Trading GBP/JPY

Every day investors from all over the world fire up their computers to start day trading the GBP/JPY, otherwise known as the ‘Beast,’ ‘Dragon’ or ‘Geppy.’ This page will look at the history of the GBP/JPY currency pair, as well as its benefits and risks, including notable volatility and liquidity. We then break down strategy, charts, technical analysis, trading hours, plus investing tips for 2024.

GBP/JPY Trading Brokers

  1. FOREX.com - FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.
  2. Interactive Brokers - IBKR presents an extensive range of over 100 major, minor, and exotic forex pairs, surpassing the offerings of nearly all leading alternatives, though not CMC Markets. Forex trading occurs over multiple platforms and boasts institutional-grade spreads starting from 0.1 pips and 20 complex order types, including brackets, scale, and one-cancels-all (OCA) orders.
  3. NinjaTrader - NinjaTraders supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The software also offers advanced features to streamline the trading experience, including complex order types like market if touched (MIT) and one cancels other (OCO).
  4. OANDA US - OANDA offers a diverse selection of 68 currency pairs, more than many alternatives. The broker’s in-house platform offers superb day trading capabilities via powerful TradingView charts, including 65+ technical indicators and 11 customizable chart types.
  5. IG - IG offers an above-average suite of 80+ currency pairs on its proprietary web platform, mobile app or MetaTrader 4, with more advanced charts and forex analysis tools available on the ProRealTime software. Forex spreads are competitive based on tests, starting from 0.1 pips on majors like the EUR/USD.

Trading GBP/JPY Comparison

Trading GBP/JPY Comparison
Broker Forex Assets EUR/USD Spread Forex App Rating Minimum Deposit Regulator Visit
FOREX.com logo
80+ 1.2
$100 NFA, CFTC Visit
Interactive Brokers logo
100+ 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
$0 FCA, SEC, FINRA, CBI, CIRO, SFC, MAS, MNB Visit
NinjaTrader logo
50+ 1.3
$0 NFA, CFTC Visit
OANDA US logo
65+ 1.6
$0 NFA, CFTC Visit
IG logo
80+ 0.8
$0 FCA, ASIC, NFA, CFTC, DFSA, BaFin, MAS, FSCA Visit
Videforex logo
35 Floating from 0.1 pips
$250 - Visit
Plus500 US logo
13 0.75
$100 CFTC, NFA Visit
DNA Markets logo
40+ 1.0
$100 ASIC Visit
CloseOption logo
20+ No fee - payouts approx. 80% (Copper) - $5 National Bank of Georgia Visit
Coinexx logo
60+ From 0.0 pips - 0.001 BTC - Visit
Axofa logo
10+ From 1.6 pips - $1 SVGFSA Visit
World Forex logo
53 From 0.6 - $1 SVGFSA Visit
IQCent logo
49 0.3
$250 IFMRRC Visit
RaceOption logo
25+ Floating - $250 - Visit
Binarium logo
20 N/A - $5 - Visit

#1 - FOREX.com

Why We Chose FOREX.com

FOREX.com continues to uphold its stature as a premier FX broker, offering over 80 currency pairs and boasting some of the most competitive fees in the industry. With EUR/USD spreads dipping as low as 0.0 and $5 commission per $100k, it stands out. Moreover, its SMART Signals help to identify price behaviors across numerous major currency markets.

"FOREX.com remains a best-in-class brokerage for active forex traders of all experience levels, with over 80 currency pairs, tight spreads from 0.0 pips and low commissions. The powerful charting platforms collectively offer over 100 technical indicators, as well as extensive research tools."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • GBPUSD Spread: 1.3
  • EURUSD Spread: 1.2
  • EURGBP Spread: 1.4
  • Total Assets: 80+
  • Leverage: 1:50
  • Platforms: MT4, MT5, TradingView, eSignal, AutoChartist, TradingCentral

About FOREX.com

Founded in 1999, FOREX.com is now part of StoneX, a financial services organization serving over one million customers worldwide. Regulated in the US, UK, EU, Australia and beyond, the broker offers thousands of markets, not just forex, and provides excellent pricing on cutting-edge platforms.

Pros

  • There’s a wealth of educational resources including tutorials, webinars, and a stacked YouTube channel to help you get educated in the financial markets.
  • The in-house Web Trader continues to shine as one of the best-designed platforms for aspiring day traders with a slick design and over 80 technical indicators for market analysis.
  • With over 20 years of experience, excellent regulatory oversight, and multiple accolades including runner-up in our 'Best Forex Broker' awards, FOREX.com boasts a global reputation as a trusted brokerage.

