British inflation stepped up and reached an annual level of 3.7%, significantly higher than 3.3% that was expected. A rate hike is becoming imminent. GBP/USD broke above resistance. The move continues.
GBP/USD Breakout – Click to enlarge
Inflation has been above the government’s target of 1-3% for a long time. The jump in the producer price index (PPI) reported on Friday, left the pound uncahnged, but the big breakout came after the main figure, CPI, came out significantly above expectations.
Core CPI also surprised and came out higher than expected at 2.9%, and the Retail Price Index (RPI), a figure which relates better to consumers (according to some analysts) came out as expected, at 4.8%, still high.
One member of the MPC, Andrew Sentance, already voted for a rate hike several times, but was alone. In a recent public appearance, the governor Mervyn King expressed concern over inflation. He usually dismissed it. Note that this figure is for December, and the situation might get worse in the report for January, as the higher VAT kicks in.
GBP/USD now trades at 1.6045. It was at around 1.5975 before the release of CPI. This 70 pip jump isn’t the end of story. The currency continues higher. On its way, the pound broke the important resistance line of 1.60. Not only is this a round number, it also served as both support and resistance since August, when it worked as tough peak.
Levels above are 1.6110 and 1.63. Below, 1.5910 and 1.5820 provide support below 1.60. See more technical levels in the British Pound Forecast.
