Trading GBP/USD

The GBP/USD is among the most widely traded currency pairs in the world. Its popularity is partly due to market volatility and online accessibility, along with tight spreads. With trading volumes forecast to rise, find out how to start investing in the GBP/USD. We also run through forex trading tips, price breakdowns and explain how to leverage the pair’s exchange rate history to trade today.

GBP/USD Trading Brokers

  1. rating empty
    rating full

    IG offers an above-average suite of 80+ currency pairs on its proprietary web platform, mobile app or MetaTrader 4, with more advanced charts and forex analysis tools available on the ProRealTime software. Forex spreads are competitive based on tests, starting from 0.1 pips on majors like the EUR/USD.

  2. XTB

    rating empty
    rating full

    XTB provides access to 70+ currency pairs with low spreads averaging around 1 pip on majors. The xStation platform offers an intuitive environment for forex traders with an excellent charting package encompassing 30+ indicators, plus a range of order types, catering to various strategies and risk management techniques.

  3. rating empty
    rating full

    CMC presents an extensive array of 300+ forex pairs characterized by tight spreads and rapid executions, surpassing the offerings of many competitors in terms of currency diversity. Forex indices also present a fairly unique and holistic way to speculate on the value of key currencies like the USD, EUR and GBP.

  4. rating empty
    rating full

    FXCC's key selling point is its forex trading conditions. ECN spreads come in as low as 0.0 pips during peak trading hours, while it supports a wider range of currency pairs than the majority of rivals with over 70 forex assets. Additionally, you have access to MT4, which was built specifically for forex trading and excels for its charting tools.

  5. rating empty
    rating full

    Vantage offers 55+ currency pairs - above the industry average, so experienced traders can explore plenty of opportunities. Vantage's deep liquidity pool provides forex spreads from 0.0 pips in the ECN account, lower than many alternatives. There are also no commissions, deposit fees or hidden charges.

  6. rating empty
    rating full

    IC Markets maintains its commitment to providing exceptionally tight 0.0-pip forex spreads on major currency pairs such as EUR/USD. This makes it an excellent option if you are seeking superior execution, with an average of 35 milliseconds. Additionally, if you are a high-volume trader, you can benefit from rebates of up to $2.50 per forex lot.

  7. rating empty
    rating full

    FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.

  8. rating empty
    rating full

    Pepperstone offers ultra-competitive forex spreads averaging 0.12 pips on EUR/USD in the Razor account, accompanied by a diverse portfolio comprising 100+ currency pairs - an extensive selection surpassing most competitors. Additionally, Pepperstone distinguishes itself by offering three currency indices (USDX, EURX, JPYX), not commonly found among alternative platforms. Pepperstone has now won our annual 'Best Forex Broker' award twice.

  9. rating empty
    rating full

    Eightcap offers 50+ currency pairs in line with the industry average but trailing category leaders like CMC Markets with its 300+ currency pairs. However, Eightcap stands out with institutional-level spreads from 0.0 pips on major pairs like the EUR/USD, alongside low $3.50/side commissions. The broker also offers rich forex data to inform trading decisions, including key fundamentals, bullish/bearish indicators and a calendar that tracks key events in the foreign exchange market.

  10. rating empty
    rating full

    PrimeXBT offers forex trading on over 50 majors, minors and exotics with margin opportunities and zero commissions. The forex platform is fast, reliable and feature-rich based on our latest tests with 3 charts, 10 timeframes, and 91 technical studies - ideal for active trading strategies.

  11. rating empty
    rating full

    OANDA offers 68 currency pairs, which is above the industry average. You can speculate on majors, minors and exotics, with spreads from 0.8 pips on popular pairs. There are no commissions and leverage is available up to 1:200. Average execution speeds are fast based on tests, at 12 milliseconds.

  12. rating empty
    rating full

    FxPro offers 70+ currency pairs with ultra-fast execution speeds and tight spreads from 0.46 pips on EUR/USD. The range of forex assets outranks many rivals, including our award winner, AvaTrade. Various short-term forex strategies are permitted, including EA trading and hedging.

  13. rating empty
    rating full

    Plus500 provides forex trading through CFDs, featuring narrow spreads across an impressive selection of over 60 currency pairs. During testing, spreads came in as tight as 0.6 pips on the EUR/USD, which is notably lower than many alternatives.

