GBP/USD: Pound Steady vs. Dollar Ahead of UK Budget

The  pound euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate is rising aove €1.15

The pound is strengthening against the euro and the U.S. dollar as optimism grows over potential progress in U.S.-Iran talks, helping push oil prices below $100 and easing inflation concerns for the UK.

This improving backdrop is supporting sterling despite weak domestic fundamentals and political outlook.

Meanwhile, the euro is mixed, pressured against the pound but firmer versus the dollar, with inflation data from Spain and Germany pointing to rising price pressures. Markets now expect possible rate hikes from both the Bank of England and the European Central Bank.

ECB President Lagarde and BoE Governor Bailey will speak later.