GBP/USD: Higher than expected wage growth push the GBP up – Scotiabank

UK labour market data reflected a larger than expected jump in Average Weekly Earnings in October (to 5.2%, from 4.4%) while ex-bonus pay also rose (5.2%, from 4.9%), Scotiabank’s Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes, Scotiabank’s Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.  

GBP adds to Monday’s gains

“Unemployment was unchanged at 4.6% while jobless claims were all but flat. Higher wage growth—the first pickup in a year—has tempered prospects for BoE rate cuts in 2025, with the first full 25bps ease priced out of the March swaps contract and pushed to May. Sterling has firmed modestly against the USD and picked up a bit more ground again versus the EUR.”

“The Pound Sterling (GBP) traded positively yesterday, forming a bullish engulfing line on the daily candle. Spot gains have extended marginally so far today but the pound is having some trouble holding gains above 1.27. A push through 1.2710/15 is needed to see a little more upside momentum towards 1.2750/75 develop. Support is 1.2665 and 1.2610.”