  14. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade a wide selection of 80+ currency pairs with spreads from 0.5 pips and industry-favorite platforms. City Index has 40+ years experience in forex trading with liquidity from tier-one banks.

  15. rating empty
    rating full

    Markets.com offers 43 major, minor and exotic currency pairs. The range is around the industry average, though spreads are fairly competitive, starting from 0.6 pips for EUR/USD. There’s also an excellent range of tools and education, including forex calculators and trading videos.

  16. rating empty
    rating full

    NinjaTraders supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The software also offers advanced features to streamline the trading experience, including complex order types like market if touched (MIT) and one cancels other (OCO).

  17. Axi

    rating empty
    rating full

    Axi’s 70+ currency pairs is its strongest market offering and beats out rivals like AvaTrade, which offers only 50+. Combine this with an elevated MT4 offering through the NextGen add-on, and Axi remains an excellent broker for forex traders.

  18. rating empty
    rating full

    IBKR presents an extensive range of over 100 major, minor, and exotic forex pairs, surpassing the offerings of nearly all leading alternatives, though not CMC Markets. Forex trading occurs over multiple platforms and boasts institutional-grade spreads starting from 0.1 pips and 20 complex order types, including brackets, scale, and one-cancels-all (OCA) orders.

  19. rating empty
    rating full

    Videforex offers trading on 35 currency pairs through leveraged CFDs with spreads from 0.1 pips. Alternatively, traders can use binaries to speculate on upward/downward price movements with payouts up to 98%. Integrated technical analysis, economic calendars, and market news, all available within the platform, help support FX trading decisions.

  20. rating empty
    rating full

    An above-average selection of 55 currencies are available with reasonable spreads averaging 0.9 pips on EUR/USD during peak hours. Aspiring traders can continuously hone their forex strategies by switching between demo mode and their live account any time, with full access to the broker's 100+ technical indicators.

  21. rating empty
    rating full

    Focus Option offers 22 forex pairs tradeable via binary options, including a selection of majors and minors. FX pairs are also available to trade with margin on Focus Option's mobile app, which offers high leverage up to 1:50 and spreads from 1 pip.

  22. rating empty
    rating full

    OspreyFX offers more than 50 major, minor and exotic currency pairs. Spreads start from just 0.1 pips on the EUR/USD and the broker provides a suite of forex trading education for beginners, including partnering with Forex Squad for fresh insights.

  23. rating empty
    rating full

    CloseOption offers binaries on 25+ forex pairs, including majors like EUR/USD and a few minors like AUD/JPY. Payouts vary by currency, with decent typical payouts of 75% for GBP/USD.

  24. rating empty
    rating full

    Amega offers an unusually large selection of currency pairs for an unregulated broker with 70+ forex CFDs, alongside up to 1:1000 leverage, zero commissions and competitive spreads from 0.8 pips. FX traders also have access to MT5 – the faster, more advanced version of MT4.

  25. rating empty
    rating full

    Errante traders can access 50+ forex pairs with leverage up to 1:500 (location dependant). The broker offers fast execution and tight spreads, especially to clients with VIP and Tailor-Made accounts.

  26. rating empty
    rating full

    Kwakol Markets offers a wider range of forex pairs than most competitors, with 90+ assets available. Users get fast execution speeds and competitive spreads through the ECN model. On the negative side, not all currency pairs are available on MT4.

  27. rating empty
    rating full

    Coinexx offers an excellent selection of 70+ major, minor and exotics currency pairs, presenting diverse opportunities with a forex calculator to aid trading decisions. It’s also one of a select few brokers to support forex trading on the ActTrader platform, alongside MT4 and MT5.

  28. rating empty
    rating full

    Ingot Brokers offers forex trading on a modest suite of 30+ currency pairs with raw spreads on the MT5 platform. There are also no restrictions on short-term trading strategies, including hedging, scalping and the use of Expert Advisors (EAs).

  29. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade a small selection of 25 major and minor pairs. Spreads from zero on the pro account, micro-lot trading, and very high leverage make up for the limited range of currencies. The MetaTrader software is also a well-regarded platform for forex trading.

  30. rating empty
    rating full

    Axofa offers a decent range of 50+ forex pairs with raw spreads from 0.0 pips. Very high leverage up to 1:1000 and commission-free forex trading is available. With that said, the broker is not particularly transparent when it comes to account conditions and fees.

