POUND STERLING RISES AGAINST USD AS MARKET SENTIMENT IMPROVES

Tina Collins

21 Feb 2025

GBP/USD rises to around 1.2615 as market sentiment improves.

Investors await developments in President Trump's international policies.

FOMC minutes show concern over inflation risks.

UK Retail Sales and PMI data for February due on Friday.

Trump’s optimistic trade deal comments with China boost risk appetite, despite tariff announcements.

GERMAN MANUFACTURING BEATS EXPECTATIONS, SERVICES SECTOR GROWS

GERMAN MANUFACTURING BEATS EXPECTATIONS, SERVICES SECTOR GROWS S&P Global released Germany’s February PMI for manufacturing and services. Manufacturing activity outperformed expectations but remained in contraction. The services sector saw growth for the second consecutive month. Overall, mixed results for Germany’s economic sectors.

CANADA'S RETAIL SALES BEAT EXPECTATIONS IN JANUARY

CANADA'S RETAIL SALES BEAT EXPECTATIONS IN JANUARY Canada’s retail sales grew by 2.7% in January, surpassing expectations of 1.7% growth. January’s growth follows a 0.7% contraction in December. Positive data signals strong consumer spending.

EUR/USD STAYS BELOW 1.0500 AFTER GERMAN AND EU PMI DATA

EUR/USD is trading below 1.0500 on Friday. German and Eurozone data showed only small growth in business activity for February. Investors are waiting for US PMI data for further market direction.

XAU/USD DOWN BUT NOT OUT AHEAD OF US PMI DATA

XAU/USD DOWN BUT NOT OUT AHEAD OF US PMI DATA Gold price pulls back from near all-time highs of $2,955, anticipating US PMI data. The US Dollar attempts a recovery despite sluggish US Treasury bond yields. Gold remains exposed to upside risks, with a positive daily technical setup.

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GERMAN MANUFACTURING BEATS EXPECTATIONS, SERVICES SECTOR GROWS

CANADA'S RETAIL SALES BEAT EXPECTATIONS IN JANUARY

EUR/USD STAYS BELOW 1.0500 AFTER GERMAN AND EU PMI DATA

XAU/USD DOWN BUT NOT OUT AHEAD OF US PMI DATA