GBP / USD : Sterling Hits Resistance at $1.3230 as Shop Prices Mark First Drop in Three Years

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UK currency had its second day in red in 13 trading sessions as shop prices deflated by 0.3% in August.

The GBP /USD pair snapped a seven-day winning run on Monday when the exchange rate hit fresh resistance at $1.3230. The pair was drifting mostly sideways to kick off Tuesday deals this morning. It floated near $1.3190 to $1.32 after the latest batch of news showed the UK economy was moderating in a key segment. Shop prices marked their first deflation in nearly three years.

The British Retail Consortium said Tuesday that shop prices turned negative by an annual rate of 0.3% in August. The figure was down from a 0.2% increase in July and the first dip under the flatline since October 2021. Discounted summer clothes and other items added to the price declines, which were already in motion thanks to weak sales and rainy weather.

The drop should come as a glimmer of hope to households who have been impacted by the continued cost of living crunch. Still, it’s only a tiny reprieve as food costs continue to rise. Headline inflation for July hit 2.2%, above the Bank of England’s 2% target but below estimates. The sterling, in the meantime, is flaunting gains of 4.5% in the past 13 trading sessions with only two days in red.