United Overseas Bank’s (UOB) Quek Ser Leang notes GBP/USD invalidated a recent neutral call by breaking above 1.3555 and closing higher near 1.3532. Intraday, the British Pound (GBP) may extend toward 1.3570, with 1.3600 as firm resistance. Over the next 1–3 weeks, the upside bias remains intact while above 1.3495, though gains are expected to stall near 1.3600.

Sterling maintains constructive upside bias

“24-HOUR VIEW: We expected GBP “to trade between 1.3475 and 1.3515” last Friday. We were incorrect, as GBP soared to a high of 1.3561 before pulling back to close at 1.3532 (+0.33%). While upward momentum has slowed somewhat with the pullback, GBP could rise further toward 1.3570. We do not expect the major resistance at 1.3600 to come into view. To keep the momentum going, GBP must hold above 1.3510, with minor support at 1.3525.”

“1-3 WEEKS VIEW: After holding a slightly positive GBP view for about two weeks, we revised our view to neutral last Friday (14 Aug, spot at 1.3490). We highlighted that “upward momentum has largely faded.” We also highlighted that “for the time being, GBP is likely to trade in a range between 1.3440 and 1.3540.” Our shift in view was premature, as GBP rose sharply, breaking above the major resistance at 1.3555 (high was 1.3561). While we would have preferred a more decisive break above 1.3555, the move is sufficient to indicate that the upward bias remains intact. That said, any advance is expected to face firm resistance at 1.3600. Overall, only a breach of 1.3495 (‘strong support’ level) would indicate that GBP is not ready to move toward 1.3600.”