The British pound slid on Tuesday after UK employment data showed a sharp rise in claimant count (+33.1K vs +9.5K expected) and a tick up in unemployment to 4.6%. GBP/USD dropped ~0.66% to 1.3459, while GBP/JPY weakened to ~195.65—driven by poor labour numbers and a firm yen amid hawkish BoJ bets.
Dollar Edges Higher as GBP and EUR Slide
With no major U.S. or Eurozone releases today, the U.S. dollar gained ground on the back of broader GBP and EUR weakness. EUR/USD slipped 0.38% to 1.1377, staying within its recent 1.1350–1.1450 range .
Commodity Currencies & Emerging Markets Mixed
- AUD/USD and NZD/USD each fell ~0.35–0.38% amid risk-off jitteriness.
- The yen strengthened, with USD/JPY up 0.10% to 144.73, supported by BoJ tightening expectations.
- USD/CAD rose 0.18%, while USD/INR and USD/MXN remained flat.
Key Currency Levels – As of 08:10 BST
| Pair | Price | Daily Change |
|---|---|---|
| GBP/USD | 1.3459 | ▼ 0.66% |
| EUR/USD | 1.1377 | ▼ 0.38% |
| USD/JPY | 144.73 | ▲ 0.10% |
| AUD/USD | 0.6493 | ▼ 0.35% |
| NZD/USD | 0.6032 | ▼ 0.38% |
| USD/CAD | 1.3724 | ▲ 0.18% |
| USD/INR | 85.617 | ▼ 0.02% |
| USD/MXN | 19.076 | ▲ 0.17% |
Market Tone & What’s Next
- With NFP and June Fed outlook fading, attention has shifted to UK employment turbulence and BoJ commentary.
- Visitors to FXLive note EUR/USD locked between 1.1400 and 1.1425 due to option expiries around 10am NY.
- The GBP/JPY retreat reflects weaker UK labour data and growing BoJ rate hike speculation.
Next to Watch
- Wed–Thu: U.S. CPI and Core CPI
- Thu: UK GDP
- Fri: FOMC & BoJ meetings ahead of next week’s policy decisions
Markets remain cautious ahead of major data—especially U.S. inflation and central bank signals, which will shape FX trends going forward.