  31. rating empty
    rating full

    Go long or short on over 50 currency pairs with spreads from 0.6 pips on EUR/USD. Traders can access interactive tools on the forex industry’s most popular software, MetaTrader 4, with customizable charts, one-click trading and Expert Advisors (EAs) for algo trading.

  32. rating empty
    rating full

    World Forex offers CFD and digital contract trading on 53 forex pairs, including EUR/USD and GBP/EUR. High leverage is available for CFDs, which can be accessed with competitive spreads on certain account types.

  33. rating empty
    rating full

    FinPros offers 80+ forex pairs, which is one of the more diverse offerings available. Traders benefit from ultra-low latency, MT5 support and very tight spreads and low commissions on the RAW+ account.

  34. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 45+ major, minor and exotic pairs with deep liquidity and low latency. The ultra-tight spreads from 0.01 pips on raw accounts, competitive $7 or lower round-turn commissions and high leverage up to 1:500 will suit scalpers, who can trade without limits.

  35. rating empty
    rating full

    IQCent traders can access CFDs or binary options on 45+ forex pairs. CFD spreads start from 0.3 pips and binary options payouts are decent up to 95%. This is competitive compared to Pocket Option, for example, offering forex payouts up to only 81%.

  36. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 50+ forex pairs including popular majors and minors with very high leverage available up to 1:1000. Gold, silver, palladium and platinum pairs with USD are also available.

  37. rating empty
    rating full

    RaceOption offers 25+ major and minor currency pairs on a no-frills, web-accessible platform with 30+ indicators and built-in copy trading opportunities for a hands-off investment approach.

  38. rating empty
    rating full

    Scope Markets offers 40+ major, minor and exotic currency pairs. Although the range is average, experienced traders can access very high leverage up to 1:2000. Additionally, the broker’s proprietary terminal delivers advanced analysis tools, including a live forex heatmap.

  39. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 50+ forex pairs, including popular major, minor and exotic pairs. This is a decent selection, but traders will have a choice between the attractive MT4, MT5 or IRESS platforms and regulatory cover from ASIC. The VPS will also suit automated forex trading strategis.

  40. rating empty
    rating full

    Anzo Capital offers 45+ forex pairs including majors, minors and exotics with fast execution and spreads starting from zero. High leverage up to 1:1000 is available with a margin call at 80% and a stop out level at 50%.

  41. rating empty
    rating full

    I think the range of 60+ major, minor and exotic currency pairs is fairly competitive, especially with spreads from 0 pips in the Pro account. Experienced traders can also access high leverage up to 1:500 in the popular MT4 platform.

  42. rating empty
    rating full

    Rock Global clients can access 50+ currency pairs via CFDs with leverage up to 1:500, world class liquidity and fast execution on the MT4 or TWS platforms. The tight spreads from 0.9 with no commission are a particularly attractive feature.

  43. rating empty
    rating full

    VT Markets offers an average selection of 40+ forex pairs with up to 1:500 leverage. Forex spreads in the ECN account are highly competitive, starting from 0.0 pips, although the 1.2-pip minimum quotes in the Standard account are a little higher than the likes of Pepperstone or IC Markets.

  44. rating empty
    rating full

    Binary and OTC options can be purchased on 40+ currency pairs, with 55+ currency pairs available if you deposit $1000. Typical payouts are reasonable at 81% and the $1 minimum trade makes the broker accessible to new forex traders. There is also access to the MT4 and MT5 platforms for experienced forex traders.

  45. rating empty
    rating full

    Exinity offers 150+ forex pairs to trade on a very competitive ECN pricing model, with spreads from zero and low commissions of $4 per round turn. Traders can access the powerful MT4 and MT5 platforms and trade with no restrictions on popular trading strategies.

  46. rating empty
    rating full

    ForexChief supports spot foreign exchange trading on all account types for 40+ major, minor and exotic currency pairs. Trading takes place on the leading MT4 and MT5 platforms, which offer dozens of in-built technical tools for short-term forex strategies.

  47. rating empty
    rating full

    PU Prime clients can trade 40+ forex pairs via the MT4 and MT5 platforms with dynamic leverage up to 1:500. Spreads start from near zero on Prime accounts, which also charge a $7 commission per lot, and a zero-commission Standard account with wider spreads is also available.

