News report 🌐 Macro 🌍 United Kingdom

UBS Targets EUR/GBP at 0.8500 as Bank of England Holds Rates Steady

UBS maintains a bearish outlook for EUR/GBP, targeting 0.8500 by year-end as the Bank of England balances stable inflation expectations against the risks of elevated energy prices and fiscal policy shifts.

🕐 1 min read

1 assets impacted (Forex). Net bias: 0 Bullish, 1 Bearish, 0 Neutral. Strongest signal: EUR/GBP ↓ 7/10 (60% confidence).

📊 Affected Assets (1)

EUR/GBP
Bearish 🤖 60%
📆 Mid-term 🌍 Europe · Explicit

UBS maintains a bearish outlook for EUR/GBP, targeting 0.8500 by year-end due to expectations of favorable capital flows supporting the British pound. While the bank anticipates a cautious tone from the Bank of England regarding interest rates, the overall constructive stance on sterling persists despite potential tactical weakness leading up to the Autumn Budget.

Catalysts
  • Favorable capital flows supporting the British pound
  • Bank of England maintaining interest rates at 3.75% through 2026
Risk Factors
  • Potential pre-emptive interest rate hike if energy prices remain elevated
  • Tactical weakness in the pound due to pressure on public finances from higher gilt yields
▼ Show FAQ (2) ▲ Hide FAQ
What is the year-end target for EUR/GBP?

UBS targets the pair at 0.8500 by year-end.

Why might the pound experience tactical weakness?

The pound faces pressure leading into the 28 October Autumn Budget due to concerns over public finances and higher gilt yields.

🎯 Key Takeaways

  • UBS expects the Bank of England to maintain a 3.75% interest rate through 2026.
  • The euro is projected to weaken against the pound to 0.8500 by year-end.
  • Geopolitical risks and energy costs create a cautious tone for the Monetary Policy Committee.
  • Quantitative tightening pace is expected to slow to £50 billion starting in October.

📝 Executive Summary

UBS economists forecast the Bank of England will maintain interest rates at 3.75% in September, citing a cautious outlook amid rising energy costs and geopolitical tensions. While the firm anticipates a steady policy path through 2026, it remains bullish on sterling, projecting the euro to slide to 0.8500 by year-end due to favorable capital flows.

❓ FAQ

Why is UBS bearish on the EUR/GBP pair?

UBS remains constructive on sterling, citing favorable capital flows and a steady Bank of England policy stance, which drives their year-end target of 0.8500 for the euro.

What is the expected outlook for Bank of England interest rates?

UBS expects the Bank of England to hold rates at 3.75% for the remainder of 2026, with potential rate cuts only appearing in the 2027 forecast.