GBP/USD Eases Back After a Strong Performance in July

The British pound was the best performer among the seven major currencies in July, gaining 5.5% against the greenback.

The dollar was under pressure throughout the month, weighed by optimism that central banks and governments would continue to support the global economy. The greenback is known as a safe-haven currency and often underperforms when the market’s appetite for risk is higher than usual.

In the UK, the economy took a firm step in a positive direction as lockdown restrictions were eased in July and businesses started to reopen.

The latest PMI report, released earlier today, showed the manufacturing sector growing for a second consecutive month. Data on Friday revealed a strong rebound in the services sector and a sharp push higher in UK house prices.

On the other hand, ongoing talks in reaching a trade deal with Europe have not been going so well. Last month, several media outlets reported that the UK government expects an agreement won’t be reached by the deadline. Further, the UK waived its right in June to extend the transition and negotiating period beyond December.

Later in the North American session, the US will release its latest PMI figures for the manufacturing sector.

Technical Analysis

GBP/USD trades about half a percent lower ahead of the North American open on Monday. The pair reached a high of 1.3170 last week, stopping short of testing major resistance at 1.3262 seen on a monthly chart.

Considering the recent upward momentum, buyers are likely to support the pair on near-term dips. But at the same time, the risk to reward does not appear all that favorable for buyers with a longer-term view since resistance at 1.3262 has held the pair lower for more than two years.

Friday’s daily candle suggests some exhaustion that could cap near-term rallies. Today’s daily close will be important. A close near Thursday’s open, around 1.3000 would result in the formation of a reversal candlestick pattern on a daily chart.

Bottom Line

• GBP/USD has pushed slightly lower after an impressive gain in July.
• The decline on Friday ended a 10 consecutive day bullish streak.
• The pair is weighed by a dollar recovery as the greenback is seen advancing against its major counterparts after hitting a two-year low on Friday.

For a look at all of today’s economic events, check out our economic calendar.