Pound Falls to Two-Week Low Amid Escalating Middle East Tensions
The British pound (GBP) has fallen to a two-week low against the US dollar (USD), reaching around $1.3485 on Thursday, as investors become increasingly risk-averse amid escalating tensions in the Middle East and concerns about an energy shock.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham's address to the House of Commons offered some limited support for the pound, reaffirming the government's commitment to fiscal discipline and reducing the debt burden. However, markets remain focused on Chancellor John Healy's upcoming statement on the government's programme, expected as early as next week.
The pound has been under pressure from expectations of a 25-basis-point Bank of England rate hike before year-end, driven by rising UK retail price inflation. Additionally, hawkish signals from the Federal Reserve, including comments from Kevin Warsh and increasing oil prices, have strengthened the dollar and put further downward pressure on the GBP/USD pair.
Technically, analysts expect a potential downside breakout in the coming days, with targets at $1.3450 if the pound breaks below its current consolidation range. A corrective move towards $1.3520 cannot be ruled out, but for now, the near-term direction of the GBP/USD pair will depend on US jobs data and geopolitical developments.