GBPNZD - The pound, at peace?!The GBPNZD currency pair is below the EMA200 and EMA50 in the 4-hour timeframe and is trading in its ascending channel. If the downward trend continues, we can see the demand zone and buy this currency pair in that zone with the appropriate risk reward. The upward correction of this currency pair will provide us with the opportunity to sell it again.
According to Bloomberg, in response to rising borrowing costs, the UK bond market has requested that the government reduce the issuance of long-term bonds next year. During annual consultation meetings held on Monday, traders strongly advocated for a reduction in the maturity of bonds issued for the fiscal year 2025-2026 compared to current levels.
The majority of investors favor increasing the issuance of short-term bonds due to declining demand for long-term bonds from pension funds. The Debt Management Office mentioned in its meeting minutes that the market requires greater flexibility due to “uncertainty.”
The recent rise in UK bond yields has posed new challenges for the government, and these proposals could help the government adapt to the shifts in demand.
As reported by the Financial Times, UK Treasury Minister Rachel Reeves has expressed support for regulatory plans aimed at reducing restrictions on mortgage lending.These plans, which are being reviewed by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), aim to allow banks to take on more risk with mortgage loans, enabling more people to become homeowners.
In an interview with the Financial Times, Reeves stated her willingness to consider the FCA’s proposals for easing mortgage restrictions. She said, “I am fully prepared to explore ideas that can help working families achieve homeownership.”
This week, Reeves traveled to Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum and promote the UK as a prime destination for investment. This effort is part of the Labour government’s strategy to stimulate economic growth, as the UK experienced a recession in the second half of last year.
Given the stringent fiscal rules Reeves has imposed on herself and the decline in business confidence following her decision to raise employer national insurance contributions in the October budget, the Treasury Minister has faced significant political pressure since the start of the year. The Treasury is at the forefront of the government’s efforts to push regulators to introduce growth-enhancing measures. Last week, Reeves met with several UK regulatory officials to gather their ideas on this matter.
Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the number of job vacancies in the UK decreased to 812,000 in the quarter ending December. Additionally, the economic inactivity rate dropped to 21.6% in the three months ending November.
Traders have increased their bets on an interest rate cut by the Bank of England, expecting a reduction of 64 basis points this year.
Moreover, December data indicates that the UK’s public sector net debt (excluding banking groups) rose to £17.8 billion, up from the previous figure of £11.2 billion. Public sector tax receipts increased to £19.9 billion, a notable rise compared to the previous £13.0 billion. Similarly, central government net debt climbed to £19.9 billion, up from £16.3 billion previously.
Meanwhile, in the latest Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction in New Zealand, the GDT price index increased by 1.4%, while whole milk powder prices rose by 5%.
