GBPUSD: GBP/USD exchange rate hits 12-week high thanks to Britis

Optimism prevailed in UK financial markets, with the pound/US dollar exchange rate hitting a 12-week high on improving consumer confidence and a solid business outlook. Promising despite continuing recessionary pressures. On Thursday, the pound rose to 1.2615 against the US dollar. This reflects a sell-off in government bonds that led to positive sentiment on the latest S&P Global/CIPS data and a rise in bond yields.
So far, GBP/USD has remained strong, trading at 1.2606 due to a decline in manufacturing PMI amid mixed economic indicators from the US such as strong services and composite PMI. Although inflation in the UK is showing signs of subsidence, it remains well above the Bank of England's target interest rate of 4.6%. Markets also digested the Prime Minister's autumn statement, which offered a sober view on growth and inflation, with some cautious optimism. Furthermore, Hugh Pill, the BoE's chief economist, reiterated the bank's determination to fight inflation in a difficult economic environment.
Looking ahead, traders are looking forward to further guidance from BoE Governor Andrew Bailey next week, with key US economic reports such as Consumer Confidence and the ISM Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Business Index expected to improve in GBP/USD. may affect future volatility.