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Remaining Long on GBP/USD as Inflation Keeps BOE Hawkish

This morning, GBP/USD continuing the upward trend that began yesterday after the FED’s recent decision to hike rates by 25 bps, which was taken as a dovish hike by markets. Today we had the Bank of England which raised interest rates by 25 bps as well to 4.25%, although the the British pound fell against the USD initially from its earlier highs around 1.2340 and traded around the 1.2300 level. The decision was supported by seven members, while two members voted to maintain the previous stance.

According to the BoE statement, the bank still anticipates a significant decrease in inflation during the second quarter of 2023, while predicting a slight increase in economic activity during the same period. Regarding the recent activity in the banking sector, the Financial Policy Committee (FPC) has highlighted that the UK banking system remains strong and continues to maintain solid capital and liquidity positions.

GBP/USD H1 Chart – The 50 SMA Holding As Support

The price trades above 1.23 as buyers remain in control

GBP/USD found support at the 50 SMA after the dip and bounced off that moving average, heading for new highs. We opened a buy forex signal here, since buyers remain in control, as the BOE stays more hawkish than the FED.

Bank of England Interest Rate Decision

  • BoE raised interest rates by 25 bps
  • The current Bank Rate at 4.25% from 4.00 previously
  • MPC members had a 7-2-0 vote split
  • BoE policymakers Tenreyro and Dhingra voted to keep rates on hold.

BoE Statement:

Q2 CPI likely to be lower than forecast in February, due to longer energy price cap and lower wholesale prices. Further tightening of monetary policy would be necessary “if there were to be signs of more persistent pressures.” BoE Decision Maker Panel: Businesses see year-ahead inflation of 5.6% in 3 months to February vs 6.2% in 3 months to November.

Comments From BOE Governor Andrew Bailey 

  • We believe inflation will fall quite rapidly befor the summer
  • February inflation data means we need to see fall in inflation happen
  • We will go on making decisions needed for sustained, low inflation
  • We have been able to fix problems in banks
  • We have raised interest rates a lot already
  • We don’t know if 4.25% will be a peak in rates
  • We see signs of inflation peeking, but it’s far too high
  • There are signs of inflation pressures calming down
  • We are much more hopeful now that UK won’t enter a recession
  • I don’t think we will see a repeat in 2008 banking crisis: UK banks are much stronger

The market is pricing around 50-50 now with a final 25 bps hike at the next meeting on May 11 that rates will peak at 4.5%.

GBP/USD Live Chart

GBP/USD
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Skerdian Meta
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Skerdian Meta Lead Analyst. Skerdian is a professional Forex trader and a market analyst. He has been actively engaged in market analysis for the past 11 years. Before becoming our head analyst, Skerdian served as a trader and market analyst in Saxo Bank's local branch, Aksioner. Skerdian specialized in experimenting with developing models and hands-on trading. Skerdian has a masters degree in finance and investment.
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