Pound Climbs On China Stimulus Expectations

(RTTNews) - The pound firmed against its major counterparts in the European session on Wednesday, on hopes that weak export growth could prompt Chinese authorities to roll out stimulus measures.

Official data showed Chinese exports fell 7.5 percent from a year earlier in May, marking the first drop in three months. Imports fell 4.5 percent, indicating slowing overseas demand for Chinese goods.

On Tuesday, Chinese authorities told the nation's largest banks to cut their deposit rates in an attempt to boost the economy.

Survey results from Lloyds Bank subsidiary Halifax showed that UK house prices were unchanged in May after a slight upturn in the first quarter as higher interest rates started to squeeze household budgets.

House prices were stable on a monthly basis in May following a 0.4 percent fall in April, the survey revealed. That was in line with economists' expectations.

The pound appreciated to 2-day highs of 1.1293 against the franc and 0.8592 against the euro, from its early lows of 1.1256 and 0.8612, respectively. The pound is likely to find resistance around 1.15 against the franc and 0.84 against the euro.

The pound was up against the dollar, at a 5-day high of 1.2471. The pound is seen finding resistance around the 1.27 level.

The pound edged up to 173.74 against the yen, reversing from an early 1-week low of 172.66. The pound may find resistance around the 177.00 level.

Looking ahead, U.S. and Canadian trade data and U.S. consumer credit for April will be released in the New York session.

The Bank of Canada will announce its interest rate decision at 10:00 am ET. The BoC is widely expected to keep its policy rate steady at 4.50 percent.