GBP sees modest gains against USD despite weak retail sales, according to Scotiabank analysts

    by VT Markets
    /
    Jun 20, 2025
    Pound Sterling has risen by 0.2% against the US Dollar, performing better than most G10 currencies as the Dollar shows some weakness. Although weaker retail sales in the UK have restrained some gains, the overall market sentiment remains upbeat due to reduced geopolitical tensions. The Pound has bounced back from earlier losses this week after reaching multi-year highs. Expectations for Bank of England interest rates remain stable. The decision to keep rates unchanged has provided reassurance, despite a new dovish vote from a member of the Monetary Policy Committee.

    GBP USD Market Dynamics

    The GBP/USD trend is upward, showing higher lows and highs since mid-January. However, the momentum is a bit concerning as the Relative Strength Index (RSI) has dropped to around 50. The 50-day moving average at 1.3398 is crucial for medium-term support. Support is at 1.3400, with limited resistance up to 1.3550. It’s important to do thorough research before making any decisions, as the markets and instruments discussed here involve risks and uncertainties. Sterling is seeing a slight gain of 0.2% against the US Dollar, outperforming most other G10 currencies. This comes as the Dollar softens slightly, possibly due to easing global tensions. However, earlier reports on UK retail sales fell short of expectations, which could hinder consumer spending and broader economic strength. So far, this hasn’t fully dampened the bullish sentiment. The Pound had a tough start to the week but has made a comeback. There’s a sense of stability from the Bank of England, signaling that traders expect stability rather than abrupt changes. Although a new dovish member of the Monetary Policy Committee has created some short-term concerns, the overall view remains focused on steady rates.

    Trading And Risk Management

    When we look at the broader chart for GBP/USD, the momentum seems strong. Prices continue to show an upward trend of higher lows and higher highs since mid-January, which is a positive sign for long positions. However, there are warnings. The RSI has dipped back towards 50, indicating reduced upward pressure and some hesitation. The 50-day moving average at 1.3398 is a medium-term resistance point. It acts as a crucial pivot where potential reversals may either fail or succeed. This level is just above current support at 1.3400, so slipping below could lead to a broader pullback. On the other hand, with little resistance until 1.3550, there’s room for further movement if positive sentiment continues. In this tight support and light resistance situation, those managing leveraged trading need to stay alert. Sudden price changes can lead to early closures or margin changes, so this isn’t the time to be complacent. Traders should carefully plan their exit strategies and monitor stop placements, particularly during low liquidity periods or around significant events. As liquidity stabilizes after the month’s end, we expect clearer market movements from macro funds and real-money accounts. This could expand intraday ranges and test trader confidence, especially if external factors like commodity prices or US interest rates come into play. While geopolitical tensions may have eased, we shouldn’t ignore the potential for sudden shifts. From a volatility perspective, prices for short-term options have slightly decreased, likely reflecting reduced immediate risk. However, this compression often leads to unexpected developments. When premiums drop, it’s wise to watch for breakout opportunities in either direction. Volatility buyers might see value here, especially if they can hedge their exposure against spot movements. This remains a sensitive time for this currency pair. While the bias is towards improvement, the momentum shows indecision. In this atmosphere, swing traders might be tempted to capitalize on extremes during the day, but such strategies require discipline and clear invalidation levels. Much depends on whether momentum stabilizes above the 1.3400 support level. A rise past 1.3550 would reinforce the upward trend, but bears are still in the game. At this point, focusing on risk management is more crucial than committing too heavily to one side. Create your live VT Markets account and start trading now.

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