- The GBP/JPY is strengthened after the publication of mixed work figures from the United Kingdom on Thursday.
- The United Kingdom unemployment rate rose to 4.7%, while the employment rate increased by 134,000 in the three months to May.
- The total merchandise balance of Japan showed a surplus of 153.1 billion JPY in June, compared to an expected surplus of 353.9 billion JPY.
The GBP/JPY recovers its recent losses recorded in the previous session, quoting around 199.00 during the first European hours on Thursday. The crossing of currencies remains stronger despite the mixed employment figures of the United Kingdom (United Kingdom).
The ilo unemployment of the United Kingdom rose to 4.7% in the three months to May, compared to market expectations to remain unchanged in 4.6%. Meanwhile, the change in employment was 134K, compared to April 89k. The change in the number of applicants showed that the number of people requesting unemployment benefits increased by 25.9K in June, compared to a revised increase of 15.3K in May, above the expected figure of 17.9K.
The GBP/JPY crossing also receives support since the Japanese Yen (JPY) fights after disappointing commercial figures that fed concerns about a possible technical recession. Meanwhile, investors are attentive to a possible fiscal stimulus before the elections of the Upper House of July 20, amid speculation about an increase in government spending and a possible reduction in consumption tax to support economic growth.
The total trade balance of merchandise in Japan reported a commercial surplus of 153.1 billion JPY in June, after a deficit of 638.6 billion JPY in May and well below the expectations of the market of a surplus of 353.9 billion JPY. Exports fell 0.5% year -on -year, compared to the anterior fall of 1.7%. The reading did not reach the forecasts of a 0.5%increase, marking a second consecutive monthly fall. Meanwhile, imports increased 0.2%, recovering from the anterior fall of 7.7%and better than the expected drop of 1.6%.
Economic indicator
Unemployment ilo rate
The unemployment ilo rate published by the National Statistics corresponds to the percentage of unemployed within the universe of active population. It is a key indicator for the British economy. When this rate rises, it indicates a containment in the expansion of the United Kingdom in the field of the European Union labor. As a result, the growth of this rate entails a weakening of the British economy.
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Last publication:
Jul 17, 2025 06:00
Frequency:
Monthly
Current:
4.7%
Dear:
4.6%
Previous:
4.6%
Fountain:
Office for National Statistics
The unemployment rate is the widest indicator of the British labor market. The figure is highlighted by the media, beyond the financial sector, giving the publication a more significant impact despite its late publication. It is published about six weeks after the end of the month. Although the Bank of England has the task of maintaining price stability, there is substantial inverse correlation between unemployment and inflation. A figure higher than expected tends to be bassist for the GBP.
Source: Fx Street
I am Joshua Winder, a senior-level journalist and editor at World Stock Market. I specialize in covering news related to the stock market and economic trends. With more than 8 years of experience in this field, I have become an expert in financial reporting.
