Euro extends gains against British Pound as Eurozone inflation accelerates

The Euro (EUR) has been on an upward trajectory against the British Pound (GBP) this week, reaching a five-day winning streak. Eurozone's final inflation figures for July reinforced the bullish sentiment, showing a 2.9% year-over-year (Y-o-Y) rate, up from 2.8% in June. The Core HICP also increased to a 2.5% Y-o-Y growth rate, up from 2.4% in the previous year.

Despite a 0.2% month-over-month gain, the Core HICP remained steady for the second month in a row. These data points have bolstered the argument for an interest rate increase by the European Central Bank (ECB) in September, as ECB Governor Olli Rehn emphasized the importance of "anchoring inflation expectations" earlier in the day.

The UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed inflation accelerating to 0.3% in July, with Core CPI growing by 2.6% Y-o-Y, in line with market expectations. However, the impact on the Pound was minimal. Earlier in the week, the Pound faced pressure due to a mixed UK employment report, which included a steady unemployment rate, slowed employment growth, unexpected decline in jobless claims, and accelerating wage growth.

The Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP) tracks price changes of a representative basket of goods and services within the European Monetary Union, with a high reading seen as bullish for the Euro (EUR).