Headline: GBP/USD Advances as USD Softens; Markets Eye December Rate Decisions
The US dollar slipped broadly last week even after upbeat ADP employment and ISM Services PMI data, signaling fatigue in the recent USD uptrend. Futures now imply roughly a 63% chance of a Federal Reserve rate cut in December, with upcoming NFP and CPI releases likely to determine the outcome. In the UK, the Bank of England left rates unchanged in a narrow 5–4 vote as Deputy Governor Breeden joined the dovish camp, initially bolstering expectations for a December cut. Governor Andrew Bailey later stressed that any move remains contingent on further evidence of easing inflation, and markets currently price around a 57% probability of a BoE cut next month.
On the technical front, GBP/USD broke above the key 1.3140 level, improving momentum and shifting focus toward a major trendline near 1.3250. Buyers are expected to defend dips toward 1.3140 and along the rising short-term trendline, while sellers will look for a decisive move back below 1.3140 to regain control and target fresh lows. On the 4-hour and 1-hour timeframes, the minor uptrend remains intact, with intraday support levels guiding the bullish bias unless trendline support gives way.
The near-term calendar is relatively light, but notable catalysts include the UK employment report and US ADP this week, followed by the UK GDP print on Thursday. With the Fed and BoE both data-dependent into December, sterling and the US dollar could see sharp moves around labor and inflation releases, keeping GBP/USD sensitive to surprises on growth and price pressures.
Key Points: – USD weakened broadly despite strong US ADP and ISM Services PMI, hinting at a short-term top. – Markets price about a 63% chance of a Fed rate cut in December; NFP and CPI remain pivotal. – BoE held rates in a 5–4 split, with Breeden voting for a 25 bps cut; December easing seen as data-dependent. – Market odds imply roughly a 57% chance of a BoE cut next month. – GBP/USD cleared 1.3140, with buyers eyeing a run toward the 1.3250 trendline. – Key supports: 1.3140 and rising intraday trendlines; a break below would weaken the bullish setup.
