No Love for Pound as UK Growth Disappoints

This disappointing rebound from the painful -20.4% contraction witnessed in April reveals that the UK economy is recovering much slower than expected, despite the reopening of construction and manufacturing sectors. Any talks of a V-shaped recovery may be swept under the carpet for the time being, especially if data continues to miss market expectations.

On the bright side, there is a sense of optimism around growth in June and July experiencing a sharper rebound due to the re-opening of non-essential shops, leisure and hospitality sector. Regardless, the cost of coronavirus in the UK has been painfully expensive with the economy contracting 25% during March and April. Any signs of rising coronavirus cases in the United Kingdom could trigger fears of renewed lockdowns, ultimately hitting sentiment and threatening growth.

Appetite towards the British Pound is likely to fall further in the near term, as disappointing growth adds to the negative list of negative themes haunting investor attraction.
Looking at the technical picture, the GBPUSD is under pressure on the daily charts with prices trading below 1.2550 as of writing. Sustained weakness below this level may open a path towards 1.2400 and 1.2250.

GBPJPY approaches 134.00.

Expect the GBPJPY to trend lower in the short to medium term, especially after UK economic growth disappointed in May.
The currency pair is under pressure on the daily charts with prices approaching the 50 SMA. A solid breakdown below 134.00 may trigger a decline towards the 131.60 support. If prices can break back above 135.00, the GBPJPY has the potential to test 137.00.

EURGBP approaches 0.9100.

Prices seem to be pushing towards the 0.9100 resistance level. A clean break above this point could trigger a move higher towards 0.9100 in the short term.

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