GBP/USD: Deputy head of the Bank of England doubts the stability of inflationary trends
The GBP/USD pair maintains an unstable "bearish" trend, trading near the 1.2550 mark and demonstrating attempts to break it. The dynamics of the pound today were negatively affected by data from the British Consortium of Retailers (BRC) on the retail sales index for November: the indicator fell by 0.6% after a 0.8% decrease in October, increasing concerns about the weakness of consumer demand in the UK.
Deputy Governor of the Bank of England Claire Lombardelli discussed three possible scenarios of economic development proposed by the Monetary Policy Committee and their impact on inflation and rates. The first scenario assumes that reducing external shocks will allow inflation to gradually return to the target level of 2.0%, which will create conditions for more active monetary policy easing. The second scenario, which corresponds to the current position of the regulator, assumes the preservation of strict parameters to control wage and price growth. Lombardelli noted the likelihood of a slowdown in wage growth to 3.5–4.0% and stabilization of inflation around 3.0%. The third scenario is of the greatest concern, which is associated with deep structural changes in the country's economy, which can provoke a prolonged inflationary cycle.
Tomorrow at 15:30 (GMT+2), the market will focus on the final data on US GDP for the third quarter: it is expected that the indicator will remain at the level of the previous estimate of 2.8% in annual terms. In addition, investors are waiting for statistics on household income and expenses, as well as the price index of personal consumption expenditures — a key indicator of inflation for the US Federal Reserve. A slight acceleration in annual terms is predicted from 2.1% to 2.3%, while the base index may increase by 0.3% on a monthly basis and 2.8% on an annual basis.
- Resistance levels: 1.2600, 1.2650, 1.2700, 1.2730.
- Support levels: 1.2500, 1.2450, 1.2400, 1.2350.
USD/CHF: employment data supported the strengthening of the franc
The USD/CHF pair recorded a decrease from the level of 0.8957 reached last week to the level of 0.8870, against the background of the publication of macroeconomic data from Switzerland.
In the third quarter, employment in the country increased to 5,528 million, exceeding the expectations of analysts who had predicted 5,500 million, and improving the result of the previous period of 5,499 million. This growth may become an important factor for the Swiss National Bank when deciding on further monetary policy at its meeting on December 12. Given the positive signals from the labor market, the regulator may keep the current interest rate at 1.00% or even consider raising it. At the same time, the attention of market participants is focused on the meeting of the US Federal Reserve scheduled for December 18, where the cost of borrowing is likely to decrease, which may increase pressure on the US dollar.
An additional driver in the markets was the appointment by Donald Trump of a new US Treasury secretary. He became 62-year-old Scott Bessent, a respected professional with extensive experience in financial management on Wall Street. Introducing his candidacy, Trump stressed that Bessent is not only an outstanding investor, but also a recognized expert in the field of geopolitics and economics. The appointment provoked a positive reaction from experts who are confident that the new head of the Ministry of Finance will be able to ensure stability and prevent abrupt changes in the economic course.
- Resistance levels: 0.8920, 0.9050.
- Support levels: 0.8800, 0.8750, 0.8625.
USD/CAD: retail sales in Canada strengthen the loonie rate
The USD/CAD pair continues to develop the bullish trend started the day before, trading around 1.4110 and updating the highs since May 2020.
One of the factors behind the strengthening of the US currency was the statements of US President-elect Donald Trump, who reiterated plans to impose additional tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China. This step, according to analysts, may slow down the reduction of interest rates by the US Federal Reserve and lead to an increase in consumer prices. At the same time, the candidate for the post of US Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, known for his cautious approach to economic policy, supported the idea of such measures, which strengthened investors' confidence in the consistency of the new administration.
The Canadian dollar, despite the pressure from the US currency, receives support from positive macroeconomic statistics. Thus, retail sales excluding cars increased by 0.9% in September against the expected 0.5%, while the overall figure remained at 0.4%, coinciding with forecasts. Chief Economist of CoStar Group Inc. Carl Gomez noted that the Bank of Canada's policy of lowering interest rates probably helped stabilize the housing market, but a recovery in its activity to previous levels remains unlikely. Most mortgage rates depend on the yield of government bonds, and not directly on the decisions of the regulator. Meanwhile, the yield on 10-year government of Canada bonds, a key indicator for long-term rates, remains at 3.5%, despite recent rate cuts to 3.75%.
- Resistance levels: 1.4145, 1.4200, 1.4250, 1.4300.
- Support levels: 1.4100, 1.4050, 1.4000, 1.3958.
Crude Oil market analysis
Brent Crude Oil prices remain under pressure, continuing the correction within the downtrend and trading just above the 72.00 mark. This dynamic was facilitated by the statements of US President-elect Donald Trump, who announced ambitious plans to reform the country's oil and gas sector.
Among Trump's key initiatives is the lifting of restrictions on the issuance of export licenses for new facilities related to liquefied natural gas (LNG). These measures were previously introduced by the Joe Biden administration, and their cancellation is expected to stimulate export growth. Also among the proposals of the future president is a reduction in the time frame for approving permits for oil drilling on federal lands and coastal waters of the United States, which now take up to 258 days. The new administration plans to support the expansion of the country's strategic reserves: currently, oil purchases in the reserve range from 3.0—5.0 million barrels per month, but Republicans consider such volumes insufficient and propose to increase them.
In addition, Donald Trump intends to review the influence of the International Energy Agency (IEA), seeking to mitigate environmental requirements and reduce lobbying for renewable energy sources. Analysts suggest that even partial implementation of these initiatives will lead to a significant increase in oil production in the United States and strengthen its export positions. This, in turn, will increase pressure on world prices for "black gold", creating new risks for balancing supply and demand in the market.
- Resistance levels: 74.00, 77.80.
- Support levels: 71.50, 68.40.