The euro was almost unchanged against sterling on Wednesday, trading a few pips above 0.8630 after easing from last Friday’s 0.8681 peak. A risk-off tone tied to rising Middle East tensions has weighed on EUR/GBP this week, while stronger eurozone inflation data on Tuesday offered little follow-through. Iran and the US exchanged attacks on Wednesday, testing an already fragile ceasefire, and oil prices pushed higher, a backdrop that may cap any euro rebound.
Attention also turns to May activity readings: the final HCOB Services PMI for the euro area and major members is expected to confirm sluggish conditions, and the UK S&P Global PMI due the same day is seen telling a similar story. Technically, EUR/GBP has held support just above 0.8630, with the four-hour RSI around 39 and MACD slightly negative. A move below the session area near 0.8630 would bring 2026 lows in the 0.8610–0.8615 band into view, while resistance is seen at Tuesday’s 0.8641 and then 0.8681.
Geopolitics, Energy, And Policy Divergence Cap Euro Rally
We see the current geopolitical tensions as the main factor capping any significant EUR/GBP rally in the coming weeks. The recent attacks in the Middle East have pushed WTI crude futures past $95 a barrel, and since the Eurozone is more sensitive to high energy prices than the UK, this should keep pressure on the euro. We believe that as long as this risk-off mood persists, upside for the pair is limited.
The latest economic data further strengthens our view that the euro will underperform. Eurozone Services PMI recently confirmed a slight contraction at 49.8, while the UK’s figure held just inside expansionary territory at 50.5. This slight divergence suggests the UK economy is showing more resilience, giving the pound a fundamental edge.
Based on this, we anticipate the Bank of England will maintain a more hawkish stance than the European Central Bank. The market is pricing in the possibility that stubborn UK inflation will force the BoE to keep rates higher for longer, while the ECB may have to consider easing policy to support a faltering economy. This policy divergence is a key headwind for the EUR/GBP exchange rate.
This situation reminds us of similar periods, like in 2022, when high energy prices and European growth fears weighed on the euro. Historically, this combination prevents sustained rallies in the EUR/GBP pair. We expect this historical pattern to hold true over the next month.
Trading Strategies Around The EUR/GBP Range
From a trading perspective, we view the 0.8681 level as a strong resistance point to sell into. We are considering selling out-of-the-money call options or establishing bear call spreads with a strike price around 0.8700 to capitalize on the capped upside. This strategy allows us to collect premium while defining our risk.
Alternatively, for those expecting a breakdown, the key support is the 0.8610-0.8615 area. A decisive break below this year’s low could accelerate selling pressure. Purchasing put options with a strike price of 0.8600 would be a prudent way to position for such a move, especially as implied volatility has ticked up recently.