  48. rating empty
    rating full

    With 100+ currency pairs including all majors plus many minors and exotics tradeable on the MT4 platform with 1:2000 leverage, SuperForex lives up to its name as a great choice for forex traders. The ForexCopy system is also useful for newer traders.

  49. rating empty
    rating full

    AdroFx's strongest offering is its 60+ currency pairs, which can be traded with very high leverage up to 1:500. The broker also offers competitive forex spreads starting from 0.4 pips and charges no commission. Additionally, traders have access to MetaTrader 4, which was built for forex trading and offers excellent support for technical analysis and algo trading.

  50. rating empty
    rating full

    Start trading on dozens of currencies at RoboMarkets with powerful analysis tools and pattern recognition technology. 35+ currency pairs are available with tight spreads from 0 pips and rapid market execution. You can also utilise the broker's forex news alerts and economic calendar.

  51. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 7 major, 21 minor and 29 exotic forex pairs with high leverage and a choice between STP or ECN accounts. Support is available around the clock and the TradeLocker forex software is provided.

  52. rating empty
    rating full

    M4Markets offers 45+ currencies with zero pip spreads. The low latency and 30-millisecond execution speeds makes the broker a decent choice for forex traders. Additionally, there are no restrictions on trading strategies, including scalping.

  53. rating empty
    rating full

    MultiBank FX offers trading on 50+ major, minor and exotic currency pairs. Spreads are tighter than many competitors and the broker offers higher leverage than most alternatives. Automated trading strategies are also permitted.

  54. rating empty
    rating full

    I’m happy with Tradeview’s strong range of 60+ currency pairs spanning majors, minors and exotics with competitive spreads from 0 pips in the $1000 ILC account. Traders can choose from several platforms, but I was particularly impressed with the feature-rich Currenex platform which is designed specifically for currency trading.

  55. rating empty
    rating full

    Global Prime traders can access 48 forex pairs including majors, minors and exotics with tight spreads from 0.9 with no commission or from 0 with a $7 round turn. Forex is traded via the leading MT4 platform, micro lots are available and latency is low via a New York-based server.

  56. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade Nation offers over 30 of the most popular forex pairs with variable spreads. Traders can access a slick proprietary platform or MetaTrader 4, with real-time forex market updates and insights via 'Smart News'.

  57. rating empty
    rating full

    As well as a competitive selection of 55+ forex pairs, traders can access high leverage up to 1:300. You can also enjoy advanced analysis from Trading Central with easy integration into MetaTrader 4.

  58. rating empty
    rating full

    Traders can access a decent range of 60+ major, minor and exotic forex pairs through standard and ECN accounts with tight spreads from 0.5 and 0.0, respectively. Execution speeds are also faster than most competitors at 50ms, which will appeal to active forex traders.

  59. rating empty
    rating full

    4xCube offers 60+ currency pairs with competitive trading conditions. We like that all trading strategies are permitted including scalping and hedging.

  60. rating empty
    rating full

    ActivTrades offers its lowest fees in the forex department, with excellent spreads on majors like the EUR/USD from 0.5 pips and zero commissions, keeping pricing simple. Improvements to the ActivTrades platform, alongside access to the industry-leading MetaTrader 4, also give traders the tools they need to navigate the FX market confidently.

  61. rating empty
    rating full

    BlackBull offers 64 currency pairs with excellent pricing through its ECN accounts, with the Standard commission-free spread starting from 0.8 pips. BlackBull also ensures its rapid execution carries through to MT4, which still stands as the industry’s most popular platform with active forex traders.

  62. rating empty
    rating full

    RoboForex offers trading on 30+ currency pairs, trailing category leaders like Pepperstone with its 90+ forex assets. That said, the Prime and ECN accounts feature competitive average spreads of 0.1 pips on the EUR/USD. Additionally, with a minimum investment of $100, traders can utilize the CopyFX system to replicate the strategies of seasoned currency traders.

  63. rating empty
    rating full

    Swissquote offers trading on a huge range of forex assets, covering 80+ currency pairs. Spreads start from 1.3 pips with the Premium account and there are zero commissions. Micro, mini and standard lot sizes are available plus options contracts on major currencies.

