GBP/USD dips as UK growth stalls

The British pound has lost ground on Thursday. GBP/USD is trading at 1.2760 in the North American session at the time of writing, down 0.29% on the day.

UK economy flatlines in April

The UK economy showed no growth in April, which was in line with expectations but below the March reading of 0.4% m/m. This was the weakest reading in four months, as manufacturing and construction declined, offsetting the rise in services. Yearly, GDP rose 0.6% in April, down from 0.7% in May and in line with expectations. April showers dampened consumer spending as the UK economy continues to struggle.

With a national election taking place on July 4th, politicians will be monitoring and making use of every economic release. The ruling Conservatives are trailing badly in the polls and today’s weak GDP could well be another nail in the coffin for the Conservatives.

The Bank of England meets next week but there is little chance a rate cut in the middle of an election campaign. The markets have priced in an initial rate cut in September, although an August cut is a possibility, when the BoE releases quarterly growth and inflation forecasts. The advantage of waiting till September is that the Fed may cut at its September meeting, which is a day before the BoE meets. If the Fed does trim rates, then a BoE cut would not have as much negative impact on the British pound.

In the US, May inflation decelerated. The headline figure fell from 3.4% y/y to 3.3% and the core rate dropped from 3.6% to 3.4%. The Federal Reserve held the benchmark rate, as expected, but noted that inflation was moving closer to the 2% target. The Fed remains cautious and has signaled just one rate cut before the end of the year. The probability of a quarter-point cut in September is 61%, according to CME’s FedWatch.

GBP/USD Technical

• GBP/USD is testing support at 1.2796. Below, there is support at 1.2733
• 1.2862 and 1.2925 are the next resistance lines

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