Exchange Rates UK Research’s latest August 2026 survey of major investment banks points to a mixed near-term Pound-to-Dollar outlook followed by a stronger median forecast through 2027.

With GBP/USD currently around 1.3492, the median bank forecast stands at 1.33 for Q3 2026, around 1.34 for Q4, 1.35 for Q1 2027 and 1.36 for Q2. It then rises to 1.37 in Q3 and around 1.39 by Q4 2027.

The headline finding is therefore relatively straightforward: banks collectively see limited upside for sterling immediately, but the median projection eventually moves above today’s exchange rate and favours a stronger pound during 2027.

The full fx forecast range is considerably wider, extending from roughly 1.27 to 1.45 across 2027.

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Latest Survey Shows GBP/USD Median Rising Through 2027

The latest Exchange Rates UK Research poll includes forecasts from 25 major banks and institutions for the nearer quarters, and the dispersion of views is almost as important as the median.

For Q3 2026, forecasts range between 1.30 and 1.38, with the median around 1.33 sitting below spot.

By Q2 2027, however, the median has climbed to 1.36, followed by around 1.37 in Q3 and close to 1.39 in Q4.

The bullish camp includes Bank of America, which forecasts GBP/USD at 1.40 in Q2 2027, 1.43 in Q3 and 1.45 by year-end. UBS sees 1.41 by Q2, while ABN AMRO reaches 1.40 by the end of 2027.

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Scotiabank, TD Economics, CIBC and Westpac also envisage sterling strengthening into the upper 1.30s.

The bearish tail is substantial.

HSBC forecasts GBP/USD falling to 1.27 by Q2 2027, while Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan both have projections reaching 1.28. Citi maintains a prolonged low-1.30s profile.

This means the consensus should not be interpreted as banks uniformly expecting sterling appreciation. Rather, the centre of the distribution gradually moves higher while disagreement over the eventual destination remains unusually large.

US Jobs Shock Adds Another Variable to the Dollar Outlook

The survey arrives after an important change in the US macro picture.

July’s US employment report delivered a surprise decline in non-farm payrolls, while earlier months were revised lower. The weaker labour-market picture knocked the dollar and forced markets to reassess the likely path of Federal Reserve policy.

That provides some fundamental support for the more bullish GBP/USD forecasts in the survey: a weaker US labour market could eventually reduce the interest-rate support enjoyed by the dollar.

There is nevertheless a strong counterargument. US inflation pressures have not disappeared, leaving the Federal Reserve balancing a softer labour market against persistent price risks.

The UK picture is similarly nuanced.

Sterling’s outlook remains sensitive to the balance between UK inflation, economic growth and the Bank of England’s policy stance.

Changes in expectations for the relative paths of UK and US interest rates could therefore remain one of the most important drivers of GBP/USD over the remainder of 2026 and into 2027.

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GBP/USD Outlook: 1.30 or 1.45?

The latest Exchange Rates UK Research survey does not point towards an immediate Pound-to-Dollar breakout.

Its Q3 median around 1.33 implies some downside from current levels near 1.35, while the Q4 median sits much closer to today’s exchange rate.

The picture becomes more constructive further ahead.

Median forecasts around 1.36, 1.37 and 1.39 through 2027 suggest investment banks collectively expect the balance to shift gradually in sterling’s favour.

For anyone with longer-term exposure to GBP/USD, however, the unusually broad forecast range deserves attention.

By late 2027, individual projections stretch from around 1.30 to 1.45.

The difference reflects sharply contrasting assumptions about Federal Reserve policy, US inflation and growth, and whether sterling can maintain sufficient interest-rate and economic support.

The median points towards a higher GBP/USD exchange rate over time.

The breadth of the latest bank forecasts suggests getting there could be anything but straightforward.

Read Exchange Rates UK’s Sentiment Survey results with extensive data/charts here.

UK analysts expect EUR/GBP to move higher as fading BoE rate-hike bets and autumn Budget concerns expose the Pound Sterling to renewed selling pressure.

The Euro to Pound exchange rate (EUR/GBP) held near 0.8580 on Thursday, with Rabobank favouring further gains as the summer draws to a close.

EUR/GBP has recovered from July’s low near 0.8455 after Sterling’s earlier rally ran out of steam.

The pair fell 0.72% last month, but has since climbed for three consecutive sessions and is up around 0.27% in August.

Rabobank notes that the Pound is now the third-worst performing G10 currency over one month, ahead of only the Swiss Franc and US Dollar.

“This performance may in part be a function of pared-back expectations regarding BoE rate hikes,” the bank said.

