GBP breakdown risks on painful wait for EU trade deal

GBP breakdown risks on painful wait for EU trade deal

Trade View 3 minutes to read
Medium Term / Sell
John J. Hardy

Chief Macro Strategist

Summary:  GBPUSD is at risk of a push lower as the harsh reality of the post-Brexit landscape becomes clear and the UK is left with little negotiation leverage against the EU in seeking a free trade deal. The market is poorly positioned for a new, drawn out phase of negotiations.


Instrument: GBPUSD
Price Target: 1.2710
Market Price: 1.2965

Background:

Sterling has been on a "honeymoon" with investors since Boris Johnson won a strong mandate at the December election as it paved the way for a quick Brexit at the end of January. But now, the harsh reality is catching up with the market as we all realize that the hard nut for the EU and the UK to crack was not the terms of the Withdrawal Agreement, but the shape of the eventual trade deal after the transition period. Boris Johnson has taken a hard line in claiming that he will seek a free trade deal and will accomplish this by year end.

Sterling could fall considerably as investments into the UK will prove slow as business owners wait for a trade deal before acting and on fears that the EU will do what it can to squeeze the London financial services complex.

The Bank of England is behind the curve, meanwhile, in providing the struggling UK economy with support on its operating assumption that the bounce in confidence would be enough to pull the UK economy higher. BoE rate cuts are therefore likely in the pipeline this year.

Technically, note the recent lows around 1.2940 and 1.2905 as possible triggers for a further consolidation toward the 200-day moving average - just above which we place the profit target for this Trade View.

 

Parameters:

Entry: 1.2940-1.2975
Stop: 1.3040
Target: 1.2710
Time Horizon: One to two weeks

 

Source: Saxo Group
Source: Saxo Group
Management And Risk Description:

The risk here is that price action proves choppy and the market directionless as investors are unwilling to commit to a directional trade on GBP, or that negotiations take on a friendly tone far more quickly than we anticipate. 

In other words, the chief risk is that the direction is wrong and/or that risk parameters for the trade are too tight (stop levels, etc.).

Quarterly Outlook

01 /

  • Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Quarterly Outlook

    Fixed Income Outlook: Bonds Hit Reset. A New Equilibrium Emerges

    Althea Spinozzi

    Head of Fixed Income Strategy

  • Equity Outlook: Will lower rates lift all boats in equities?

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equity Outlook: Will lower rates lift all boats in equities?

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    After a period of historically high equity index concentration driven by the 'Magnificent Seven' sto...
  • FX Outlook: USD in limbo amid political and policy jitters

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX Outlook: USD in limbo amid political and policy jitters

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

    As we enter the final quarter of 2024, currency markets are set for heightened turbulence due to US ...
  • Macro Outlook: The US rate cut cycle has begun

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro Outlook: The US rate cut cycle has begun

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    The Fed started the US rate cut cycle in Q3 and in this macro outlook we will explore how the rate c...
  • Commodity Outlook: Gold and silver continue to shine bright

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodity Outlook: Gold and silver continue to shine bright

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

  • FX: Risk-on currencies to surge against havens

    Quarterly Outlook

    FX: Risk-on currencies to surge against havens

    Charu Chanana

    Chief Investment Strategist

    Explore the outlook for USD, AUD, NZD, and EM carry trades as risk-on currencies are set to outperfo...
  • Equities: Are we blowing bubbles again

    Quarterly Outlook

    Equities: Are we blowing bubbles again

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    Explore key trends and opportunities in European equities and electrification theme as market dynami...
  • Macro: Sandcastle economics

    Quarterly Outlook

    Macro: Sandcastle economics

    Peter Garnry

    Chief Investment Strategist

    Explore the "two-lane economy," European equities, energy commodities, and the impact of US fiscal p...
  • Bonds: What to do until inflation stabilises

    Quarterly Outlook

    Bonds: What to do until inflation stabilises

    Althea Spinozzi

    Head of Fixed Income Strategy

    Discover strategies for managing bonds as US and European yields remain rangebound due to uncertain ...
  • Commodities: Energy and grains in focus as metals pause

    Quarterly Outlook

    Commodities: Energy and grains in focus as metals pause

    Ole Hansen

    Head of Commodity Strategy

    Energy and grains to shine as metals pause. Discover key trends and market drivers for commodities i...

A compiled overview of Trade Views provided on Home.saxo can be found here (https://www.home.saxo/en-gb/insights/news-and-research/trade-views/report).

Disclaimer

Any opinions, news, research, analyses, prices or other information contained on this website is provided as general market commentary and does not constitute investment advice or a personal recommendation and does not take into consideration your objectives, financial situation and needs. Saxo Capital Markets UK Limited will not accept liability for any loss or damage including, without limitation, to any loss of profit which may arise directly or indirectly from use of or reliance on such information. We assume no liability for errors, inaccuracies or omissions contained within these materials.

It is important that you understand that with investments, your capital is at risk. We offer leveraged products which carry risk and can result in losses that exceed deposits. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you make an informed decision about whether or not to invest with us. If you are still unsure if investing is right for you, please seek independent advice. To help you understand the risks involved we have put together a series of Key Information Documents (KIDs) highlighting the risks and rewards related to each product. Read more here.

Additional Key Information Documents are available in our trading platform.

Saxo Capital Markets UK is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 551422. Registered address: 26th Floor, 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DA. Company number 7413871

Please read our full disclaimer - https://www.home.saxo/en-gb/legal/disclaimer/saxo-disclaimer

Saxo
40 Bank Street, 26th floor
E14 5DA
London
United Kingdom

Contact Saxo

Select region

United Kingdom
United Kingdom

Trade Responsibly
All trading carries risk. To help you understand the risks involved we have put together a series of Key Information Documents (KIDs) highlighting the risks and rewards related to each product. Read more
Additional Key Information Documents are available in our trading platform.

Saxo is a registered Trading Name of Saxo Capital Markets UK Ltd (‘Saxo’). Saxo is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 551422. Registered address: 26th Floor, 40 Bank Street, Canary Wharf, London E14 5DA. Company number 7413871. Registered in England & Wales.

This website, including the information and materials contained in it, are not directed at, or intended for distribution to or use by, any person or entity who is a citizen or resident of or located in the United States, Belgium or any other jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, availability or use would be contrary to applicable law or regulation.

It is important that you understand that with investments, your capital is at risk. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. It is your responsibility to ensure that you make an informed decision about whether or not to invest with us. If you are still unsure if investing is right for you, please seek independent advice. Saxo assumes no liability for any loss sustained from trading in accordance with a recommendation.

Apple, iPad and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

©   since 1992