GBP/USD Fluctuates Amidst UK Data & US Economic Signals

The GBP/USD exchange rate experienced volatility driven by a combination of UK economic data releases and developments in the US. Initially, the pair rose over 0.23% following the US Supreme Court's decision to block Trump-era tariffs and a weaker-than-expected US Q4 GDP report (1.4% YoY vs. 4.4% prior), alongside rising US Core PCE inflation (3% YoY). Stronger-than-expected UK Retail Sales data (1.8% MoM) and upbeat preliminary S&P Global PMI data provided further support for the Pound, briefly offsetting a five-day downtrend. However, market expectations of Bank of England rate cuts – currently pricing in a 25bp cut next month with further reductions expected – continue to weigh on the GBP. US economic data painted a mixed picture, with stagflationary concerns arising from the GDP and inflation figures. The pair traded around 1.3460-1.3494 throughout the period, with technical analysis indicating a bearish bias unless it reclaims 1.3490. The EUR/GBP cross weakened as the Pound strengthened.