EUR/GBP JUGGLES AROUND 0.8750 AS FOCUS SHIFTS TO UK INFLATION AND BOE POLICY

The EUR/GBP pair is displaying a lackluster performance around 0.8750 in the Asian session. The cross has turned sideways as investors are shifting their focus towards the release of the interest rates decision by the Bank of England (BOE) and the United Kingdom’s Consumer Price Index (CPI) this week.

A power-pack action in the cross looks missing despite the headline of UOB infusing life into Credit Suisse. Credit Suisse shareholders were deprived of a vote on the deal and will receive one share in UBS for every 22.48 shares they own, valuing the bank at $3.15bn (£2.6bn), as reported by BBC News. The Swiss National Bank (SNB) said the deal was the best way to restore confidence in financial markets and to manage risks to the economy. Also, the BoE said it welcomed the "comprehensive set of actions".

For the interest rate decision, the street is of the view that BoE Governor Andrew Bailey could give a dismal outlook amid the banking turmoil jitters as the first priority.

Analysts at Rabobank also see a 25 basis point (bps) rate hike and warn that such a case is not fully priced in the interest market. A 25 bps rate hike by BoE Governor Andrew Bailey would push rates to 4.25%.

Before that, Wednesday’s UK inflation data will be keenly watched. As per the estimates, the annual headline CPI is expected to trim to 9.8% from the former release of 10.1%. While the core CPI that excludes oil and food prices would remain steady at 5.8%. It should be aware of the fact the stronger food inflation and a labor shortage are behind UK’s stubborn inflation.

On the Eurozone front, after a 50 bps interest rate hike by the European Central Bank (ECB) last week, ECB Governing Council Gediminas Šimkus said on Friday, “the terminal rate hasn't been reached yet.” Eurozone inflation is extremely stubborn and needs more rates for further softening.