GBP/USD consolidates near 1.3150 as traders await US NFP employment data

GBP/USD is trading in a tight range around 1.3150, showing cautious consolidation ahead of Friday's pivotal US Non-Farm Payrolls release. The pair has gained 0.1% in quiet trading, supported by broad dollar weakness following disappointing US employment indicators earlier this week. Wednesday's ADP employment data showed private payrolls increased by only 99,000, well below the 145,000 forecast, heightening concerns about labor market deterioration. Sterling remains resilient despite mixed UK economic data, with services PMI holding above the 50 expansion threshold at 53.7. Technical indicators show GBP/USD trapped between resistance at 1.3180 and support at 1.3120, with a breakout likely following the NFP release. A weaker-than-expected jobs report could propel the pair toward 1.3200, while strong data might trigger a pullback to test the 1.3100 support zone. Implied volatility has increased, suggesting traders expect significant movement post-NFP.