GBPUSD could move sharply on Mays Brexit speech

So, all eyes will be on UK Prime Minister Theresa May today as she delivers a key speech on Brexit in Florence. May is expected to lay out the UK government’s long term strategy for Brexit and unlock negotiations with the Europeans by specifying the size of the divorce bill that the UK is willing to pay. In addition, she will probably ask for a transition period which will assure access to the Customs Union and Single Market once the UK officially leaves the European Union in March 2019. Whether and how the pound may react will depend to a large degree on the hard vs. soft Brexit rhetoric from the PM. A soft split from the EU would probably provide the pound some support and may trigger another rally in sterling. Anything but that could lead to some profit-taking after the cable sharp rally last week as a result of a hawkish Bank of England.

Indeed, the GBP/USD may have gone up too far too fast to be able to sustain its rally without at least a pause or a small retracement. This is highlighted, for example, by the daily RSI reaching ‘overbought’ levels of >70. But this alone does not necessarily point to a drop, as so far none of the key support levels have broken down to suggest the buyers are losing control. However, that could change in the event price falls below the 1.3445-1.3505 key support area, perhaps as a result of May’s speech today. But even if this were to happen, we would expect the pullback to be limited due to a now hawkish Bank of England. Perhaps the best that could happen for the cable is more consolidation around current levels. This would help the RSI to unwind from overbought levels through time rather than price, which would be bullish. In any event, any sustained break above the 1.3615-1.3650 range could pave the way for further near-term gains. If this were to happen, the cable may then rise towards the next bullish objectives at 1.3835/55, followed by 1.4000/4050 area next. The first of these two targets marks the convergence of the long-term 61.8% Fibonacci retracement level with the February 2016 low. The second target, as well as being a psychologically-important level, marks the pre-Brexit vote low. I can’t see the cable going north of 1.40 in the medium term, given the ongoing Brexit uncertainty.

StoneX Financial Ltd (trading as “City Index”) is an execution-only service provider. This material, whether or not it states any opinions, is for general information purposes only and it does not take into account your personal circumstances or objectives. This material has been prepared using the thoughts and opinions of the author and these may change. However, City Index does not plan to provide further updates to any material once published and it is not under any obligation to keep this material up to date. This material is short term in nature and may only relate to facts and circumstances existing at a specific time or day. Nothing in this material is (or should be considered to be) financial, investment, legal, tax or other advice and no reliance should be placed on it.

No opinion given in this material constitutes a recommendation by City Index or the author that any particular investment, security, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. The material has not been prepared in accordance with legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research. Although City Index is not specifically prevented from dealing before providing this material, City Index does not seek to take advantage of the material prior to its dissemination. This material is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person in any country or jurisdiction where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation.

For further details see our full non-independent research disclaimer and quarterly summary.

CFDs are complex instruments and come with a high risk of losing money rapidly due to leverage. 69% of retail investor accounts lose money when trading CFDs with this provider. You should consider whether you understand how CFDs work and whether you can afford to take the high risk of losing your money. CFD and Forex Trading are leveraged products and your capital is at risk. They may not be suitable for everyone. Please ensure you fully understand the risks involved by reading our full risk warning.

City Index is a trading name of StoneX Financial Ltd. Head and Registered Office: 1st Floor, Moor House, 120 London Wall, London, EC2Y 5ET. StoneX Financial Ltd is a company registered in England and Wales, number: 05616586. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FCA Register Number: 446717.

City Index is a trademark of StoneX Financial Ltd.

The information on this website is not targeted at the general public of any particular country. It is not intended for distribution to residents in any country where such distribution or use would contravene any local law or regulatory requirement.