Market Analysis

Market AnalysisUK Growth Surges, Sterling Underpinned, FTSE 100 Prints a Fresh High

10 May, 2024

GBP/USD and FTSE100 Analysis and Charts

  • UK economy ‘going gangbusters’ – Office for National Statistics.
  • Sterling underpinned, FTSE 100 continues to print record highs.

Full ONS Q1 GDP Report

For all market-moving economic data and events, see the Economic Calendar

Interest rate cut expectations were pared back marginally post-data. The first 25 basis point BoE cut is seen in August, although the June meeting remains a live event, with the second cut forecast for November.

Cable ( GBP/USD ) moved slightly higher after the data release, helped in part by a weak US dollar . The 200-day simple moving average (1.2541) is now blocking a further higher and unless US data out later today weakens the greenback further, short-term cable upside may be limited.

GBP/USD Daily Price Chart

IG Retail data shows 57.48% of traders are net-long with the ratio of traders long to short at 1.35 to 1.The number of traders net-long is 9.60% lower than yesterday and 19.72% higher than last week, while the number of traders net-short is 2.23% higher than yesterday and 13.42% lower than last week.

We typically take a contrarian view to crowd sentiment, and the fact traders are net-long suggests GBP USD prices may continue to fall.

Download the Full Guide to See How Changes in IG Client Sentiment Can Help Your Trading Decisions

GBP/USD Bullish
of clients are net long. of clients are net short.
Change in Longs Shorts OI
Daily -15% 8% -1%
Weekly -10% 9% 2%

The FTSE 100 continues to post fresh all-time highs, with today’s GDP data sending the UK big board through the 8,400 barrier. The ongoing re-rating of the FTSE 100, and increased M&A activity has seen the index surge by around 1,000 points off this year’s low. Six green candles in a row underscore this week’s rally. Going into the weekend, the index may slow, but with UK economic confidence growing further, the outlook remains positive.

FTSE Daily Price Chart