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GBP/USD Holds Near 1.2970 Amid USD Weakness and Market Caution

GBP/USD hovers near 1.2970 as USD weakness persists.

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Arslan Ali Butt
Editor at AAFX.IO
Mar 17, 2025
Updated Mar 17, 2025
GBP/USD Holds Near 1.2970 Amid USD Weakness and Market Caution

GBP/USD continues its upward momentum, hovering around the 1.2970 level as renewed selling pressure on the US dollar supports the pair. Investors remain focused on the upcoming Bank of England (BoE) policy meeting later this week.

  • GBP/USD remains in the upper half of its ascending regression channel.
  • The 4-hour RSI indicator stays above 50, signaling limited selling pressure.
  • Key support levels: 1.2920 (50-period SMA), 1.2870 (static level), and 1.2790-1.2780 (100-period SMA).
  • Key resistance levels: 1.2970 (static level), 1.3000 (round level), and 1.3060 (upper channel limit).

Market Sentiment and Upcoming Data Releases

During European trading hours, US stock index futures slipped by 0.5%, reflecting cautious market sentiment. Despite this, GBP/USD maintains support, with traders avoiding major moves ahead of significant macroeconomic events.

Key economic events to watch:

  • Wednesday: The Federal Reserve announces its interest rate decision and releases updated economic projections (dot plot).
  • Thursday: The Bank of England is expected to hold interest rates steady.
  • Monday: The US reports February Retail Sales, projected to grow 0.7% after a 0.9% decline in January.

Potential GBP/USD Movements

A weaker-than-expected US retail Sales report could put downward pressure on the USD, providing an immediate lift to GBP/USD. However, a bearish turn in Wall Street markets could later support the greenback, capping the pound’s gains.

Sources & Methodology

Primary-source standard: Market-moving facts should link to original data releases, regulator notices, company filings or official project announcements whenever available. Secondary reporting is used for additional context, not as a substitute for original evidence.

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Market information only: This article is for informational and educational purposes and does not constitute investment advice. Trading and investing involve risk, including possible loss of capital. Verify current prices and terms before making financial decisions.
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Arslan Ali Butt
Arslan Ali Butt is the founder and Lead Market Analyst at AAFX.io, with more than a decade of experience covering forex, cryptocurrencies, commodities, equities, and global macroeconomic trends. He holds an MBA in Finance and an MPhil in Behavioral Finance, combining academic research with practical market experience in technical analysis, dealing-desk operations, risk management, market sentiment, and trading psychology. Since 2014, Arslan has produced data-driven market analysis, price forecasts, trading education, and live webinars for international audiences. His research and commentary have been published by FXEmpire, FXLeaders, FXStreet, TradingKey, Cryptonews, KuCoin Learn, InsideBitcoins, Business2Community, ForexCrunch, EconomyWatch, ACY Securities, and FlowBank. Through AAFX.io, he provides independent, transparent, and clearly sourced market news and analysis designed to help readers understand financial markets and make better-informed decisions.
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Publisher clarification: AAFX.IO is an independent financial news publisher and is not affiliated with AAFX Trading or any similarly named forex broker.