Cons

  • FOREX.com's MT4 platform offers approximately 600 instruments, significantly fewer than the over 5,500 available on its non-MetaTrader platforms.
  • There’s no negative balance protection for US clients, so you may find yourself owing more money than your initial deposit into your account.
  • Despite increasing its range of instruments, FOREX.com's product portfolio is still limited to forex and CFDs, so there are no options to invest in real stocks, real ETFs or real cryptocurrencies.

#2 - Interactive Brokers

Why We Chose Interactive Brokers

IBKR presents an extensive range of over 100 major, minor, and exotic forex pairs, surpassing the offerings of nearly all leading alternatives, though not CMC Markets. Forex trading occurs over multiple platforms and boasts institutional-grade spreads starting from 0.1 pips and 20 complex order types, including brackets, scale, and one-cancels-all (OCA) orders.

"Interactive Brokers is one of the best brokers for advanced day traders, providing powerful charting platforms, real-time data, and customizable layouts, notably through the new IBKR Desktop application. Its superb pricing and advanced order options also make it highly attractive for day traders, while its diverse range of equities is still among the best in the industry."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
  • EURUSD Spread: 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
  • EURGBP Spread: 0.08-0.20 bps x trade value
  • Total Assets: 100+
  • Leverage: 1:50
  • Platforms: Trader Workstation (TWS), IBKR Desktop, GlobalTrader, Mobile, Client Portal, AlgoTrader, OmniTrader, eSignal, TradingCentral

About Interactive Brokers

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a premier brokerage for experienced traders, providing access to 150 markets in 33 countries, along with a suite of comprehensive investment services. With over 40 years of experience, this Nasdaq-listed firm adheres to stringent regulations by the SEC, FCA, CIRO, and SFC, amongst others, and is one of the most trusted brokers for trading around the globe.

Pros

  • There's a vast library of free or paid third-party research subscriptions catering to all types of traders, plus you can enjoy commission reimbursements from IBKR if you subscribe to Toggle AI.
  • With low commissions, tight spreads and a transparent fee structure, IBKR delivers a cost-effective environment for short-term traders.
  • IBKR continues to deliver unmatched access to global stocks with tens of thousands of equities available from 100+ market centres in 24 countries.

Cons

  • Support can be slow and frustrating based on tests, so you might find it challenging to reach customer service representatives promptly or encounter delays in resolving issues.
  • You can only have one active session per account, so you can’t have your desktop program and mobile app running simultaneously, making for a sometimes frustrating trading experience.
  • IBKR provides a wide range of research tools, but their distribution across trading platforms and the web-based 'Account Management' page lacks consistency, leading to a confusing user experience.

#3 - NinjaTrader

Why We Chose NinjaTrader

NinjaTraders supports the trading of popular currencies including the EUR/USD. The software also offers advanced features to streamline the trading experience, including complex order types like market if touched (MIT) and one cancels other (OCO).

"NinjaTrader continues to meet the demands of active futures traders looking for low fees and premium analysis tools. The platform hosts top-rate charting features including hundreds of indicators and 10+ chart types."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • GBPUSD Spread: 1.6
  • EURUSD Spread: 1.3
  • EURGBP Spread: 1.6
  • Total Assets: 50+
  • Leverage: 1:50
  • Platforms: NinjaTrader Desktop, Web & Mobile, eSignal

About NinjaTrader

NinjaTrader is a US-headquartered and regulated brokerage that specializes in futures trading. There are three pricing plans to suit different needs and budgets, as well as ultra-low margins on popular contracts. The brand's award-winning charting software and trading platform also offers a high-degree of customization and superb technical analysis features.

Pros

  • Traders can get free platform access and trade simulation capabilities in the unlimited demo
  • You can get thousands of add-ons and applications from developers in 150+ countries
  • NinjaTrader continues to deliver comprehensive charting software for active day traders with bespoke technical indicators and widgets

Cons

  • Non forex and futures trading requires signing up with partner brokers
  • There is a withdrawal fee on some funding methods
  • The premium platform tools come with an extra charge

#4 - OANDA US

Why We Chose OANDA US

OANDA offers a diverse selection of 68 currency pairs, more than many alternatives. The broker’s in-house platform offers superb day trading capabilities via powerful TradingView charts, including 65+ technical indicators and 11 customizable chart types.

