The wave structure raises no questions. The last completed upward wave did not break the previous wave's peak, while the current downward wave has broken the previous low. Thus, a "bearish" trend is clearly forming, with no signs of its conclusion. To end the trend, the pound would need to rise to at least the 1.2569 level and confidently close above it. Such a development seems unlikely in the near future.

On Monday, there was no significant news, and today traders are likely to focus only on the US Producer Price Index (PPI). However, the market is primarily awaiting tomorrow's inflation reports from both the UK and the US, which are the most critical releases of the week. These reports could either halt the dollar's growth or further fuel it.

Inflation dynamics are currently straightforward. US inflation is rising, as anticipated by traders and the Federal Reserve. The stronger the inflation increase for December, the higher the likelihood of renewed dollar growth, as the FOMC could reduce its planned monetary policy easing in 2025 to one or even zero rate cuts. Conversely, weaker-than-expected inflation could weaken the dollar. The same logic applies to UK inflation. These reports will be released six hours apart tomorrow, meaning the pair's movements may shift directions at different times. By the end of the day, we should have clarity on whether the dollar can continue its growth trajectory.

On the 4-hour chart, the pair rebounded from the 76.4% Fibonacci corrective level at 1.2565, consolidated below the 100.0% Fibonacci level at 1.2299, and continues its descent toward the 127.2% Fibonacci corrective level at 1.1993. The downward trend channel indicates bearish dominance, which they are unlikely to relinquish soon. Only a close above the channel would signal a potential strong recovery for the pound. A developing "bearish" divergence on the CCI indicator warns of a possible resumption of the decline.

Commitments of Traders (COT) Report:

The sentiment of the "Non-commercial" category of traders showed little change in the latest reporting week. The number of long positions held by speculators increased by 1,644, while short positions grew by 132. Bulls still hold an advantage, but it is visibly shrinking. The gap between long and short positions is now only 21,000: 86,000 versus 65,000.

In my view, the pound retains downward potential, and COT reports indicate strengthening bearish positions almost every week. Over the past three months, the number of long positions has decreased from 160,000 to 86,000, while short positions have increased from 52,000 to 65,000. I believe professional players will continue reducing long positions or increasing shorts over time, as all possible factors supporting the pound have already played out. Technical analysis also supports the pound's decline.

Economic Calendar for the US and UK:

• US – Producer Price Index (PPI) (13:30 UTC).

Tuesday's economic calendar contains only one minor event. The impact of the information background on trader sentiment today will be minimal.

GBP/USD Forecast and Trading Recommendations:

• Sales: Selling opportunities were present following a rebound from the 1.2569 level on the hourly chart. Sales were also viable after closing below the 1.2488–1.2508 zone and the 1.2303 level. Today, sales are possible upon closing below the 1.2191 level on the hourly chart, targeting 1.2036.
• Purchases: I do not plan to consider buying opportunities today.

Fibonacci Levels:

• Hourly chart: Built between 1.3000 and 1.3432.

4-hour chart: Built between 1.2299 and 1.3432.