It may also reflect a measured response to the new UK government. Political news is likely to remain limited while Parliament is in recess, but attention is already turning towards Chancellor Healey’s October 28 Budget.

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EUR/GBP has rebounded from below 0.8470 and is now testing the upper end of its August range.

Prime Minister Burnham has promised growth across the country while remaining within the existing fiscal rules and avoiding tax increases on workers. The unresolved issue is how the government intends to pay for its plans.

“Some news regarding the forthcoming budget has been seeping out and this could be setting up both the gilts market and GBP for friction into the autumn,” Rabobank said.

The government is reportedly considering a more flexible definition of infrastructure spending and equity investments as assets, potentially creating another £9bn of room.

While markets may tolerate extra borrowing if it funds credible growth projects, Rabobank warns that it would still imply greater Gilt issuance, which “could weigh on gilts prices and unsettle the pound”.

EUR/GBP Outlook: Rabobank Targets a Break Above 0.8588

Monetary policy presents a second downside risk for Sterling.

Rabobank believes markets continue to overestimate the likelihood of another Bank of England rate hike this year, particularly if energy prices ease as geopolitical tensions cool.

“Although three members of the MPC voted to hike rates at the July policy meeting, we anticipate that there is a high bar to further members moving camps,” the bank said.

Governor Bailey has highlighted slower services inflation, weaker household demand and a looser labour market as reasons to expect inflation pressure to fade.

“These arguments indicate a strong reluctance by Bailey to tighten policy,” Rabobank said. “In our view, the Bank is likely to keep interest rates on hold for the remainder of the year.”

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The latest bank consensus shows median EUR/GBP forecasts rising above current levels into late 2026 and 2027.

Rabobank expects a repricing towards unchanged Bank Rate, combined with pre-Budget nervousness, to put the Pound under pressure.

“We favour buying EUR/GBP on dips to the 0.8550 area,” the bank said. “A break above the recent high in the 0.8588 region could increase upside potential.”

The immediate range remains tight, but the balance of risks is shifting. Sterling’s rate support is fading just as the UK’s fiscal debate starts to return.

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EUR/GBP remains 1.66% lower in 2026, although the pair has recovered sharply from July’s lows.

BitcoinWorld

EUR/USD Forecast: Hawkish ECB Bets Back Fresh Upside

The euro is finding renewed strength against the US dollar as markets increase bets on a more hawkish European Central Bank (ECB) policy path, with traders pricing in a higher likelihood of rate hikes in the coming months. This shift in expectations is providing fresh upside momentum for the EUR/USD currency pair, which has been trading in a range but now appears poised for a breakout.

Why Hawkish ECB Bets Are Supporting the Euro

The core driver behind the euro’s recent resilience is the market’s growing conviction that the ECB will maintain a tighter monetary policy stance compared to earlier expectations. Recent comments from several ECB policymakers have signaled a willingness to continue raising interest rates to combat persistent inflation in the eurozone, even as the region’s economic growth shows signs of slowing. This contrasts with the Federal Reserve, which is widely expected to pause its rate hiking cycle, creating a policy divergence that favors the euro.

According to money market pricing, the probability of a 25-basis-point rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting has risen sharply over the past week. This repricing has been fueled by stronger-than-expected inflation data from key eurozone economies, particularly Germany and France, which have shown that price pressures remain sticky. As a result, the yield differential between German and US government bonds has narrowed, making euro-denominated assets more attractive to investors.

Technical Levels to Watch in EUR/USD

From a technical perspective, EUR/USD has been building a base above the 1.0800 support level, with the pair now attempting to break above its 200-day moving average. A sustained move above this key indicator could open the door for a test of the 1.1000 psychological level, which has acted as resistance in recent months. On the downside, the 1.0700 area remains a critical support zone, and a break below that could signal a bearish reversal.

Traders are also watching the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which has been hovering around the 50 mark, indicating a neutral momentum. However, a clear break above 60 would suggest that bullish momentum is building. The recent price action suggests that the market is positioning for a potential upside breakout, with the pair having formed a series of higher lows since early March.

Market Implications and What to Watch

For traders and investors, the key takeaway is that the EUR/USD pair is at a pivotal juncture. The combination of hawkish ECB expectations and a softer US dollar is creating a supportive environment for the euro. However, the pair’s direction will largely depend on upcoming economic data and central bank communications. The next major test will be the release of the eurozone’s flash CPI data for May, which is due in the coming days. A hot reading could cement expectations of further ECB tightening and push the pair higher.

