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- Last week saw the cable plummet around 200 pips amid broad dollar strength.
- Sustained USD purchasing and poor UK macro data fueled the continuing decline.
- Coming up is the focus on Jackson Hole Symposium.
The GBP/USD weekly forecast suggests a bearish outlook as the US dollar remains strong and the pandemic continues to weigh on the pound. Last week, the GBP/USD exchange rate was under a lot of selling pressure. Sterling’s losses were worsened by broad-based US dollar gains, which drove the cable almost 200 pips lower.
GBP/USD Fundamental Forecast
This week, GBP/USD has dropped 200 pips due to a strong move triggered by the Federal Reserve’s meeting minutes, which increased tapering expectations.
Last week, on Friday, the GBP/USD pair extended its hefty losses from the previous day and saw some follow-through selling on the week’s final day. The fourth day in a five-day losing streak for the pair brought it down below the 1.3600 level.
Delta COVID-19 Concerns in the UK
The pound is being weighed down by the UK’s COVID-19 data, which are far from satisfactory. Vaccination efforts have slowed to a halt, and infections are on the rise. Immunization, particularly of the young, is critical to defeating the virus and regaining consumer trust.
Key Data Releases from the UK During the Week of Aug. 23-27
The economic calendar for the GBP is light as the summer draws to a close, but Markit’s preliminary Purchasing Managers’ Indexes for August stand out. Sterling fell when the Services PMI was downgraded in July, and another drop in confidence in the UK’s largest industry would be concerning. Nonetheless, a score of more than 50 indicates expansion and bodes well for future growth.
Key Data Releases in the United States During the Week of Aug. 23-27
The best is yet to come on the economic calendar: Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell’s address at Jackson Hole. Investors are waiting to see if the world’s most powerful central bank will announce a reduction in its bond-buying program.
GBP/USD Weekly Forecast – Daily Chart
GBP/USD Technical Analysis: Key Levels in Action
The GBP/USD pair has fallen below the 200-day SMA, and the market’s trend has shifted to the negative. Furthermore, the RSI has remained above 30, indicating that it is no longer oversold. Overall, the picture is negative, but bulls have reason to be optimistic if the price remains above key support.
Cable’s make-or-break mark is 1.3560, which was the bottom in July and the lowest since February when it bounced off the same region. However, holding above that level may lead to recovery within the broad range, with the price rising as high as 1.40, the summer’s high.
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