When is the UK Services PMI and how could it affect GBP/USD?

The UK Services PMI Overview

The United Kingdom (UK) docket has the preliminary Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for March to be released by the S&P Global on Tuesday, later this session at 09:30 GMT.

S&P Global Services PMI is expected to come in at 53.0 in March, inching down from 53.9 recorded in the previous month.

How could it affect GBP/USD?

GBP/USD may remain subdued if the S&P Global Services PMI meets expectations, potentially adding downward pressure on the Pound Sterling (GBP) amid persistent risk aversion linked to the Middle East concerns. Traders will shift their focus toward the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) and Retail Sales data due on Wednesday.

The Pound Sterling may strengthen as the Bank of England’s (BoE) outlook points to an extended pause due to inflation concerns linked to surging oil prices. Analysts expect possible rate hikes in 2026. The BoE held rates steady at 3.75% at its March meeting, in line with expectations.

The US Dollar (USD) strengthens against the British Pound amid heightened uncertainty surrounding the Iran conflict. Geopolitical risks have intensified as US-aligned Gulf states move closer to direct involvement in the Iran conflict. Potential attacks on critical energy infrastructure would raise fears of broader regional instability. Traders remain focused on the incoming flash S&P Global US PMI for March due later in the day, which could provide fresh insights into the health of the US economy.

Technically, the GBP/USD pares its daily losses and is trading around 1.3420 at the time of writing. The immediate barrier lies at the 50-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA) of 1.3446, aligned with the potential level of 1.3450. On the downside, the nine-day EMA at 1.3381 is acting as an immediate support.

Pound Sterling FAQs

What is the Pound Sterling?

The Pound Sterling (GBP) is the oldest currency in the world (886 AD) and the official currency of the United Kingdom. It is the fourth most traded unit for foreign exchange (FX) in the world, accounting for 12% of all transactions, averaging $630 billion a day, according to 2022 data. Its key trading pairs are GBP/USD, also known as ‘Cable’, which accounts for 11% of FX, GBP/JPY, or the ‘Dragon’ as it is known by traders (3%), and EUR/GBP (2%). The Pound Sterling is issued by the Bank of England (BoE).

How do the decisions of the Bank of England impact on the Pound Sterling?

The single most important factor influencing the value of the Pound Sterling is monetary policy decided by the Bank of England. The BoE bases its decisions on whether it has achieved its primary goal of “price stability” – a steady inflation rate of around 2%. Its primary tool for achieving this is the adjustment of interest rates. When inflation is too high, the BoE will try to rein it in by raising interest rates, making it more expensive for people and businesses to access credit. This is generally positive for GBP, as higher interest rates make the UK a more attractive place for global investors to park their money. When inflation falls too low it is a sign economic growth is slowing. In this scenario, the BoE will consider lowering interest rates to cheapen credit so businesses will borrow more to invest in growth-generating projects.

How does economic data influence the value of the Pound?

Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact the value of the Pound Sterling. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, and employment can all influence the direction of the GBP. A strong economy is good for Sterling. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the BoE to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen GBP. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Pound Sterling is likely to fall.

How does the Trade Balance impact the Pound?

Another significant data release for the Pound Sterling is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought-after exports, its currency will benefit purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance.