numbers-and-inr-currency-symbol - INR

GBP/INR has extend its uptrend in early trading on Thursday as we’re getting closer to the Bank of England’s (BoE) interest rate decision and the official Brexit event. The pair is currently trading at 93.624, up 0.25% as of 6:30 AM UTC. On Wednesday, the price gained 0.60%.

Yesterday, the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) said that optimism across British factories increased to the highest level in about six years in the three months to January. The CBI and recent labor market data prompted economists to cut bets that the central bank will lower the interest rates later this month.

CBI’s manufacturing optimism increased to +23 in January from -44 in October, the highest level since April 2014.

However, the index of output improved only a bit, adding to concerns that optimism surged on Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s major victory and that it might not push the economic activity.

Investors now price in a 50% chance that the BoE will cut interest rates on January 30, down from 65% before the CBI data.

Investec chief economist Philip Shaw commented:

“The results confirm other survey and anecdotal evidence pointing to economic growth stepping up a gear since December’s election.”

60 out of 68 economists surveyed by Reuters said that the central bank would reduce the rates next week and will assess how the improvement in optimism would help the economy.

CBI deputy chief economist Anna Leach commented:

If we are to build on this rebound in optimism among UK manufacturers, it is crucial for the UK and EU to establish a trade deal that supports growth in this sector.”

Markets were also optimistic about UK finance minister Sajid Javid’s comments that the UK and the EU can reach a long-term trade deal that would touch upon both goods and services. His opinion suggests that Johnson’s decision to make it illegal to extend the Brexit transition period won’t lead to a no-deal withdrawal.

Elsewhere, the Indian rupee continues to be under pressure amid fears of the spread of a new respiratory virus in China. The coronavirus has killed 17 people by now.