Following weak UK retail sales, robust US data led to a decline in GBP/USD exchange rate

    by VT Markets
    /
    Jul 26, 2025

    The GBP/USD falls to a daily low after dropping below 1.3500 due to robust US economic data supporting the Federal Reserve’s current monetary stance. Conversely, weak UK retail sales figures further undermine the pair, leading it to trade at 1.3434, showing a 0.52% decrease.

    Pound Sterling shows weakness against major peers as UK retail sales and PMI only experience modest gains. The Office for National Statistics reports slower-than-expected retail sales growth in June.

    Declining Gbp Usd Pair

    The GBP/USD pair continues its decline to about 1.3490 during Asian trading hours, influenced by increasing demand for the US Dollar. Market participants adopt a cautious approach anticipating US President Donald Trump’s tariff deadline and an upcoming Federal Reserve policy meeting.

    Caution is advised when considering assets mentioned, with no guarantee of error-free information. Thorough personal research is encouraged, as trading forex involves high risk, and the potential for loss of all or part of the investment exists. It is suggested to seek advice from an independent financial advisor to fully understand the risks associated with forex trading.

    We believe derivative traders should anticipate continued weakness in the sterling-dollar exchange rate. Recent US inflation data, while moderating to 3.3% in May, remains well above the central bank’s target, justifying its firm policy. This suggests the dollar’s strength will persist against its counterparts.

    Uk Economic Concerns

    The concerns over the British economy are not unfounded, as the retail sales figures have worsened since the initial reports. More recent data from the national statistics office shows a sharp 2.3% fall in May sales volumes, a much weaker performance than anticipated. This points to a struggling UK consumer, likely prompting the Bank of England to consider cutting rates sooner than its American equivalent.

    In response, we see value in strategies that profit from a decline, such as purchasing put options on the currency pair. This approach allows traders to capitalize on the downward trend while defining their maximum risk to the premium paid. Historical data from the 2022 UK “mini-budget” crisis, which saw the pair fall toward parity, shows how quickly sentiment can drive severe weakness.

    Market participants are right to maintain a cautious approach, especially with potential political shifts in the United States. The prospect of trade policies under a potential second term for Mr. Trump introduces significant uncertainty and could trigger safe-haven demand for the dollar. We advise traders to factor in heightened volatility around key political dates and policy announcements.

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