21.12.202312:42 Forex Analysis & Reviews: The inflation report is the cause of all the troubles for the British pound

On the hourly chart, the GBP/USD pair reversed in favor of the US dollar on Wednesday, consolidating below the Fibonacci level of 61.8% (1.2715). A new decline towards the support zone of 1.2584–1.2604 began, which the bears have not reached yet. Today, this zone could be tested. A rebound from it would expect a reversal in favor of the euro and a return to the 61.8% level. Firmly establishing below 1.2584–1.2604 increases the probability of continued decline towards the levels of 1.2513 and 1.2453.

The wave situation is changing in favor of bearish traders. The last upward wave failed to surpass the previous peak (from December 15), thus providing the first sign of a trend change to a "bearish" one. The new downward wave broke the previous low by only a few points. Thus, the prospects for bears remain somewhat unclear, but I still anticipate that this wave is not yet complete, and its target – the zone of 1.2584–1.2604 – will be reached. The new "bearish" trend may take longer than it currently appears.

Yesterday, the inflation report for November in the UK ensured the pound's decline. Despite the skepticism about inflation reduction just a few months ago, Andrew Bailey, who forecasted a return below 5%, turned out to be right. As announced yesterday, the Consumer Price Index has dropped to 3.9%, with December still ahead. Inflation may fall even further before the New Year, much to the delight of the Bank of England.

However, the Bank of England must rejoice in this event in proud solitude. For the pound, news of inflation reduction is negative as it sharply reduces the chances of further tightening the Bank of England's policy. Yesterday, we saw firsthand how traders reacted to the decline in inflation. If today's US GDP report is not weaker than forecasted, bears will have excellent chances to push the zone of 1.2584–1.2604. I believe that in the coming days, a decline in the pair to the level of 1.2513, from which the price bounced three times before, is possible.

On the 4-hour chart, the pair consolidated below the corrective level of 61.8% (1.2745) and fell to 1.2620. Thus, quotes remain within the ascending trend corridor, and a rebound from its upper line and the level of 1.2745 suggests a decline to the lower line. I expect a significant pound drop only after consolidating below the ascending trend corridor. There are no apparent divergences with any indicator today. A rebound of quotes from the lower line of the ascending corridor will maintain the current "bullish" trend.

Forecast for GBP/USD and trader advice:

Sales of the pound could be opened on a rebound from the zone of 1.2788–1.2801 and on closing below the level of 1.2715. Currently, these deals can be kept open with a target of 1.2604. Today, traders can rely only on the US GDP report, which may support sellers who are simultaneously buyers of the dollar. However, a weaker GDP value than +5.2% will contribute to the pair's return to 1.2715. Purchases will be possible on a rebound from the zone of 1.2584–1.2604 on the hourly chart with a target of 1.2715, but caution is advised when buying the pound.