  64. rating empty
    rating full

    SimpleFX provides a comprehensive selection of around 60 currency pairs, from majors like GBP/USD to exotics like CHF/PLN. Forex trading fees are competitive, averaging 0.9 pips on EUR/USD during testing, while MetaTrader 4, available on desktop, web and mobile, was built specifically for trading currencies online.

  65. rating empty
    rating full

    EagleFX provides opportunities to go long or short on over 50 forex pairs from majors to exotics, with competitive spreads as low as 0.1 pips. The broker offers the leading charting software, MetaTrader 4, which delivers a host of charting tools for traders, including 9 timeframes and over 30 indicators.

  66. rating empty
    rating full

    FXDD continues to offer a leading selection of 90+ currency pairs with ECN pricing. Spreads are decent, coming in at 0.4 pips for EUR/USD during testing. That said, these quotes aren’t as narrow as top competitors like Pepperstone.

  67. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade on 45+ majors, minors, crosses and exotics, with competitive pricing, ultra-fast execution and no requotes. Newer traders can access zero-commission trading. Experienced forex traders can operate with no trading restrictions and benefit from an ECN account and a VPS service.

  68. rating empty
    rating full

    FXTrading clients can access 70+ forex pairs with high leverage up to 1:500, fast execution averaging 80ms, excellent liquidity and spreads from zero. A good selection of minors and exotics are available as well as all the majors. New users can start trading forex in 4 easy steps.

  69. rating empty
    rating full

    With over 190 forex spot pairs, EZ Invest outperforms many rivals in terms of access to the currency markets. Users can also choose between desktop software, a webtrader plus a solid mobile app. On the negative side, spreads aren't the tightest on entry accounts.

  70. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 50+ forex pairs via the MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 platforms with leverage up to 1:500, immediate execution, deep liquidity and tight spreads.

  71. rating empty
    rating full

    Fortrade offers 60+ currency pairs including a good selection of majors, minors and exotics. Trading takes place via MT4 or Fortrade's proprietary, low-latency terminal, and spreads on the USD/GBP pair average a reasonable 2 pips.

  72. rating empty
    rating full

    FP Markets stands out as an excellent option for forex traders, boasting a selection of over 70 currency pairs covering a wide range of currencies, especially since expanding its choice of exotics. With average spreads of just 0.1 on the EUR/USD in its Raw account, the broker provides competitive pricing for traders.

  73. rating empty
    rating full

    IronFX continues to offer a strong selection of 80 currency pairs. You can trade through the market-leading MT4 platform with a range of forex market research tools. That said, commission charges in the zero-spread accounts are high, starting from $13.50 per lot.

  74. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 80+ major, minor and exotic forex pairs. This is a very competitive range of currency pairs with 50+ exotics to choose from, and traders will benefit from fast execution and support from extra features including a pip calculator. The MetaTrader 4 software was also designed for online forex trading.

  75. rating empty
    rating full

    NordFX offers a modest range of 30+ major and minor forex pairs. Disappointingly, there are no exotic pairs, though traders do benefit from tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions from 0.0035% per side. It also provides insightful weekly forecasts covering key forex assets like EUR/USD.

  76. rating empty
    rating full

    HYCM offers 40+ forex pairs, with most available to trade on either the MT4 or MT5 platform. The maximum leverage on offer is 1:30 in accordance with regulations, and tight spreads start from 0.2 on the Raw account and from 1.2 on the commission-free Classic account.

  77. rating empty
    rating full

    FXOpen clients can trade 50+ forex pairs (28 on micro accounts) with leverage up to 1:30. Fees are competitive with spreads starting from zero with a small commission on ECN accounts, and slightly wider spreads and no commission on STP accounts.

  78. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 45 major, minor and exotic forex pairs. This is an average range, but the broker offers attractive and very competitive tight floating spreads from 0.3. Useful features including a news feed set the broker apart from many rivals and can help plan forex strategies.

  79. rating empty
    rating full

    Hantec Markets offers a limited range of 30+ forex pairs – less than most top brands, including Pepperstone with 100+. That said, market execution is rapid based on tests, and spreads are competitive starting at just 0.2 pips. This, combined with access to the popular MT4 platform with 30+ technical indicators, ensures a relatively complete trading experience for short-term currency traders.

  80. rating empty
    rating full

    With 60+ currency pairs available, Dukascopy offers enough majors, minors and exotics to keep most forex traders happy. The broker also offers high leverage up to 1:100 – a good amount to see from a reputable and regulated broker. Currency traders have access to excellent software, including MT4 and JForex.

