GBP/USD To Eye June High On Stronger U.K. 1Q GDP

 | Jun 30, 2015 01:30AM ET

Why Is This Event Important:

Signs of a stronger recovery may spur a growing dissent within the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) as board member Martin Weale sees scope to raise the benchmark interest rate as early as August, and we may see a growing number of BoE officials adopt a hawkish tone over the coming months should the fundamental developments coming out of the U.K. boost the outlook for growth and inflation.

Expectations: Bullish Argument/Scenario

Release

Expected

Actual

Retail Sales inc. Auto Fuel (MoM) (MAY)

-0.1%

0.2%

Weekly Average Earnings ex. Bonus (3MoY) (APR)

2.5%

2.7%

Industrial Production (MoM) (APR)

0.1%

0.4%

The pickup in private sector consumption along with the expansion in business outputs may generate a strong growth figure, and a marked upward revision may boost interest rate expectations as the BoE remains on course to normalize monetary policy.

Risk: Bearish Argument/Scenario

Release

Expected

Actual

Mortgage Approvals (MAY)

68.8K

64.4K

BBA Loans for House Purchases (MAY)

43.4K

42.5K

Construction Output s.a. (MoM) (APR)

0.1%

-0.8%

However, the slowdown in building activity along with the softening in private-sector credit may lead to a lackluster GDP print, and fears of a slower recovery may drag on the British Pound as it gives the central bank greater scope to retain its wait-and-see approach throughout 2015.

How To Trade This Event Risk(Video )

Bullish GBP Trade: U.K. Economy Expands Annualized 2.5% or Greater

  • Need to see green, five-minute candle following the GDP report to consider a long trade on GBP/USD.
  • If market reaction favors a long sterling trade, buy GBP/USD with two separate position.
  • Set stop at the near-by swing low/reasonable distance from entry; look for at least 1:1 risk-to-reward.
  • Move stop to entry on remaining position once initial target is hit; set reasonable limit.

Bearish GBP Trade: 1Q GDP Falls Short of Market Expectations

  • Need red, five-minute candle to favor a short GBP/USD trade.
  • Implement same setup as the bullish sterling trade, just in reverse.

Potential Price Targets For The Release

GBP/USD Daily

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