GBPUSD - Bullish Move ExpectedThe British Pound vs. US Dollar (GBP/USD) duo has been on an impressive winning streak, extending its gains for five straight days. This upward momentum is being fueled by positive investor sentiment and a slight softening of the US Dollar.
Recent labor data from the US has weakened the Federal Reserve's case for interest rate cuts. Based on current market expectations, there's a 62% chance that the Fed will keep rates unchanged in its March meeting. Also, the New York Fed's 1-year inflation expectations have moderated from 3.36% to 3.01%.
Raphael Bostic, President of the Atlanta Fed, remarked that inflation in the US has eased more than he had anticipated. He also observed that the rise in unemployment has been less pronounced than expected, given the decline in inflation. Bostic added that the Fed is in a strong position at present.
On the British Pound front, DeAnne Julius, a former member of the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee, doesn't see the central bank lowering interest rates in 2024. She acknowledged that the escalating tensions in the Middle East could trigger another round of energy price hikes, leading to inflationary pressures.
This week, investors will be closely monitoring the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) release on Thursday. On Friday, UK economic data, including monthly GDP, Industrial Production, and Manufacturing Production for November, will be released. Additionally, several Fed officials are scheduled to speak, including Thomas Barr on Tuesday (today), John Williams on Wednesday, and Neel Kashkari on Friday.