  81. rating empty
    rating full

    Speculate on popular currency pairs with flexible leverage up to 1:500 and zero-pip spreads in the GO Plus account. Commission-free trading is available with micro, mini and standard forex contract sizes.

  82. rating empty
    rating full

    Tier 1 liquidity on an impressive range of 189 currency pairs and spot metals, plus 130 forwards, from 0.4 pips.

  83. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade on 60+ forex pairs with no commission and competitively tight spreads from 0.6 on major pairs such as EUR/USD. This is a good selection of forex pairs and excellent pricing for commission-free trading, well below the industry average.

  84. rating empty
    rating full

    ThinkMarkets offers 46 currency pairs, which is around the industry average. Forex traders can benefit from tight 0.0-pip spreads for EUR/USD during peak market hours. Additionally, the ThinkTrader proprietary platform offers an impressive 125+ technical indicators - ideal for complex forex strategies.

  85. rating empty
    rating full

    FXTM stands out with a strong selection of over 60 currency pairs, surpassing many competitors like AvaTrade. It also stands out with its six currency indices for traders aiming to diversify their forex portfolios, while the ECN account offers ultra-competitive spreads starting at 0 pips on majors, along with low commissions of just $3.50 per lot.

  86. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade FX pairs with tight spreads & leverage.

  87. rating empty
    rating full

    easyMarkets continues to offer 60+ forex pairs including majors, minors and a selection of exotics, with fixed spreads from 1.8 pips or variable spreads from 0.8 pips. FX traders can access advanced trading software in MetaTrader, as well as very high leverage up to 1:2000.

  88. rating empty
    rating full

    Fusion Markets offers an excellent selection of 90+ currency pairs, providing a range of short-term trading opportunities. It continues to excel for its ultra-tight spreads from 0.0 pips and exceptionally low commissions of $2.25 per side. You also get access to leading forex software in MetaTrader 4.

  89. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 24 forex pairs via binary options. Such a small range of currency pairs is not that unusual among binary options brokers, and BinaryCent's high payouts up to 95% compensate for the lack of range.

  90. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 49 major, minor and exotic currency pairs with fixed spreads or ECN pricing with no dealing desk intervention and a low starting deposit. You can analyze the currency markets using the broker's in-house trading platform.

  91. rating empty
    rating full

    FXCM offers an average range of 40+ currency pairs, although there are no commissions and spreads are competitive from 0.78 pips for EUR/USD. The broker also offers 3 forex baskets covering USD, Yen and emerging markets benchmarks.

  92. rating empty
    rating full

    InstaForex's range of 100+ currency pairs is among the largest we have seen. ECN spreads are also available from 0.0 pips with zero commissions. Minimum deposits start from $1 making the broker accessible for beginners. You can also access market-leading forex analysis and insights.

  93. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade 200 CFD forex pairs with DMA pricing and tight spreads, ultra low latency and high leverage up to 1:1000. The range of forex pairs available and pricing model are among the most attractive in the African market.

  94. rating empty
    rating full

    Capital.com offer a long list of forex CFD pairs for trading. All have competitive spreads. The firm also ensures negative balance protection

  95. rating empty
    rating full

    Trade over 180 major, minor, and exotic forex pairs on the Trading 212 platform, featuring floating spreads and leverage up to 1:30. It’s important to note, though, that the forex broker has a history of adjusting margin requirements without providing adequate notice. As a result, CMC Markets is a better pick for forex traders with more currency pairs and a cleaner record.

The GBP/USD Explained

The GBP/USD is the oldest established currency pair. It is often referred to as ‘The Cable’ after the transatlantic cable laid beneath the Atlantic, which transmitted prices across the ocean floor.

Established trade existed between the UK and US for many years but it was not until the 1970s that the GPB/USD that we know today, came to fruition. The shift was marked by the adoption of floating exchange rates and the departure of tying the value of currencies to gold.

Throughout its history, there have been many events that have had an impact on the pair’s exchange rate. An understanding of which, will help you predict the effect of future events on the value of the GBPUSD. The 1980s, for example, saw a tumultuous period triggered by the end of miner strikes in the UK and the uncovering of a hole in the ozone.