Additionally, the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting, scheduled for release this week, could provide further clarity on the US rate outlook. If the minutes reveal a more dovish tone, it would likely weigh on the dollar and provide additional support for EUR/USD. Conversely, any surprises in the data could lead to increased volatility.

Conclusion

In summary, the EUR/USD pair is being supported by a shift in market sentiment towards a more hawkish ECB, which is backing fresh upside in the exchange rate. While the technical picture suggests a potential breakout, the pair’s trajectory will be heavily influenced by upcoming economic data and central bank communications. Traders should remain cautious and monitor key levels and events to navigate the evolving landscape.

FAQs

Q1: What is driving the EUR/USD forecast?
The EUR/USD forecast is being driven by increasing market bets that the European Central Bank will maintain a hawkish policy stance, with rate hikes expected, while the Federal Reserve is seen as more likely to pause. This policy divergence is supporting the euro.

Q2: What are the key technical levels to watch in EUR/USD?
Key technical levels include the 1.0800 support, the 200-day moving average around 1.0850, and the 1.1000 resistance level. A break above the 200-day MA could signal further upside, while a drop below 1.0700 would be bearish.

Q3: How does ECB policy affect the euro?
ECB policy directly influences the euro’s value through interest rates. When the ECB signals higher rates or maintains a hawkish stance, it makes euro-denominated assets more attractive, potentially strengthening the euro against other currencies like the US dollar.

This post EUR/USD Forecast: Hawkish ECB Bets Back Fresh Upside first appeared on BitcoinWorld.

– Written by


James Fuller

STORY LINK Pound-Yen Forecast: Intervention Keeps 216 Ceiling in Focus

The Pound to Japanese Yen exchange rate (GBP/JPY) ended Friday near 212.91 following a volatile week, with the Yen supported by coordinated US-Japan intervention and a shock decline in US payrolls.

Pound Sterling recovered from the August low near 209.63, but remained well below July’s 219.61 high as traders stayed wary of renewed intervention and faster Bank of Japan tightening.

GBP/JPY Forecasts: 209–216 range in focus

ING expects USD/JPY to remain broadly contained between 155 and 160 following official action to support the Yen.

With GBP/USD trading close to 1.35, that range would imply GBP/JPY levels of around 209–216 if Sterling-Dollar remained broadly unchanged.

This is an implied cross-rate range rather than a direct ING forecast for GBP/JPY.

According to ING; “We struggle to see this bilateral action driving USD/JPY sustainably below 155.”

GBP/JPY closed at 212.91, around 0.3% higher over the week after trading between 209.63 and 213.31 during August.

The pair remains more than 3% below July’s high of 219.61, recorded before Japanese and US authorities stepped into the market.

ING described the intervention as a “containment exercise” rather than an attempt to force a lasting Yen revaluation.

The bank commented; “This intervention does not change the fundamentals of a Fed close to hiking and Tokyo running a loose set of monetary and fiscal policies, which are weighing on the Yen.”

That assessment was made before Friday’s US employment report weakened one of the principal sources of support for USD/JPY.

ING nevertheless expects the intervention to limit investors from chasing USD/JPY above 160, buying time for Tokyo to introduce more Yen-supportive policies.

Crédit Agricole is less convinced that the intervention gains will last.

The bank forecasts USD/JPY averaging 162 during the third quarter and 163 in the fourth quarter.

At current Sterling-Dollar levels, these projections would be consistent with GBP/JPY near 218.60 and 219.90, although these are implied calculations rather than direct Crédit Agricole forecasts.

According to Crédit Agricole; “We continue to believe 164 in USD/JPY is the line in the sand for authorities. The recent joint intervention has reaffirmed this view.”

It added; “If the fundamentals do not shift for the JPY, its current intervention gains could also fade.”

The Yen strengthened again on Friday after US non-farm payrolls unexpectedly fell by 23,000 in July, compared with forecasts for an 80,000 increase.

The weak report pushed US yields lower and reduced expectations of a September Federal Reserve rate hike, sending USD/JPY briefly below 157.

Sterling’s own interest-rate support also remains uncertain.

MUFG commented; “Yield support has underpinned Sterling resilience,” but added; “We suspect the move at the front-end of the curve is now overdone.”

The bank warned that easing energy risks could lower UK yields and take the Pound lower, while renewed financial-market volatility would also be likely to undermine Sterling.

In the near term, ING’s implied 209–216 range offers the clearest guide for GBP/JPY.

A renewed Yen surge would bring the August low at 209.63 back into focus, while a recovery above 213.31 could open a move towards 216.

Crédit Agricole’s implied 218–220 region would require the intervention impact to fade and Sterling to remain firm, while further official action or stronger Bank of Japan tightening signals would keep the downside risks dominant.