"OANDA remains an excellent broker for US day traders seeking a user-friendly platform with premium analysis tools and a straightforward joining process. OANDA is also heavily regulated with a very high trust score."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • GBPUSD Spread: 3.4
  • EURUSD Spread: 1.6
  • EURGBP Spread: 1.7
  • Total Assets: 65+
  • Leverage: 1:50
  • Platforms: OANDA Trade, MT4, TradingView, AutoChartist

About OANDA US

OANDA is a popular brand offering exceptional execution, low deposit requirements and advanced charting and trading platform features. The top-rated brand has over 25 years of experience and is regulated by trusted agencies, including the NFA/CFTC. Around the clock support is available for short-term traders, alongside flexible contract sizes and automated trade executions.

Pros

  • There's a strong selection of 68 currency pairs for dedicated short-term forex traders
  • Day traders can enjoy fast and reliable order execution
  • The proprietary OANDA web platform continues to deliver a highly competitive charting environment, including 65+ technical indicators powered by TradingView

Cons

  • The range of day trading markets is limited to forex and cryptos only
  • There's only a small range of payment methods available, with no e-wallets supported
  • It's a shame that customer support is not available on weekends

#5 - IG

Why We Chose IG

IG offers an above-average suite of 80+ currency pairs on its proprietary web platform, mobile app or MetaTrader 4, with more advanced charts and forex analysis tools available on the ProRealTime software. Forex spreads are competitive based on tests, starting from 0.1 pips on majors like the EUR/USD.

"IG continues to provide a comprehensive package with an intuitive web platform and best-in-class education for beginners, plus advanced charting tools, real-time data, and fast execution speeds for experienced day traders."

- DayTrading Review Team
  • GBPUSD Spread: 0.9
  • EURUSD Spread: 0.8
  • EURGBP Spread: 0.9
  • Total Assets: 80+
  • Leverage: 1:30 (Retail), 1:250 (Pro)
  • Platforms: Web, ProRealTime, L2 Dealer, MT4, AutoChartist, TradingCentral

About IG

Founded in 1974, IG is part of IG Group Holdings Plc, a publicly traded (LSE: IGG) brokerage. The brand-US offers spread betting, CFD and forex trading across an almost unrivalled selection of 17,000+ markets, with a range of user-friendly platforms and investing apps. For 50 years, IG has maintained its position as an industry leader, excelling in all key areas for traders.

Pros

  • IG is amongst the best in terms of its range of instruments, which includes stocks, forex, indices, commodities, and cryptocurrencies, providing ample diversification opportunities
  • The IG app offers a superb mobile trading experience with a clean design that helped it secure Runner Up at our Best Trading App award
  • As a well-established broker, IG operates under strict regulatory guidelines in multiple jurisdictions, maintaining a high level of trust

Cons

  • IG has discontinued its swap-free account, reducing its appeal to Islamic traders
  • Beginners might find IG’s fee structure complex, with various fees for different types of trades or services, potentially leading to confusion or unexpected charges
  • While there is negative balance protection in the UK and EU, there is no account protection or guaranteed stop losses for US clients

Chart

GBP/JPY Trading Explained

What does GBP/JPY mean? It is the relative value of the British pound against the value of the Japanese yen. Both are traded enough to qualify them amongst the top six global currencies. Today the yen accounts for around 16.8% of trading volume, while the pound represents approximately 12.8% of forex volume. The pair is considered a ‘cross.’ This means the US dollar is not used when calculating the exchange rate.

Why Day Trade GBP/JPY?

With so many currency pairs and trading vehicles available, including ETFs, futures, and options, why does the GBP/JPY warrant your attention?

Drawbacks & Risks

Downsides to day trading GBP/JPY include:

Influences on Movement

Energy Commodities

The relationship between the Japanese yen and energy pricing can have a significant impact for investing. Japan buys crude oil and natural gas to satisfy domestic energy requirements. In 2020, Japan was the 4th biggest importer of crude oil and second for natural gas.

There is a strong link between the price of the Japanese yen and the price of energy commodities. Historical data shows that when global energy prices shift, the yen usually moves in line with them. This has a knock-on effect on the GBP/JPY.

