Sterling Gains As Global Markets Brace For Shift While Tariffs Loom

In a highly anticipated move, the U.S. is set to unveil a bold tariff strategy at 20:00 GMT, potentially slapping 20% duties on nearly all its trade partners. The announcement, slated to take place in the iconic White House Rose Garden, has sent ripples through global markets as traders and policymakers scramble to assess the fallout. While the exact scope of the duties remains under wraps, whispers from insider circles suggest a sweeping plan that could reshape international trade dynamics and spark fears of a worldwide economic slowdown.

Across the Atlantic, the United Kingdom is clinging to optimism, banking on its relatively balanced trade relationship with the U.S. to secure an exemption—or at least a softened blow. The British Pound (GBP) has already notched a 0.22% gain against the U.S. Dollar (USD) early in the North American session, climbing to 1.2950. This uptick reflects a cautious risk-on mood, bolstered by hopes that the U.K. might dodge the worst of the tariff storm. Yet, the stakes remain high, as a misstep could derail the nation’s economic stability.

Surprisingly, robust U.S. economic data failed to prop up the Greenback. March’s ADP National Employment report revealed a hearty 155,000 jobs added—surpassing forecasts of 105,000 and dwarfing February’s 84,000. Meanwhile, February Durable Goods Orders rose 1% month-over-month, outpacing expectations of a 0.9% increase. Despite these bullish signals, the USD remains subdued, with markets fixated on the looming tariff reveal and a packed week ahead, featuring Initial Jobless Claims, the ISM Services PMI, Nonfarm Payrolls, and a pivotal speech from the Federal Reserve Chair.

For GBP/USD, the technical picture is heating up. The pair has hit a fresh two-day high, signaling buyer momentum. Bulls are now eyeing a break above the March 27 peak of 1.2991, with the psychological 1.3000 level and this year’s high of 1.3014 in sight. On the flip side, a slip below 1.2900 could trigger a slide toward the 200-day Simple Moving Average at 1.2806, putting sellers back in the driver’s seat.

As the clock ticks toward the tariff announcement, the British Pound’s performance this week underscores its resilience. Outpacing the Swiss Franc and holding steady against other major currencies, GBP is proving its mettle amid uncertainty. With global trade hanging in the balance, all eyes are on Washington—and the markets are ready to react.