empty
12.04.2021 02:32 PM
British pound may regain its attractiveness

Participants of financial markets became disappointed. This sentiment significantly affected most assets. At the beginning of April, the pound sterling also lost its attractiveness. Speculators, encouraged by the idea of a rapid vaccination program, pushed bullish positions to the highest levels among the G10 currencies. Hedge funds began closing their positions amid the news about a shortage of doses.

In the UK, the number of adults who received their doses is significantly bigger than in other countries. However, only 11.2% of UK citizens got both jabs. At the same time, in the US, 55.4% received first doses and 21.5% got two injections. In the European Union, only 21% have passed the first stage of vaccination and 6% received their second jab. The EU is well behind other countries. However, in the second quarter it received 360 million doses compared to 107 million doses in the first quarter. As we know, markets grow amid expectations. That is why hopes for a faster vaccination campaign may boost the euro/dollar and the euro/pound pairs.

A conflict between London and Brussels over the vaccines only intensifies positions of Brexit supporters. According to the polls conducted by JL Partners for Bloomberg, 67% respondents said that the EU behaves as a rival, and only 13% suppose that the EU is an ally. In particular, residents of Northern Ireland believe that London treats them differently in comparison to other parts of the United Kingdom. Notably, British exporters are also suffering because of Brexit. Growing number of them report worse financial results than last year. However, Boris Johnson's government calls this "teething".

Despite the fact that bulls of the pound/dollar pair are disappointed by their trade results, by the middle of the month, the situation may change. Notably, traders were opening positions amid hopes for a fast and effective vaccination campaign during the week that ended on April 9. The UK economy is gradually opening, allowing the IMF to increase its forecast of the country's GDP in 2021.

The IMF forecasts of GDP in the world's largest economies

This image is no longer relevant

Bulls of the pound/dollar pair may receive support from strong macroeconomic data from the US and encouraging corporate reports from US companies. The country may act as the global economy's locomotive in the next few years. The confident rally of S&P 500 proves a high appetite to risk and puts pressure on safe-haven assets, including the US dollar. Notably, in 2021, the index has already advanced by 10% and reached its all-time high 20 times.

From the technical point of view, on the pound/dollar pair's chart, we still can see the Wolf Waves pattern. However, at first, the pair should rise above 1.391. Moreover, the Expanding wedge pattern is forming on the chart. There are 4 from 5 points already. At the same time, if the pound sterling advances above the highest level of the candlestick №2 (1.378), aggressive traders may open long positions.

GBP/USD, daily chart

This image is no longer relevant

Marek Petkovich,
Analytical expert of InstaForex
© 2007-2025
Select timeframe
5
min
15
min
30
min
1
hour
4
hours
1
day
1
week
Earn on cryptocurrency rate changes with InstaForex
Download MetaTrader 4 and open your first trade
  • Grand Choice
    Contest by
    InstaForex
    InstaForex always strives to help you
    fulfill your biggest dreams.
    JOIN CONTEST

Recommended Stories

U.S. Trade Deficit Hits Record High in March

The euro responded with an increase following the news that the U.S. trade deficit rose to a record level in March this year, as companies rushed to import goods, including

Jakub Novak 10:48 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Markets Will Not Be Dictated To

The market's eyes have finally opened. Donald Trump is not the kind of president who would lower tariffs in response to reciprocal reductions from other countries. The occupant

Marek Petkovich 09:56 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Is It Worth Hoping for a Strong Market Rally? (There is a high probability of continued growth in #SPX and #NDX)

Equity markets have improved, demand for cryptocurrencies has risen, yet gold prices dropped sharply after a local rally. Meanwhile, the U.S. dollar has remained almost unchanged against major currencies

Pati Gani 09:28 2025-05-07 UTC+2

USD/JPY: Is Further Decline Inevitable?

The Bank of Japan left its monetary policy unchanged during the monetary policy meeting on May 1. In the "Outlook for Economic Activity and Prices" report, the Bank lowered

Kuvat Raharjo 09:28 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Gold Returns to Growth

Gold has resumed its upward movement as investors analyzed trade-related comments from U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent while awaiting the Federal Reserve's decision on interest rates. Bessent recently stated that

Jakub Novak 09:14 2025-05-07 UTC+2

What to Pay Attention to on May 7? A Breakdown of Fundamental Events for Beginners

Very few macroeconomic events are scheduled for Wednesday, and in any case, they are unlikely to have any meaningful impact on either of the currency pairs. The euro remains

Paolo Greco 06:55 2025-05-07 UTC+2

GBP/USD Overview – May 7: Trump Didn't Get a Call from China, Had to Back Down

On Tuesday, while the euro remained stuck in a flat trend, the GBP/USD currency pair began a new upward move. The rally started on Monday, but during the U.S. session

Paolo Greco 03:35 2025-05-07 UTC+2

EUR/USD Overview – May 7: The Fed Meeting Becomes the Dollar's New "Headache"

The EUR/USD currency pair continued to trade strictly sideways on Tuesday. The broader flat market has now lasted for nearly a month, and in addition to that, the market seems

Paolo Greco 03:35 2025-05-07 UTC+2

Trade War as Part of Global Confrontation

Many may believe that the trade war initiated by Donald Trump is simply a tool to reduce the budget deficit and national debt. However, it becomes clear upon closer examination

Chin Zhao 01:06 2025-05-07 UTC+2

May FOMC Meeting: A Preview

We'll learn the results of the Federal Reserve's latest policy meeting on Wednesday. On one hand, it's a routine event with a predetermined outcome. On the other hand, the currency

Irina Manzenko 00:32 2025-05-07 UTC+2
Can't speak right now?
Ask your question in the chat.
Widget callback
 

Dear visitor,

Your IP address shows that you are currently located in the USA. If you are a resident of the United States, you are prohibited from using the services of InstaFintech Group including online trading, online transfers, deposit/withdrawal of funds, etc.

If you think you are seeing this message by mistake and your location is not the US, kindly proceed to the website. Otherwise, you must leave the website in order to comply with government restrictions.

Why does your IP address show your location as the USA?

  • - you are using a VPN provided by a hosting company based in the United States;
  • - your IP does not have proper WHOIS records;
  • - an error occurred in the WHOIS geolocation database.

Please confirm whether you are a US resident or not by clicking the relevant button below. If you choose the wrong option, being a US resident, you will not be able to open an account with InstaForex anyway.

We are sorry for any inconvenience caused by this message.