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The euro is finding renewed strength against the US dollar as markets increase bets on a more hawkish European Central Bank (ECB) policy path, with traders pricing in a higher likelihood of rate hikes in the coming months. This shift in expectations is providing fresh upside momentum for the EUR/USD currency pair, which has been trading in a range but now appears poised for a breakout.

Why Hawkish ECB Bets Are Supporting the Euro

The core driver behind the euro’s recent resilience is the market’s growing conviction that the ECB will maintain a tighter monetary policy stance compared to earlier expectations. Recent comments from several ECB policymakers have signaled a willingness to continue raising interest rates to combat persistent inflation in the eurozone, even as the region’s economic growth shows signs of slowing. This contrasts with the Federal Reserve, which is widely expected to pause its rate hiking cycle, creating a policy divergence that favors the euro.

According to money market pricing, the probability of a 25-basis-point rate hike at the ECB’s next meeting has risen sharply over the past week. This repricing has been fueled by stronger-than-expected inflation data from key eurozone economies, particularly Germany and France, which have shown that price pressures remain sticky. As a result, the yield differential between German and US government bonds has narrowed, making euro-denominated assets more attractive to investors.

Technical Levels to Watch in EUR/USD

From a technical perspective, EUR/USD has been building a base above the 1.0800 support level, with the pair now attempting to break above its 200-day moving average. A sustained move above this key indicator could open the door for a test of the 1.1000 psychological level, which has acted as resistance in recent months. On the downside, the 1.0700 area remains a critical support zone, and a break below that could signal a bearish reversal.

Traders are also watching the Relative Strength Index (RSI), which has been hovering around the 50 mark, indicating a neutral momentum. However, a clear break above 60 would suggest that bullish momentum is building. The recent price action suggests that the market is positioning for a potential upside breakout, with the pair having formed a series of higher lows since early March.

Market Implications and What to Watch

For traders and investors, the key takeaway is that the EUR/USD pair is at a pivotal juncture. The combination of hawkish ECB expectations and a softer US dollar is creating a supportive environment for the euro. However, the pair’s direction will largely depend on upcoming economic data and central bank communications. The next major test will be the release of the eurozone’s flash CPI data for May, which is due in the coming days. A hot reading could cement expectations of further ECB tightening and push the pair higher.

Additionally, the minutes from the Federal Reserve’s latest meeting, scheduled for release this week, could provide further clarity on the US rate outlook. If the minutes reveal a more dovish tone, it would likely weigh on the dollar and provide additional support for EUR/USD. Conversely, any surprises in the data could lead to increased volatility.

Conclusion

In summary, the EUR/USD pair is being supported by a shift in market sentiment towards a more hawkish ECB, which is backing fresh upside in the exchange rate. While the technical picture suggests a potential breakout, the pair’s trajectory will be heavily influenced by upcoming economic data and central bank communications. Traders should remain cautious and monitor key levels and events to navigate the evolving landscape.

FAQs

Q1: What is driving the EUR/USD forecast?
The EUR/USD forecast is being driven by increasing market bets that the European Central Bank will maintain a hawkish policy stance, with rate hikes expected, while the Federal Reserve is seen as more likely to pause. This policy divergence is supporting the euro.

Q2: What are the key technical levels to watch in EUR/USD?
Key technical levels include the 1.0800 support, the 200-day moving average around 1.0850, and the 1.1000 resistance level. A break above the 200-day MA could signal further upside, while a drop below 1.0700 would be bearish.

Q3: How does ECB policy affect the euro?
ECB policy directly influences the euro’s value through interest rates. When the ECB signals higher rates or maintains a hawkish stance, it makes euro-denominated assets more attractive, potentially strengthening the euro against other currencies like the US dollar.

USD/JPY moved lower as traders focused on falling Treasury yields. The yield of 2-year Treasuries declined towards the 4.20% level, while the yield of 10-year Treasuries settled near 4.65%.

If USD/JPY settles below the 157.00 level, it will move towards the support level at 154.50 – 155.00. On the upside, a successful test of the resistance at 157.50 – 158.00 will push USD/JPY towards the next resistance level, which is located in the 159.50 – 160.00 range.

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A dull week ends with the EUR/USD pair surging to a fresh multi-week high, trading around 1.1560 ahead of the close. Optimism about an end to the Middle East conflict dominated the headlines throughout the first half of the week, only to be followed by the usual delays and diluted hopes.

