GBP/JPY Fundamental Outlook

• The Sterling seemed to get traction thanks to the hawkish BoEs decision on Thursday despite weak PMIs.

• Soft Japanese inflation figures applied further pressure on the Yen.

On Friday, GBP/JPY continued to push the cross to fresh cycle highs at 182.80 after finding support at the 181.25 area. In that sense, the Sterling continued to gain ground on the back of Thursdays Bank of England (BoE) hawkish surprise to raise rates by 50 basis points and held its ground despite weak British PMIs from June.

The Sterling maintains hawkish-BoE-momentum

British PMIs came in weak, the S&P Global showed that the Manufacturing PMI from the UK from May, dropped to 46.2 vs the 46.8 expected, while the Services PMI held in expansion territory, coming in at 53.7 but below the 54.8 expected.

Irrespective of the weak economic data, the Sterling maintained the momentum gained on Thursday after the surprising 50 bps hike by the BoE. In that sense, the statement hinted at more rate hikes confirming that the bank will do “whats necessary” in order to curve down inflation to 2%. Relating to PMIs, the Bank confirmed that it expects the British Gross Domestic (GDP) to flatten in Q2. However, Governor Andrew Bailey, in the presser, gave more emphasis to inflationary pressures as he stated that “they are still too high, and we have got to deal with it”.

On the other hand, soft inflation figures in Japan are adding pressure on the Yen. The National Consumer Price Index and Core Inflation for May were lower than expected suggesting that the BoJ will maintain its dovish stance. Looking forward, investors will pay close attention to Governors Ueda from the BoJ and Christine Lagarde from the ECBs speeches next Wednesday at the ECB Sintra Forum