GBP/USD: UK Jobs Data Unlikely to Distract Traders From Brexit

The pound euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate is rising for a second day towards €1.16.

The pound strengthened after the Bank of England held rates at 3.75%, with a more hawkish-than-expected 9–0 vote split.

The BoE also raised its inflation outlook, warning that rising energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict could push inflation above 3% in the coming quarters.

Markets have shifted to pricing in up to two rate hikes this year, a sharp turnaround from prior expectations of rate cuts.

The ECB also held rates steady but struck a more cautious tone, leaving the euro weaker against the pound despite modest upward revisions to its inflation forecasts and after it lowered its growth forecasts.