Despite some sloppy GDP data for October reported Friday and today’s less than stellar December PMIs, there is little anticipation of any BoE rate action this week. Markets have priced in just 2bps of easing risk for the decision Thursday, Scotiabank’s Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne notes.  

GBP trades off early high

“The Pound Sterling (GBP) picked up a little ground on the US Dollar (USD) from the start of trade in Asia and gains accelerated a little around this morning’s data, which saw a small beat on the Services PMI. EURGBP edged back under 0.83.”

“GBP/USD has recovered a little of last week’s drop in trade so far today but the intraday look of price action suggests a short-term block at least on gains through the upper 1.26s that may undermine a further rebound. Some sideways trading between support at 1.2600/10 and 1.2670/75 may result.”