UK mixed data, election turmoil weigh on Pound Sterling – Scotiabank

Data from the United Kingdom reflects a mixed picture of the economy. The Pound Sterling (GBP) has underperformed on the week relative to most of its core peers, Scotiabank’s Chief FX Strategist Shaun Osborne says.

GBP struggles to find foothold

“UK Retail Sales rose a stronger than expected 2.9% in May, reflecting a rebound in activity after a depressed April (revised slightly higher to 1.8%). PMI data reflected slightly stronger than expected Manufacturing (51.4) but the Services and Composite data were below consensus estimates.”

“Sterling’s technical tone has weakened in the past few sessions. Recall that the GBP closed bearishly on the week last Friday. Loss of support in the upper 1.26s leaves the Pound struggling for a foothold amid some clear deterioration in the intraday and daily trend strength oscillators.”

“Support is 1.2580 (50% retracement of the April/June rebound). Look for resistance on minor rebounds to the upper 1.26s from here.”