GBP/USD to Test 1.2260; Downside Remains Favored Due to Rising US CPI; UK GDP Watched

The GBP/USD pair has broken to the negative from its week-long consolidation between 1.2260 and 1.2400. The asset may test the lower range of consolidation to confirm the bears' strength, but the downside remains intact as rising US inflation data has increased the likelihood of a massive rate hike by the Federal Reserve (Fed) in June.

Wednesday's 8.3 percent reading for the US Consumer Price Index (CPI) surpassed the 8.1 percent forecast by theștiindștiind. Market analysts anticipated that the Fed's June monetary policy would include a 50 basis point (bps) interest rate hike in response to the US CPI reading of 8.1%. Now, a higher-than-anticipated US inflation rate has increased the likelihood of a 75 basis point rate hike. This has shook the foreign exchange market, and investors are selling risky assets like there is no tomorrow.

In the meantime, the US dollar index (DXY) is trying to maintain its position above 104.00, although the upside remains intact. Regarding the British pound, investors anticipate the announcement of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures. The quarterly GDP estimate for the United Kingdom is predicted to be 1 percent, compared to the previous estimate of 1.3%, while the annual estimate is projected to be 9 percent, compared to the previous estimate of 6.6%. A higher-than-anticipated UK GDP may protect the pound from additional losses, whilst a weaker-than-anticipated figure would accelerate the asset's decline.

GBP/USD