The Office for National Statistics released UK Average Earnings Index data that came out lower-than-expected of 3.4%, compared to forecast 3.5%.
ONS deputy head of labour market Matt Hughes said: "The labour market remains robust, with the employment rate remaining at a record high and vacancies reaching a new record level."
"The unemployment rate has also fallen, and for women has dropped below 4% for the first time ever."
Historical Data Table: Average Earnings Index 3m/y | Economic Calendar for 20.02.2019 | ||||||||
Date | 11.09.2018 | 16.10.2018 | 13.11.2018 | 22.01.2019 | 19.02.2019 | 12:30 AM | AUD Wage Price Index q/q | ||
Actual | 2.60% | 2.70% | 3.00% | 3.40% | 3.40% | 7:00 AM | German PPI m/m | ||
Forecast | 2.40% | 2.60% | 3.00% | 3.30% | 3.50% | 19:00PM | US FOMC Meeting Minutes | ||
Initial Reaction on Main Pairs | Open Position Proportions on 19.02.2019 | ||||||||
Open Price | Close Price | % Change | Longs | Shorts | |||||
GBP/USD | 1.29213 | 1.29126 | -0.07% | GBP/USD | 48.11% | 51.89% | |||
EUR/GBP | 0.87473 | 0.8752 | 0.05% | EUR/GBP | 47.29% | 52.71% | |||
GBP/CAD | 1.71299 | 1.71227 | -0.04% | GBP/CAD | 56.59% | 43.41% | |||
GBP/JPY | 143.068 | 143.001 | -0.05% | GBP/JPY | 51.86% | 48.14% |