United Overseas Bank’s (UOB) Quek Ser Leang and Lee Sue Ann report that GBP/USD fell sharply to 1.3527 and closed at 1.3540, contradicting expectations for range trading. Intraday, they see limited further losses within 1.3520–1.3570 due to oversold conditions. Over the coming weeks, risk stays skewed lower toward 1.3480 while the pair remains capped below 1.3600.

Pound under pressure near supports

“24-HOUR VIEW: Last Thursday, GBP fell to a low of 1.3571 before recovering to close little changed at 1.3594 (-0.03%). When GBP was at 1.3595 on Friday, we highlighted that “oversold conditions, combined with slowing momentum, suggest that instead of continuing to decline today, GBP is more likely to trade in a range of 1.3570/1.3620.” We were incorrect. Instead of trading in a range, GBP fell sharply to a low of 1.3527 before settling 0.40% lower at 1.3540. Conditions remain deeply oversold, and further sustained decline appears unlikely. Today, GBP may edge lower, but any decline should remain within a range of 1.3520/1.3570.”

“1-3 WEEKS VIEW: We turned slightly negative on GBP last Friday (28 Aug, spot at 1.3595), indicating that “there has been a slight increase in downward momentum, and GBP could edge lower.” However, we highlighted that “based on the prevailing momentum, any decline could be contained within a 1.3550/1.3645 range.” We did not anticipate downward momentum to increase so quickly, as GBP plunged to a low of 1.3527. The risk remains on the downside, and the level to watch is 1.3480. Overall, GBP is likely to remain under pressure as long as it holds below 1.3600 (‘strong resistance’ level). “