11.03.202113:00 Forex Analysis & Reviews: Sterling likely to extend gains

Great Britain has reported data on consumer prices. Since the beginning of March, British citizens have picked up the pace of their spending amid eased lockdown restrictions, which contributes to the strengthening of the national economy.

Thus, according to the Clearing House Automated Payments System (CHAPS), spending based on debit and credit card purchases increased by 10 percentage points to stand at 83% of its February 2020 average.

Of course, the latest substantial fall in spending was triggered by the Christmas period and the introduction of national lockdowns across the country. Besides, the government's job-protecting furlough programme still reports 19% of employees. Nevertheless, UK spending climbed above expectations in early March.

Thus, spending on food increased by 120%. UK online job adverts decreased by 15% compared to March 2020.

Market participants did not ignore such positive news. Traders focused on the currency pairs containing the pound sterling. Now we can safely assume that the pound/dollar pair will gain ground with small pullbacks right up to the opening of the American session. As for the euro/pound pair, investors do not expect any upbeat reports from the European Central Bank for a number of reasons. Therefore, the outlook for this pair is rather dismal. Asian markets also closed with losses. The pound/yen pair is extending gains. Thus, the best way to make a profit today is to open long positions.