British economy. However, will it enter a recession? What does this data say about further potential rate hikes in the UK? The UK continues to struggle with high inflation. In June, it stood at 7.3 per cent year-on-year. The British economy is therefore experiencing difficult times, not least because of 14 consecutive interest rate rises in a row. Domestically, there is economic stagnation. However, the GDP results - 0.5 % growth last month and 0.2 % in the second quarter - are better than analysts' expectations. With such modest growth, it is the details that count. Economic activity increased in June due to very good weather (the best since 1884), there were more working days in May than in previous years and this helped to offset the effects of ongoing strike action. The services sector, which dominates UK GDP, is benefiting from low (structural) unemployment and rising wages. This, in turn, is a cause for concern for the Bank of England and especially its hawkish representatives. Further rate rises cannot therefore be ruled out. The manufacturing sector and the real estate market, on the other hand, are performing worse. Not insignificant for the UK is the fact that its second largest trading partner, Germany, has already slipped into recession. This is a result of falling manufacturing and a very slow recovery in China.   Paweł Majtkowski, eToro Market Analyst

In a world where the unpredictable often takes center stage, last week provided no exception. From the surreal landscapes of the Burning Man festival to the bustling stock markets, events unfolded that left people both exhilarated and perplexed. This rollercoaster ride of a week saw stranded festival-goers, restless investors, and soaring airline rankings, all while diamond prices took a dramatic plunge and another Binance executive bid farewell. Let's embark on a journey through the past week's fascinating headlines. Burning Man's Mud-Filled Exodus Thousands of adventurous souls set out for the annual Burning Man festival, eager to immerse themselves in a unique blend of art, music, and self-expression in the arid Nevada desert. However, nature had other plans. A fierce storm swept through the festival grounds, transforming the desert into a mucky quagmire. Festival-goers found themselves stranded in a surreal landscape, battling the elements in a quest to return to civilization. As the desert turned to mud, it was a stark reminder that even the most carefully planned adventures can take an unexpected turn.   Wall Street's Unease Meanwhile, on the bustling streets of Wall Street, investors were grappling with their own set of uncertainties. After a summer rally that saw markets surging to new heights, the fall season brought with it a sense of unease. The latest US jobs report became a focal point, with investors closely analyzing the data for clues about the economy's direction. The Dow led the indices with a 0.33% gain, showcasing its resilience amidst the fluctuations. Asian markets also experienced surges, particularly Hong Kong's HSI, proving that the global financial landscape remains as unpredictable as ever.   Delta's Soaring Success Amidst the turbulence, there was a beacon of success for Delta Airlines. The airline secured its place as the No. 1 domestic carrier in several categories, including on-time arrivals, service quality, and passenger comfort. In an industry often fraught with challenges, Delta's achievement serves as a testament to its dedication to passenger satisfaction and operational excellence.   Xi's G20 Summit Decision On the global stage, Chinese President Xi Jinping made a surprising decision. He opted to skip the upcoming G20 summit in India, instead sending Premier Li Keqiang as the country's representative. This move raised questions and sparked discussions about China's diplomatic strategy and priorities. As the world watches, it's clear that even international politics is not immune to unexpected twists.   Diamonds Lose Their Sparkle In the realm of luxury and glamour, there was a stark contrast as diamond prices experienced a significant and unexpected decline. While diamonds have long been a symbol of wealth and beauty, one key segment of the market saw prices plummet. This shift left industry experts and enthusiasts pondering the reasons behind this sudden change and its potential repercussions.   A Farewell at Binance To add to the week's intrigue, another executive bid farewell to the cryptocurrency exchange giant Binance. This departure is part of a larger trend of key figures leaving the company. Such transitions in the world of cryptocurrency can have far-reaching implications, leaving stakeholders and enthusiasts wondering about the future direction of the industry. In a world filled with surprises, last week's events served as a compelling reminder of the unpredictable nature of life, whether one is reveling in the desert at Burning Man, navigating the turbulent waters of financial markets, or witnessing shifts in global politics and industry dynamics. As we move forward, one thing remains clear: the only constant is change, and embracing the unexpected is the key to navigating the twists and turns that lie ahead.    

