The Pound maintains strength as investors await the Bank of England’s decision on interest rates

    by VT Markets
    /
    Mar 18, 2025

    Pound Sterling (GBP) is showing a strong performance, with attention on the upcoming Bank of England (BoE) policy decision this week. The prevailing expectation is for no changes, given the persistent UK price trends.

    Currently, GBP is consolidating just below the 1.30 mark. Today’s upward movement indicates a potential retest of last week’s high at 1.2990, with a target of reaching 1.3035, while support is noted at 1.2925/30.

    Bank Of England Policy Expectations

    The British currency has been holding its ground as markets anticipate the Bank of England’s decision, which is widely expected to maintain the current policy stance. Inflationary trends in the UK remain elevated, reinforcing expectations that policymakers will hold steady in the near term.

    With Sterling hovering just below 1.30 against the US dollar, recent movements suggest that market participants are positioning for a possible retest of recent highs. The price action today has pointed towards the potential for an approach towards the 1.2990 level once again, with further upside towards 1.3035 if momentum sustains. On the downside, support appears firm at 1.2925/30, providing a foundation should there be any temporary pullbacks.

    From a trading perspective, this sets up a defined range where buyers are likely to step in on dips, particularly if broader sentiment remains supportive. At the same time, any failure to clear resistance levels decisively could result in contained movement until further catalysts emerge.

    While immediate attention is on the central bank’s decision, Sterling’s trajectory remains tied to ongoing inflation concerns, economic resilience, and external influences such as the US Federal Reserve’s own policy direction. Inflation data has continued to show persistence, which we believe reduces the likelihood of any near-term policy shift from the Bank of England. This, in turn, keeps rate expectations relatively stable, limiting downside risks for Sterling unless external shocks materialise.

    Global Market Influences

    Additionally, with broader risk sentiment fluctuating, the currency remains sensitive to global macroeconomic developments. In the short term, traders will be watching for any tweaks in central bank rhetoric, particularly concerning inflation forecasts and future policy intentions. If the Bank of England signals a firmer stance on rates, or if economic releases surprise to the upside, Sterling could find additional support for an extended move higher.

    For those navigating derivative markets, well-defined technical levels provide clear zones of interest. Stability in the UK’s inflation outlook and rate expectations means directional moves are likely to be more measured rather than abrupt. However, any deviation from the expected policy path or unexpected shifts in growth data could introduce volatility, creating both risk and opportunity.

    While the market remains focused on Sterling’s strength, external factors such as global risk sentiment and the US dollar’s behaviour must also be accounted for when structuring positions. With the BoE decision just ahead, attention will turn to both the policy announcement and any accompanying language that could provide insight into future moves.

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