GBP/USD (British pound / US dollar) — Live Rate, Chart & Analysis
GBP/USD, often called "cable", is the third most traded FX pair and one of the most volatile of the majors. The nickname comes from the 19th-century transatlantic telegraph cable used to transmit prices between London and New York. The pair…
About GBP/USD
GBP/USD, often called "cable", is the third most traded FX pair and one of the most volatile of the majors. The nickname comes from the 19th-century transatlantic telegraph cable used to transmit prices between London and New York. The pair is sensitive to Bank of England policy, UK CPI and labour-market data, and to the relative direction of UK gilt yields versus US Treasuries. Brexit-related headline risk has historically produced some of the largest single-day FX moves on record, including the 2016 referendum drop of more than 1,800 pips. Liquidity peaks during the London session and the London-New York overlap. Typical daily ranges run 70-120 pips, expanding sharply around BoE meetings, UK inflation prints, and US payrolls. NewFXT shows GBP/USD with real-time quotes, technical signals, BoE rate context, and AI-generated commentary in one workspace.
GBP/USD FAQ
What is GBP/USD?
GBP/USD is the exchange rate of the British pound against the US dollar. It is nicknamed "cable" after the transatlantic telegraph cable that historically carried this quote between London and New York.
Why is GBP/USD volatile?
GBP/USD has wider spreads and bigger swings than EUR/USD because the UK economy is smaller and more sensitive to single events. UK political risk, BoE rate decisions, and inflation surprises routinely produce 100+ pip moves.
When is GBP/USD most active?
The pair is most liquid during the London session (08:00 to 16:00 UTC) and through the London-New York overlap. UK economic data is released between 06:00 and 09:00 UTC; the BoE typically announces decisions at 11:00 UTC.
What drives GBP/USD?
Bank of England policy, UK inflation, UK GDP and labour data, and the spread between UK gilts and US Treasuries are the primary drivers. UK political headlines and the US Dollar Index (DXY) also matter.