Before that, the period following the outbreak of the Second World War was the most decisive in the pair’s history. It was decided that to ease Britain’s borrowing costs, the sterling would be fixed to the dollar at $4.03.

Influences On The GBP/USD

Several macroeconomic factors influence the GBP/USD exchange rate:

  • Economic growth – Arguably the best variable to measure the strength of an economy. When the UK economy looks to be strengthening, the sterling will typically rise against the dollar. The reverse is also true, a weakened UK economy will see the sterling fall vs the dollar. Investment, low unemployment and favourable interest rates can all fuel economic growth.
  • Labour market conditions – The strength of a labour market is a good indication of the strength of an economy. Low unemployment and benefits rates are a good sign of a prosperous economy that lends itself to investment. GBP/USD tends to rise when the UK unemployment rate is lower than that of the US.
  • Political events and stability – Major political elections like Brexit can cause movement in GBP/USD graphs. Brexit has certainly made its mark on the pair’s exchange rate history but for today’s investors, it may not be all bad news. At the very least, trends offer opportunities to generate trading profits. Generally speaking, however, political turmoil is unattractive to foreign investors. Decreased foreign investment leads to a depreciation in the value of domestic currency.
  • Balance of payments – If a country is in deficit it means that it’s spending more than it’s earning, often borrowing from other countries. The increased demand for foreign currency lowers the country’s exchange rate. When the UK increases borrowing, the dollar rises against the GBP.
  • Inflation & interest rate differentials – Changing interest rates impact inflation and currency value. Higher interest rates attract foreign capital and domestic currency appreciates. However, inflation rates impact appreciation. Low inflation correlates with a rise in value.
  • Speculation  Market sentiment can have a big impact on the GBP/USD exchange rate. If the value of a currency is expected to rise, investors demand more of that currency to make a profit. Increased demand typically results in a spike in the value of the currency.
  • Currency correlations – Given that currencies are traded in pairs, no single forex pair operates independently of others. Fluctuations in one currency will have repercussions for another, even if they aren’t in the same pair. Take the GBP/EUR, which is a derivative of the GBP/USD. Movements in the dollar will have a knock-on effect on the Euro because both are linked by the GBP.

Some forex pairs will trend in line with one another, others will diversify. Understanding the relationship between today’s currency pairs can be used to your advantage.

Calculating Correlation

Correlation is a measure of the relationship between pairings. Assessments use historical data to predict impacts on real-time GBP/USD charts. The correlation range extends between -1 and +1. The closer you move to +1 the more aligned the movements between the currencies are, conversely, the further away you move from +1, the difference increases. A correlation of 0 means that the relationship is arbitrary.

Calculating the correlation between pairings is relatively simple. Open an Excel and use the function (=CORREL). Then follow these simple steps to set up the calculator:

  1. Enter pricing data for the two currency pairs in separate columns
  2. Fill the columns with the daily closing prices over a set period
  3. At the bottom, in an empty cell, enter =CORREL
  4. Highlight the data in the column
  5. Insert a comma
  6. Repeat steps 4 & 5 for the second currency
  7. Close the formula

The final figure is the correlation between the two currencies.

Note, forex correlations are not fixed, meaning they may fluctuate in response to external factors.

Pros Of Trading GBP/USD

There are several reasons why investing in the GBP/USD currency pair is popular:

  • Liquidity – The GBP/USD pair accounts for approximately 14% of the daily forex trading volume. High liquidity means that large sums of money can be moved in and out of currencies, often with narrow spreads. It also means there’s a range of investment vehicles available to UK investors and day traders.
  • Volatility – GBP/USD typically boasts a wide price range compared to other major forex pairs. This is primarily due to market volatility. Significant volumes paired with high volatility can lead to large profits.
  • Resources – There is a great deal of information about trading economics available online, including GBP vs USD historical data, live rates, plus weekly and long-term technical forecasts. As a result, conducting technical analysis has never been easier. Traders today can utilise a multitude of tools from market signals and community forums to real-time charts and graphs.
  • Costs – With spot forex trading, the cost of trades are often incorporated into the spread. This is unlike other products and markets where additional commissions can eat into profits.

