Sterling slipped towards 1.3400 against the dollar after UK inflation data eased expectations for tighter Bank of England policy, while firm US retail spending lent support to the greenback ahead of the Federal Reserve decision. GBP/USD was down more than 0.22%, with risk appetite mixed as US equities swung between gains and losses. Markets expect the Fed to keep rates unchanged and refresh its Summary of Economic Projections, after which new Chair Kevin Warsh is due to hold his first press conference. Prime Terminal data show traders pricing a nearly 20% chance of a Fed rate rise towards the end of 2026.
US Retail Sales rose 0.9% month-on-month in May, above the 0.5% consensus, as gas station sales jumped 3.4%; 11 of 13 categories increased. In the UK, May CPI held at 2.8% year-on-year, under forecasts for 3%, and money-market pricing for BoE tightening shifted from 50 basis points a week ago to 30 bps. On charts, GBP/USD traded at 1.3397, below resistance at 1.3432, the simple moving average near 1.3475 and a broader downtrend line around 1.3551, while the 14-day RSI sat in the mid-40s.
US-UK Economic Divergence and Event Risk
We believe the divergence between the US and UK economies presents a clear opportunity. The stronger-than-expected US retail sales, which rose 0.9% in May, contrast sharply with the UK inflation figure that missed estimates at 2.8%. This fundamental split reinforces a bearish outlook on the GBP/USD pair for the coming weeks.
Tonight’s Federal Reserve meeting is the immediate focus, introducing significant event risk, especially with Kevin Warsh leading his first press conference. Foreign exchange volatility indexes, like the CBOE British Pound Volatility Index (BPVIX), have been ticking up, suggesting option premiums are rising in anticipation of a potential market shock. We should therefore consider buying put options to protect against or profit from a sharp downward move while limiting our risk.
Market Positioning and Trading Strategy
The resilience of the US consumer, with 11 of 13 retail categories showing growth, suggests the market is underpricing the chance of a Fed rate hike. The current 20% probability of a hike by year-end seems low, and we expect the Fed’s updated economic projections could signal a more hawkish stance than anticipated. Historically, when Fed expectations have shifted hawkishly against other central banks, the dollar has seen sustained rallies, similar to the trend seen in late 2022.
On the other side of the trade, the pound is losing its primary support, which was the prospect of aggressive Bank of England rate hikes. With markets now pricing in just a 30-bps tightening, down from 50 bps last week, the path of least resistance for Sterling is lower. Upcoming UK growth data is unlikely to be strong enough to reverse this sentiment, adding further weight to the pound.
From a trading perspective, we see the technical resistance between 1.3432 and 1.3475 as a key zone to position for further downside. A break below the 1.3397 level could accelerate selling pressure, and we can use this as a trigger for entering new short positions. We will be using put spreads to cheapen the cost of entry while targeting a move toward the 1.3200 area over the next month.
