Date: 12th August 2024.

How Will the Pound Perform Ahead Of A Vital Week For The UK!

* Economists expect the US inflation rate to remain at 3.0% or to drop to 2.9%. Also, economists expect Inflation excluding Food and Energy to drop to 3.2%.
* The Federal Reserve’s Mrs Bowman advises cuts are needed only if inflation continues to decline.
* According to the CME Group, investors are split over whether the Fed will cut 0.50% or 0.25%.
* The US inflation data tomorrow and on Wednesday will determine how the Fed will cut.
* The Dow Jones await key earnings reports from Home Depot (13th August), Cisco Systems (14th August) and Walmart (15th).

GBPJPY – Key UK Data To Determine The Pound’s Value!

The price of the GBPJPY is trading at the recent average price, but the Pound is gaining momentum ahead of vital economic data. The performance of the Great British Pound will depend largely on the upcoming 5 key economic releases. The Japanese Yen on the other hand has slightly lost momentum after the dovishness of the Bank of Japan in their latest press conference. The performance of the Yen will largely depend on the dovishness of the other central banks such as the Fed, Bank of England and European Central Bank.

GBPJPY 2-Hour Chart Showing The Price Rise Above Moving Averages For The First Time Since July 11th.

Throughout the week the UK will release the following key economic releases:

* Claimant Count Change
* Average Earnings Index
* UK Inflation
* Gross Domestic Product
* Retail Sales

The price of the GBP will depend on how the UK economy and inflation has performed over the past month compared to expectations. According to economists, if the UK inflation rate and GDP read higher than expectations, the Pound is likely to strengthen. However, investors will also be looking closely at the UK employment data as the UK Unemployment Rate has risen to 4.4%. If the unemployment rate rises, the UK’s rate will be at its highest in 3-years and can prompt a more dovish central bank.

Currently, the Pound is the best performing currency of the day, except for the AUD and NZD. The AUD and NZD normally tend to lose momentum as the European session opens. However, the New Zealand Dollar is also gaining momentum ahead of the RBNZ’s Rate Decision. The GBP is trading 0.20% higher so far in the Asian session. Technical analyst and economists consider if investors are increasing exposure predicting positive economic data throughout the upcoming week.

In terms of technical analysis, the price of the exchange is trading above the 75-Period EMA and 100-Period SMA for the first time since July 11th. The RSI is also trading at 59.00 which indicates buyers may be gaining control. The Japanese Yen index is trading 0.42% lower so far, therefore signalling no conflict, but investors will keep monitoring this throughout the week. Particularly once the US start releasing their inflation data. Prices above 188.405 will see stronger buy signals whereas below 186.477 will see traders look for sell signals.

USA30 (Dow Jones) – Investors Eye US Inflation and This Week’s Quarterly Earnings Reports!

On Friday, the Dow Jones traded in a sideways price range after breaking the resistance level. According to economists, the assets sideways movement is due to shareholders wanting to see the upcoming earnings reports. Economists advise the Dow Jones is appropriately priced and investors will look at economic data and earnings first before determining the intrinsic value of the asset. As a result, US data and the upcoming quarterly earnings report will be key.

Previously, bad news was good news for the stock market. However, most shareholders will be hoping for slightly positive economic data to improve the risk appetite of the market. It will be key for the US inflation rate to fall if the stock market is to hope for a full correction back up to 14,000. Many economists advise a full correction is unlikely if inflation does not fall.

The performance of the Dow Jones will depend on the quarterly earnings reports and US inflation. The Federal Reserve’s Mrs Bowman advises cuts are needed only if inflation continues to decline. Markets viewed the comments are cautious and less dovish compared to market expectations. However, if inflation does decline, market will start to price a 50-basis point cut for September.

The Dow Jones awaits key earnings reports from Home Depot (13th August), Cisco Systems (14th August) and Walmart (15th). Over the past 6 months Home Depot stocks have fallen 4.60% and Cisco Systems 9.00%. Walmart stocks have risen almost 20% in 6 months.

Always trade with strict risk management. Your capital is the single most important aspect of your trading business.

Please note that times displayed based on local time zone and are from time of writing this report.

Want to learn to trade and analyse the markets? Join our webinars and get analysis and trading ideas combined with better understanding on how markets work.

Michalis Efthymiou
Market Analyst
HFMarkets

Disclaimer: This material is provided as a general marketing communication for information purposes only and does not constitute an independent investment research. Nothing in this communication contains, or should be considered as containing, an investment advice or an investment recommendation or a solicitation for the purpose of buying or selling of any financial instrument. All information provided is gathered from reputable sources and any information containing an indication of past performance is not a guarantee or reliable indicator of future performance. Users acknowledge that any investment in FX and CFDs products is characterized by a certain degree of uncertainty and that any investment of this nature involves a high level of risk for which the users are solely responsible and liable. We assume no liability for any loss arising from any investment made based on the information provided in this communication. This communication must not be reproduced or further distributed without our prior written permission.