GBP/USD: December 17. Massive Wage Growth in the UK

On the hourly chart, the GBP/USD pair on Monday rebounded from the support zone 1.2611–1.2620, triggering an upward movement. Today, the pound almost reached the resistance zone 1.2709–1.2734. A rebound from this zone will favor the US dollar and resume the decline towards 1.2611–1.2620. Closing above 1.2734 will increase the likelihood of further growth to the resistance zone 1.2788–1.2801.

The wave situation is clear. The last upward wave broke the previous peak, while the new downward wave has not yet broken the previous low. Thus, a bullish trend formally remains intact. However, I believe this bullish trend may be weak or already concluded. Either way, over the past few days, many precise signals have been generated. For a new bearish trend to begin, the pair must close below 1.2611–1.2620.

On Monday, the news background for the pound was similar to that for the euro and the US dollar. However, the pound received a strong graphical signal around the 1.2611–1.2620 zone, which gave bulls the upper hand. The UK's PMI figures showed similar results to those in the EU or US: the manufacturing sector declined, while the services sector improved.

This morning, three new reports were released in the UK. The unemployment rate remained unchanged, and the number of unemployed increased by only 0.3K compared to the expected 28K. However, the biggest disappointment came from average wages, which grew by 5.2% compared to forecasts of 4.6%. Strong wage growth indicates that UK inflation is likely to rise in the coming months, making it almost impossible for the Bank of England to ease monetary policy. Bulls immediately received the support needed to develop their upward momentum.

On the 4-hour chart, the pair reversed in favor of the US dollar, broke below the 61.8% corrective level at 1.2728, and dropped to 1.2620. As I warned earlier, a rebound began from the 1.2620 level. Overall, the trend on the 4-hour chart remains bearish, which gives me reason to expect the pound's continued decline toward 1.2432. However, a new bearish signal is needed, such as a bounce from the 1.2728 level.

The sentiment among the Non-commercial category of traders remained largely unchanged last week. The number of long positions increased by 4,707, while short positions decreased by 3,092. Bulls still hold the advantage, but it has been declining in recent months. The gap between long and short positions has narrowed to 27K: 102K vs. 75K.

In my view, the pound remains at risk of further decline. The COT reports signal the strengthening position of bears almost every week. Over the past three months, long positions have decreased from 160K to 102K, while short positions have increased from 52K to 75K. I believe professional traders will continue reducing long positions or increasing short positions, as most factors supporting the pound have already been priced in. Technical analysis also supports the pound's decline.

On Tuesday, the economic calendar includes five significant events, each of which carries some importance. The news background may moderately influence market sentiment throughout the day.

4-hour chart: Fibonacci levels are drawn from 1.2299 to 1.3432.