Currency news

Soft UK CPI fuels BoE rate cut talk

Head of FX Analysis
-
3
min read
Published:
October 22, 2025
  • GBP slumps on rate cut bets


Yesterday's currency recap

The US dollar extended its rally for a third consecutive session, buoyed by further yen depreciation after Sanae Takaichi secured leadership in Japan’s parliamentary vote. Bank of Japan officials reiterated their patient stance, signalling no imminent plans for rate increases.

GBPCAD retreated from its nine-year peak following stronger-than-expected inflation figures, with markets now pricing-in a 67% probability of a 25bps rate cut in the coming week.

Today's GBP rates

Currency pair Daily move* Indicative rate**
GBPAUD 0.05% 2.0595
GBPCAD -0.30% 1.8758
GBPCHF 0.22% 1.0649
GBPDKK 0.08% 8.6068
GBPEUR 0.08% 1.1523
GBPJPY 0.56% 203.218
GBPNOK -0.34% 13.4343
GBPNZD -0.19% 2.3295
GBPSEK -0.36% 12.5882
GBPUSD -0.17% 1.3388


*Daily move - against
G10 rates as of 06:00 BST, 22.10.25

** Indicative rates - interbank rates as of 06:00 BST, 22.10.25

Speeches

  • EUR: ECB Guindos, Lagarde

What we think

Sterling tumbled this morning as UK inflation remained unchanged at 3.8% year-on-year in September, falling short of forecasts for a rise to 4.0%. Meanwhile, core CPI eased to 3.5% and services inflation held steady at 4.7%. In response to the subdued data, markets have increased expectations for Bank of England rate cuts, with a 70% probability of a 25bps cut now priced-in by December – up from 30% prior to the release. This outcome strengthens anticipation of a more dovish stance from the BoE into year-end, with sentiment shifting firmly towards a rate reduction as the next likely move.

Next up for GBP will be the retail sales and PMI numbers on Friday. A softer print would highlight the weaker fundamentals in the UK and could well increase the odds of a cut in December.

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