War headlines keep shaping sentiment

United States (US) President Donald Trump kept repeating throughout the week that he believed that the war with Iran would be over “soon.” Market players, however, believe the ongoing pause in the Middle East crisis has more to do with reports suggesting the US Army is running out of highly accurate long-range missiles after its five-month war with Iran.

Also, Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf accused Trump of staging “theater diplomacy,” accusing the US of bullying and breaking promises. Tehran presented a plan on how to manage the Strait of Hormuz, which includes blocking the critical passage to US and Israeli ships. Traffic through the critical passage remains restrained, while skirmishes between different Middle East countries continue.

On a positive note, Oil prices remained within familiar levels, with the barrel of West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude trading around $77 as the week comes to an end.

United States weak labor market?

Markets also took note of the US labor market health, with soft readings coupled with persistent inflation-related concerns weighing on the US Dollar (USD). ISM published the July Purchasing Managers’ Index, which showed business activity in the country remained in expansionary territory, with the Manufacturing Index printing at 55.6, and the Services PMI climbing to 54.1. The reports, however, also showed that the Price Paid Indexes linked to both sectors came in higher than anticipated and above 70, hinting at persistent inflationary pressures.

Regarding employment figures, JOLTS Job Openings edged modestly lower in June, although hiring remained unchanged. The ADP Employment Change survey showed that the private sector added measly 44K new jobs in July, down from the 95K previous and the expected 70K, while the Challenger Job Cuts report showed that US-based employers announced 33,429 cuts in July, down from the 45,849 registered in June.

Finally, the Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report released on Friday showed that the country lost 23K jobs in July while the June reading was downwardly revised to measly 20K from the original estimate of 57K. On a positive note, however, the Unemployment Rate shrank to 4.1%, its lowest in over a year, although the labor force Participation Rate also eased a tad, to 61.4% from the previous 61.5%.

Euro lacking life of its own

Financial markets are all about sentiment and EUR/USD moved accordingly to USD strength/weakness, with the shared currency lacking life of its own.

Data from the Union was far from encouraging: Retail Sales in Germany fell 0.2% in June vs the previous 2.1% advance, while the Eurozone figure for the same month came in at -0.3%, down from the 0.4% advance posted in May. Also, the bloc Producer Price Index (PPI) rose 4.6% in the year to June as expected, down from the previous 5.9%.

The Euro was unable to attract buyers despite European Central Bank (ECB) President Christine Lagarde warning that surging Oil prices could shape the September rate decision, hinting at an interest rate hike at the next meeting. Indeed, data supports the case for another hike, as euro area annual inflation is expected to be 2.9% in July 2026, up from 2.8% in June according to a flash estimate from Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.

What’s next in the docket

Inflation takes center stage in the upcoming days, as the US will release the July Consumer Price Index (CPI) on Wednesday. Annual inflation, as measured by the CPI, is foreseen at 3.4%, slightly below the 3.5% posted in June. On the same day, Germany will unveil the final reading of the July Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), while the US will publish the July Producer Price Index (PPI) on Thursday, previously at 5.5%. Friday will bring the first revision of the Eurozone Q2 Gross Domestic Product (GDP), US Retail Sales and the preliminary estimate of the July Michigan Consumer Sentiment Index.

And of course, the focus will remain on Middle East developments and how Oil Prices react to headlines.

EUR/USD Technical Outlook:

The EUR/USD pair turned bullish, according to technical readings in the daily chart, although it still faces some barriers before confirming a steeper advance. The pair holds above the 20-day Simple Moving Average (SMA), which advances to 1.1453, but remains below the 100-day SMA at 1.1569 and the 200-day SMA at 1.1629, both flat. The 14-period Relative Strength Index (RSI) indicator aims north at 62, while the Momentum indicator also advances above its midline, suggesting ongoing bullish pressure despite the pair struggling to decisively reclaim its heavier moving averages overhead.

In the weekly chart, EUR/USD trades just under the 20-week SMA at 1.1566, which caps the upside and keeps the near-term tone neutral. The pair remains above both the 100-week SMA at 1.1316 and the 200-week SMA at 1.1041, suggesting a broadly constructive medium-term backdrop even as near-term momentum stalls. The Momentum indicator remains below its midline, while the RSI hovers near the 50 line, suggesting a lack of clear directional pressure and favoring consolidation over trend extension for now.

On the topside, initial resistance is located at the 100-day SMA at 1.1569, with a stronger barrier at the 200-day SMA near 1.1629, where sellers could reassert control if tested. On the downside, immediate support is provided by the 20-day SMA at 1.1453, and a daily close back under this short-term average would hint at fading upside momentum and open the door for a deeper pullback within the broader range.

(The technical analysis of this story was written with the help of an AI tool. Know more.)