ECB decides, ARM goes public!  Yesterday's US CPI report was mixed, worse-than-expected and far from soothing. The headline inflation ticked from 3.2% to 3.7%, higher than the 3.6% expected by analysts, and core inflation came in at 4.3%, in line with expectations. But on a monthly basis, both headline and core inflation numbers were slightly higher than expected. The spike in energy prices was to blame for the rise in the headline figure. In fact, gasoline prices rose by more than 11% in August, and that accounted for more than half of the overall monthly rise in inflation. The only good news was that core inflation in the past three months ran at a 2.4% annual rate, the lowest since March 2021, and just at a spitting distance from the Federal Reserve's (Fed) 2% inflation target. That's maybe why the market reaction to a higher-than-expected set of monthly and yearly CPI metrics didn't see a bad market reaction? The US 2-year yield was shortly above the 5% level yesterday but fell after the data, activity on Fed funds futures now gives 97% chance for a pause at next week's FOMC meeting, but the probability of a pause in November is slightly less than before the data, at 56%. In summary, yesterday's CPI data tilted the expectation for a November hike slightly higher, without however changing the consensus of a no rate hike for the moment.     ECB expectations tilt toward rate hike  Not earlier than the beginning of this week, the expectation for today's European Central Bank (ECB) meeting was a no rate hike. Today, just a few hours before the meeting, the pricing is pointing at a 25bp hike as the most likely scenario; money markets are pricing in a 68% chance for a 25bp hike.   But the data remains morose. Released yesterday, the euro area industrial production figures were looking rather bad, with a more than 1% slump on a monthly basis, and a 2% slump on a yearly basis. That's also why the higher ECB rate hike expectations couldn't really boost appetite in the EURUSD, the pair sees resistance at the 1.0765/1.070 range. If the ECB raises the rates today, the EURUSD could make a move toward the 200-DMA, 1.0825, and the Stoxx 600 could slip below the 445, a double bottom.   While there is a decent downside potential in European stocks, the upside potential in the EURUSD is limited by the weakness of the economic data. In fact, the gap between the US and German 10-year yield has been narrowing since about 3 weeks, but the EURUSD barely benefited from it, on the contrary, the EURUSD weakened more than 1% during the same period. Apparently, the morose economic outlook brings investors to think that, even if the ECB hikes today, it will certainly be the last one, and that in less than a year from now, we will be talking about the first rate cut in Europe due to economic weakness.   Across the Channel, the picture is not sunnier, obviously. The latest data revealed that the British economy shrank at the fastest speed in seven months in July. Strikes and the lack of sun were responsible for the gloomy data. You would think that slower economy could at least mean a softer UK inflation – a silver lining?. But no. Because data released earlier this week showed that the UJ unemployment rose, yet wages grew at a record high, the record starting from 2001. The Brits earned 8.5% more on the year, which is good news for their struggle to keep up with the cost of living crisis, but clearly bad news for the Bank of England (BoE), which is trying so hard to abate inflation, but in vain. They abate economic growth instead. Cable is testing the 200-DMA to the downside this week, for similar reasons to the euro. BoE rate hike expectations are strongly here, but growth outlook looks so gloomy that not many traders are willing to try a long sterling position.   Now, for all central bankers, those who want to raise rates and those who don't want, the headache is the same. Oil prices are rising, and that's muddying the future inflation expectations. The US is in a better position than the rest of world because, at least, they don't have to worry about currency depreciation to make things worse. But the barrel of US crude came close to the $90pb level yesterday. Happily, the latest EIA data showed a 4-mio build in the US inventories last week, which certainly helped not boost the bull's run further. US crude is now at the overbought market territory. The $90pb level is a psychological resistance and global economic data hints at slow activity ahead of us. The mix calls for at least a minor correction at the current levels.  In equities, all eyes are on ARM that will go public today. The company set its IPO price to $51 a share. It's at the top end of the proposed price range, but still lower than the valuation of $64bn when Softbank bought out a stake from Vision Fund.     By Ipek Ozkardeskaya, Senior Analyst | Swissquote Bank  

Speaking of morose growth projections Forecasts for German growth in 2024 have been significantly lowered following the recent budget chaos after the German Constitutional Court declared government's spending plans unconstitutional. Germany – Europe's growth engine – is now seen growing just 0.4% next year. The UK, on the other hand, cut its own growth forecast significantly in yesterday's Autumn Statement. Jeremy Hunt said that the economy would grow only by around 0.7% - still better than Germany, but that projection is down from the 1.7% announced earlier. The good news for British people and businesses is that Hunt announced tax cuts for both individual and companies and lowered the national insurance payroll levy. The Brits will now make a permanent 100% - yes 100% tax relief – on companies' capital spending. But don't be fooled by these beautiful numbers. In reality, the British tax burden will still mount to 38% of its GDP by the end of this decade and will reach its highest since post-WW2 and that 100% tax relief – the so-called 'full expensing' - is good for businesses that invest in big machinery but in a service-focused economy like the UK's, the benefits will likely remain limited. This is certainly why the market reaction was muted yesterday. The 10-year gilt yield was slightly up, the FTSE 100 closed the session slightly in the negative, while Cable fell below the 1.25 mark, on the back of a broad-based rebound in the US dollar that hit most major peers.  

Around 9 a.m., BoE member Dave Ramsdey shared his comments in a press conference, providing insights into the current UK macroeconomic scenario. Ramsdey's key comments indicated constraints on growth due to monetary policy, unexpected resilience in the British economy for 2023, weak productivity growth, signs of increased unemployment, and the challenge of addressing domestic inflation, particularly in services. Despite signs of a cooling economy, inflationary forces, especially in services, continue to exert influence, presenting a challenging backdrop.Considering the implications for the British pound and the GBPUSD pair, the pivotal factor shaping the long-term trend might be predictions regarding interest rate cuts in 2024. The current market expectation is for the BoE to reduce rates by just over 50 basis points by November 2024 while the Federal Reserve is anticipated to implement nearly three cuts within the same timeframe, totaling 75 basis points. BoE's current interest rates stand at 5.25% as the Fed's rates range between 5.25% and 5.50%. The daily chart of the GBPUSD pair shows the ongoing session involving a retest of the support zone defined by the previously breached barrier. Successful defense of this support and a potential upward breakout could lead to a move toward the zone around 1.27, while a downward breakout may find major support around the 1.25-1.24 barrier.