## GBP/EUR: Why This GBP to Euro Exchange Rate Is Worth Watching



If you're involved in forex trading, GBP/EUR is definitely something you shouldn't miss. This currency pair represents the value of the British Pound relative to the Euro, simply put, how many euros you get for 1 pound. Currently, the rate is around 1.120€, which may seem ordinary, but the story and trading opportunities behind it are anything but.

## Data Speaks: How Volatile Is the GBP to Euro Exchange Rate

Just look at recent performance. Over the past month, this GBP/EUR has fallen by 1.45%, and over three months, it has declined by 2.03%. Looking further back, the 52-week range is from 1.0786 to 1.2190€, indicating there’s still considerable room for trading.

Even more interesting is the historical comparison: it reached a high of 1.752€ in May 2000, but dropped to a low of 1.02€ in December 2008. What does such a wide fluctuation mean? It indicates that the GBP/EUR trading pair has rich operational potential, provided you know how to leverage it.

## Brexit Changed Everything

To understand the current GBP/EUR market, you can't ignore Brexit. Before the 2016 referendum, the pound was quite resilient against the euro, with quotes above 1.30€. But starting from 2016, the situation reversed. Over the past seven years, this GBP/EUR has mostly hovered between 1.06 and 1.21€.

Particularly on the day of the referendum result, the pound plummeted, creating the largest single-day decline in 30 years. In 2017 and 2019, it experienced two more sharp drops, pushing the pound to new lows. The reason is simple: market concerns over increased trade friction between the UK and the EU, and this uncertainty led financial institutions to sell off pound assets, causing the GBP/EUR to fall.

## What Influences the Current GBP/EUR

The movement of this currency pair now mainly depends on several factors. First is economic fundamentals. Data such as GDP growth, unemployment rate, and manufacturing sector health in the UK and Eurozone influence investor preferences, thereby affecting demand for these currencies.

Second are central bank policies. The interest rate decisions of the Bank of England and the European Central Bank directly impact GBP/EUR. If the Bank of England raises rates while the ECB does not, the pound will tend to appreciate; the opposite is also true.

Third is market sentiment. Events like the Russia-Ukraine war, inflation expectations, and recession risks can cause volatility in GBP/EUR. When market risk appetite declines, investors tend to sell riskier assets, which can pressure the pound.

In the first half of 2022, GBP/EUR performed well, approaching a five-year high. But since summer, it has been declining toward a five-year low, reflecting market concerns about the UK economy’s outlook.

## Breaking Down the GBP/EUR Trading Mechanism

To profit from GBP/EUR, you first need to understand its structure. The pound is the base currency, and the euro is the quote currency. Simply put, you’re watching how many euros are needed to buy 1 pound.

If you are bullish on the pound (bearish on the euro), you buy this pair; if bearish on the pound (bullish on the euro), you sell. Profit is calculated from the difference between the buy and sell prices—the spread.

The key is, you don’t need to actually hold both currencies. Using CFD (Contract for Difference) instruments, you can open positions on a platform and profit from price changes. That’s why forex trading is so attractive to retail traders—low barriers to entry and high flexibility.

## Why GBP/EUR Is Worth Watching Now

This currency pair has high liquidity, meaning you can enter and exit positions at any time without worrying about finding counterparties. Moreover, compared to other pairs, GBP and EUR represent two of the world’s most important economies, and their movements often signal the overall market rhythm.

Another reason is that, although the volatility is relatively moderate (not as wild as some emerging market currencies), it still offers stable trading opportunities. Especially for traders seeking gains in a relatively stable market, GBP/EUR is a good choice.

## What to Watch Out for When Trading This Pair

**Choosing the right timing is crucial.** The UK and Eurozone’s trading hours (London time 08:00-17:00) are usually when this pair is most volatile, as this is Europe’s most active trading period, accounting for about 35% of daily forex volume. If you want to chase volatility, operate within this window.

**Pay attention to economic calendar events.** Interest rate decisions, employment data, and inflation releases from the Bank of England and ECB can significantly impact GBP/EUR. To avoid being caught off guard by unexpected moves, do your homework in advance.

**Beware of volatility spikes.** Although this pair is relatively stable, during certain periods (like economic data releases or geopolitical events), volatility can suddenly increase. At such times, setting proper stop-loss levels becomes critical.

## The Current Challenges Facing the Pound

According to the latest economic forecasts, the UK’s growth in 2023 may be zero or even negative, facing recession risks. In contrast, the Eurozone’s outlook is somewhat better. This fundamental difference will exert downward pressure on GBP/EUR in the long run.

However, there are some positive factors. UK employment data remains relatively strong, and the effects of tightening policies by the Bank of England are gradually showing. So, it’s not entirely bearish on the pound.

In early 2023, GBP/EUR fell to 1.124€, hitting a new low since September 2022. But this could also be an opportunity—extreme prices rarely last long.

## Summary: What Kind of Traders Is GBP/EUR Suitable For

If you prefer precise operations in relatively stable markets, GBP/EUR is a good choice. It offers enough volatility to profit from, without the constant risk of margin calls.

The key is to do your homework: monitor UK and EU economic data, central bank signals, choose appropriate trading times, and implement solid risk management. This way, GBP/EUR can turn from a complex financial figure into your profit-making tool.

**Risk Warning: Forex trading involves risks, with no guaranteed profits. Only invest what you can afford to lose, and always use stop-loss to protect yourself.**
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