Cons Of Trading GBP/USD

There are also downsides to investing in GBP/USD:

  • Volatility – While volatility can bring large profits, when the GBP USD pair breaks, serious spikes can lead to substantial downside. To curtail losses, investors should employ disciplined risk management strategies.
  • Ambiguity – Rapid movement between the pair can often produce false signals. As a result, inexperienced traders may fall prey to misleading information.
  • Influence – The Cable is greatly influenced by UK forex and economic news, particularly when there are discrepancies between monetary policy and exchange rate expectations.
  • Competition – Today’s markets are increasingly dominated by advanced trading algorithms. Even with competitive 1 month and 1 year forward rates and excellent market signals, traders often need more than weekly pivots, 10-year or 50-year charts to turn a profit.
  • Overexposure – Some currencies move in the same direction, such as the GBP/USD and EUR/USD. Given their positive correlation, investing in both can lead to a false sense of security. Rather than diversifying risk, traders may be amplifying losses if the US dollar moves against them.

GBP/USD Trading Strategy

A variety of strategies can be used on the GBP USD. Whether you rely on wave counts via Elliot Wave analysis, weekly pivots points, or 100-year forecast charts, there are several fundamentals:

Timing

The GBP/USD can be live traded 24/7. With that said, the best time to day trade the pair is when both the UK and US markets are open, between 08:00 – 10:00 GMT and 12:00 – 15:00 GMT. Spreads are often at their tightest as volume and profit potential increases.

Investors trading outside of these hours may need to post greater profits to compensate for wider spreads. Fortunately, there are still multiple forex index systems used to identify market opportunities and support and resistance levels.

News

For those that want to avoid using 1 minute, 15-minute, yearly or 10-year forecast charts, economic reports can be used instead. Daily forex news releases and index forecasts are a great source of information. Data regarding unemployment rates, public sentiment and economic growth can all inform trading decisions. Yahoo Finance, DailyFX and Google Finance are popular news outlets for GBP/USD updates.

Risk

Traders should aim for strong risk-reward ratios when trading GBP/USD. A ratio of 1:4, so risking 250 pips for a return of 1,000 pips, will help balance volatility with profits. Using the 1% rule is also good practice. The 1% rule dictates that investors don’t risk more than 1% of their total portfolio on a single trade. This will help control losses and facilitates longer-term investing success.

GBP Vs USD Forecasts 2024

Many brokers and traders use long-term forecasts and outlook predictions to inform investment decisions. Staying up to date with today’s political and economic events is a good place to start. Whether you go on to shape your breakout strategy using live rates or technical analysis on 5, 20 or even 100-year charts, it’s important to keep up with the basics.

Final Word On GBP/USD

Investing in the GBP/USD currency pair continues to be popular among UK traders. High volume and volatility, along with tight spreads, make it a go-to FX major. There are also multiple investment vehicles available, from futures and options to day trading instruments. Of course, as with all online trading, a careful approach to risk management must be incorporated into strategies.

Find out more about forex trading.

FAQ

How Do I Buy GBP/USD?

To trade GBP/USD, users need to set up an account with a forex broker that offers trading in the currency pair. The account set-up process tends to be straightforward. From there, you just need to deposit funds and then you can start investing.

How Will The GBP/USD Pair Perform In 2021?

Whilst broadly speaking the dollar has suffered a dip following the coronavirus, it’s likely to remain comparatively strong as the global economy recovers. For Britain and sterling, following the 2008 recession and an unpredictable Brexit scenario, the GBP is unlikely to reach its 2020 rates for some time.

Is Investing In The GBP/USD A Good Idea?

GBP/USD can be an attractive trading proposition owing to its volatility, high volume and accessibility. Many of the best forex brokers also offer trading on the major currency pair. However, there are drawbacks so traders should ensure they understand the risks before investing. Leveraged forex trading, for example, can lead to serious losses.

What Is A Good Day Trading GBP/USD Strategy?

A tight risk management strategy should form the foundation of any investing strategy. Building upon that, investors can try day trading breakout strategies using technical analysis or longer-term investing based upon fundamental news. Different systems will work at particular trading times. The right strategy will also depend on individual risk appetite and capital requirements.

What Should I Look For In A GBP/USD Forex Broker?

To start trading GBP/USD you will need to open an account with a forex broker. Always use a regulated broker and thoroughly research the provider before making a deposit. See our list of reviews for a breakdown of the top providers by platform, fees and trading tools. The best brokers also provide the latest detailed forecasts for this week, next week and future months.