The BOE decision was slightly positive for the GBP

GBP/USD Ends Up Higher After the BOE Decision

Posted Thursday, May 6, 2021 by
Skerdian Meta • 2 min read

The BOE decision was slightly positive for the GBP

[[GBP/USD-sponsored]]

GBP/USD used to be one of the most bullish pairs since March last year until late February this yer, climbing around 28 cents from the bottom. Although since February this pair has been trading mostly sideways, as the USD has been gaining some strength.

Today we saw some whipsaw price action during the Bank of England meeting, but GBP/USD eventually ended up higher after the meeting, after the BOE hinted at slowing the QE stimulus purchases, which would be positive for the GBP in the medium term.

BOE Monetary Policy Decision – 6 May 2021

BOE leaves bank rate unchanged at 0.10%, as expected
Prior meeting rates were 0.10%
Bank rate votes 0-0-9 vs 0-0-9 expected

Gilts purchases £875 billion
Corporate bond purchases £20 billion
Total asset program £895 billion (unchanged)

UK GDP expected to have fallen by ~1.5% in Q1, less weak than previously assumed
GDP is expected to recover strongly to pre-COVID levels over the course of this year
After 2021, the pace of GDP growth is expected to slow as transitory factors wane
Inflation is projected to rise to close to the target in the near-term
In the central projection, CPI inflation rises temporarily above the 2% target towards the end of 2021, owing mainly to developments in energy prices
These transitory developments should have few direct implications for inflation over the medium-term
Does not intend to tighten monetary policy at least until there is clear evidence that significant progress is being made in eliminating spare capacity and achieving the 2% inflation target sustainably
Full statement

Monetary Policy Report

Forecasts UK GDP growth at 7.25% in 2021, 5.75% in 2022
Forecasts UK CPI at 2.31% in one year’s time; previously 2.07%
Monetary policy report

The existing programme of £150 billion of UK government bond purchases had started in January and its completion was expected by around the end of 2021. As envisaged since the announcement of the programme in November 2020 and consistent with developments in financial markets since then, the pace of these continuing purchases could now be slowed somewhat. The expected completion point of the purchase programme remained unchanged. This operational decision should not be interpreted as a change in the stance of monetary policy. As measured by the target stock of purchased assets, that stance remained unchanged. Further details of the planned operational approach to gilt purchases between the May and August MPC meetings were set out in the Market Notice accompanying these minutes. Should market functioning worsen materially, the Bank of England stood ready to increase the pace of purchases to ensure the effective transmission of monetary policy.

The economic forecasts are upbeat and the BOE steered clear of any firm messaging about tapering although they are talking about slowing down QE purchases. BOE chief economist Haldane voted to reduce the stock of QE purchases and there is also a technical change in which the BOE is slowing the pace of weekly bond purchases.

However, they reaffirm that “as measured by the target stock of asset purchases, that stance remains unchanged”. Adding that the slowing in terms of QE purchases is not a significant change in policy and they are ready to step it up if necessary. Although, the market has taken the face value of it and the GBP is higher now.

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