GBP USD Super Thursday Shenanigans

The central-bank-induced, white-knuckle thrill ride reached its climax over the last 16 hours. Overnight, the RBNZ opted to cut interest rates to 2.75% as widely expected, and the central bank also cut its forecasts for growth and inflation, implying that another cut is possible later this year. While much of this dovishness was already priced in, NZD/USD is still hovering near its six-year low under the .6300 handle.

Earlier this morning, the Bank of England brought its “Super Thursday” festivities to the market by releasing both the outcome of its most recent monetary policy meeting and the minutes from last month’s meeting at the same time. On balance, the latest update from the BOE was dovish, though not as dovish as expected. The central bank made no changes to monetary policy, with only Ian McCafferty dissenting in favor of an immediate 25bps hike. In addition, policymakers chose to cut its forecast for GDP growth slightly, from 0.7% down to 0.6%, though this decision was generally priced in already.

Shifting gears to the more detailed minutes from the last meeting, the BOE expressed concerns that inflation could eventually overshoot the bank’s 2% target, though it was likely to remain near zero for the next few months. The minutes also cited improving productivity and “healthy domestic expansion” as factors offsetting downside risks to the global economy (read: China slowdown). In sum, the BOE still seems to be on track for an interest rate hike early next year, assuming inflation picks up as expected.

Market Reaction: GBP/USD

On balance, traders were cautiously optimistic on the pound after today’s top-tier releases. GBP/USD spiked all the way up to nearly 1.5450 in the immediate aftermath, but the unit has since faded back to trade near the mid-week range around 1.5400.

It’s worth noting that the 38.2% Fibonacci retracement of the late August swoon comes in around 1.5415, so bulls will likely remain cautious unless we see a confirmed close above that area. With the secondary indicators improving, but still auguring for caution, traders may want to hold off until they see where GBP/USD finishes the day (and the week) before committing to strongly to the long or short side.

Source: City Index

StoneX Financial Ltd (trading as “City Index”) is an execution-only service provider. This material, whether or not it states any opinions, is for general information purposes only and it does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. This material has been prepared using the thoughts and opinions of the author and these may change. However, City Index does not plan to provide further updates to any material once published and it is not under any obligation to keep this material up to date. This material is short term in nature and may only relate to facts and circumstances existing at a specific time or day. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment, legal, tax or other advice and no reliance should be placed on it.

No opinion given in this material constitutes a recommendation by City Index or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. The material has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research. Although City Index is not specifically prevented from dealing before providing this material, City Index does not seek to take advantage of the material prior to its dissemination. This material is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

For further details see our full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFD and Forex Trading are leveraged products and your capital is at risk. They may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved by reading our full risk warning.

City Index is a trading name of StoneX Financial Ltd. Head and Registered Office: 1st Floor, Moor House, 120 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5ET. StoneX Financial Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, number: 05616586. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Register Number: 446717.

City Index is a trademark of StoneX Financial Ltd.

The information on this website is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement.