GBP Firms Ahead of UK Jobs Data; Risks Skewed to Downside

Key Takeaways:

*GBP has rebounded as traders await UK labor market figures, with unemployment expected to remain at 4.7%.

*The jobless rate climbed from 4.0% in October 2024, while Q2 GDP growth slowed to 0.1%, leaving sterling vulnerable to stronger peers.

*A weaker jobs print could reignite selling pressure, while a surprise drop in unemployment may spark a sharp GBP rally.

Market Summary:

The British pound has shown tentative signs of stabilization in recent trading sessions as currency markets cautiously position ahead of tomorrow’s pivotal UK labor market report. Market consensus anticipates the unemployment rate holding steady at 4.7%, mirroring last month’s reading, which could provide temporary relief for the embattled currency. However, this apparent stability masks a concerning underlying trend – the jobless rate has climbed steadily from 4.0% in October 2024, reflecting a gradual but persistent softening in labor market conditions that has coincided with the UK’s economic slowdown.

This labor market deterioration comes alongside worrying macroeconomic signals, most notably the second quarter’s anemic 0.1% GDP growth, which marked a significant deceleration from the first quarter’s pace. Such weakening fundamentals have left sterling particularly vulnerable against stronger currencies like the euro and dollar, despite last week’s relatively modest 25 basis point rate cut by the Bank of England. The narrow 5-4 voting split on that decision revealed lingering hawkish sentiment within the Monetary Policy Committee, offering at least some measure of support for the pound amid otherwise challenging conditions.

As markets await tomorrow’s release, the prevailing sentiment remains decidedly cautious. While an in-line reading might allow sterling to maintain its fragile foothold, the risks appear asymmetrical. A worse-than-expected jobs report could accelerate the pound’s decline as it would confirm growing economic headwinds, whereas an unexpected improvement might spark a more vigorous rebound as traders cover short positions. The report’s wage growth component will be particularly scrutinized for signs of whether inflationary pressures might give the BoE pause in contemplating further easing. With the UK economy caught between slowing growth and persistent price pressures, tomorrow’s data could prove pivotal in shaping both near-term currency movements and longer-term monetary policy expectations.

Technical Analysis

GBPUSD, H4:

GBP/USD has advanced more than 1% over the past three sessions after breaking above a consolidation range near the 1.3300 level. The pair has since established support above the 68.20% Fibonacci retracement at 1.3420, reinforcing the view that the prior downtrend has been broken and a bullish trend reversal is underway.

Momentum indicators further validate the bullish bias. The RSI has entered overbought territory, while the MACD continues to rise after crossing above the zero line—signaling that bullish momentum remains firmly in control. Sustained price action above 1.3420 would keep the upside outlook intact, with potential for further gains if buyers maintain pressure.

Resistance level: 1.3535, 1.3650

Support level:1.3420, 1.3290