Inflation data is in focus
Daily Currency Update
There were only low-impact data releases on Friday. German CPI m/m came in as expected (0.2%) as the previous month's release. However, the inflation rate was lower in January at +2.9% which was the lowest figure since June 2021 (+2.4%). Italian industrial productions picked up in January, beating the previous release and forecast figure – of 1.1% achieved. Data remains thin today as we observe a week-long bank Holiday in China for New Year celebrations. Japan also has a bank holiday today. Federal and Bank of England members will hold the headlines today, with speeches on both sides of the pond this afternoon.GBP/USD continues to trade above 1.2600 and GBP/EUR remains above 1.1700. Support levels are now being seen on these rounded rates. EUR/USD tried to break 1.0800 earlier this morning but currently trades a little lower.
Key Movers
Inflation news will be anticipated by market participants this week with the US announcing its CPI numbers tomorrow. US Policymakers continue to say they are encouraged by the progress made on inflation but airing caution at the same time. This has seen a change in when the market expects the US to start cutting interest rates, which brings data announcements into focus as to whether inflation shows further signs of control. CPI data is also being released on Wednesday from the UK where the same focus will be given for GBP movement.Expected Ranges
- GBP/USD: 1.2580 - 1.2670 ▲
- GBP/EUR: 1.1690 - 1.1760 ▲
- GBP/AUD: 1.9280 - 1.9450 ▲
- EUR/USD: 1.0750 - 1.0820 ▲