Other Factors

Investors can feel wars and natural disasters in the GBP/JPY relationship. The savvy day trader won’t just focus on charts from Yahoo and historical data. They will keep track of multiple global factors using various sources.

Currency Correlations

Foreign exchange currencies do not move independently of each other. Because they are traded in pairs, their movements are tied to the movements of other pairs.

For example, if you are trading the GBP/JPY, you are handling a derivative of the GBP/USD and USD/JPY pairs. This means that GBP/JPY is related to either or both of the other pairs. The problem is they can move with each other and in the opposite direction. Plus, their correlation can change.

Correlation is a statistical measure ranging from -1 to +1. The former is when currency pairs move in opposite directions and the latter when they move together.

Calculation

The best way to understand how this knowledge can assist you day trading the GBP/JPY is to be the correlation calculator yourself. All you need is an Excel spreadsheet:

  1. Input price data from your currency pairs, GBP/JPY, for example
  2. Create two columns, one for each pair
  3. Fill the columns with the past daily prices over the period you are interested in
  4. Type =CORREL in an empty box at the bottom
  5. Highlight all the data in a column, and you will get a range of cells in the formula box. Type in a comma
  6. Now repeat steps 3 to 5 for the other currency
  7. Close the formula. It will then look like =CORREL (A1: A25, B1: B25)

The final figure is the correlation between the two currency pairs.

GBP/JPY Day Trading Strategy

Timing

Whether you opt for a breakout or scalping strategy, timing is essential. So, when is the best time to trade GBP/JPY? You want to focus your trading around key economic releases at 01:30, 02:00, 08:30, and 10:00 EST. Also, consider the Asian European overlap, which runs from 00:00 to 03:00 EST. This is when you will see the most liquidity for the Japanese yen, plus the European yen crosses.

Breakout Strategies

The volatility of the GBP/JPY means the pair can trade wide swings in either direction, making trading breakouts an appealing technique. You can capitalize on profits when big swings are correct and minimize losses when they move against you. A top tip is to regularly monitor your support and/or resistance lines and levels because the volatility can cause severe fluctuations in a short time frame.

20 Pips GBP/JPY Scalping Strategy

This method is straightforward. You use 5-minute time frames and free GBP/JPY signals. You will also need 25 exponential moving averages (EMAs) on the indicator front.

When the price is above 25 EMA, you are seeing an uptrend. When the price is below 25 EMA, it is considered a downtrend. The angle of the trend is essential. A relatively horizontal angle means the market is ranging. There is a solid trend if the angle is around 30 degrees or higher.

Buy Setup

Sell Setup

Because the range of the GBP/JPY can be anywhere from 150-200 pips a day, there is ample scalping opportunity. However, be warned this system may underperform in ranging, non-trending markets.

Trade Size

Whatever your strategy, the GBP/JPY can turn bullish or bearish quickly. You must set stop losses wide, with small lot sizes. You may even want to consider cutting your trade size to around a third. This allows you to aim for higher targets and reduce potential losses in a volatile currency pair.

Summing Up Strategy

One person’s best GBP/JPY strategy may not generate consistent profits for another investor. The trick is finding a strategy that compliments your trading style. Some focus on bar charts and daily pivot points, while others prefer economic calendars and news events.

For more guidance, see our strategy page.

History

Early History

The British pound is thought to be the oldest currency in the world still in use. A turning point came in 1940 with the Bretton Woods agreement. The pound pegged to the US dollar rate at £1 = $4.03. A system that was used to govern post-war exchanges for the next thirty years.

The Japanese yen, which means ‘circle’ or ’round object,’ is much younger than its British pound counterpart. The Meiji government introduced it in 1871 to replace the unstable Edo period, where no standard currency exchange existed. However, the yen lost its value during World War II. From 1949 to 1971, the yen was equivalent to 1 US dollar.

Global Credit Crunch

A critical period in the currency pair’s relationship was the global financial crisis of 2008. Between 2007 and 2009, the pound was clearly under pressure. In response to this, it weakened against the yen. GBP/JPY traded from a high of 250.13 to a low of 121.21, a staggering decline of over 50%.

Brexit

The Brexit decision of 2016 also had far-reaching implications. Although the repercussions were felt for less time than the crunch of 2008, volatility was still substantial. In June 2016, the GBP/JPY traded from a high of 160.66 to a low of 133.31.

Covid-19

To mitigate the effects of COVID-19, Japan authorized a US$1.1 trillion stimulus plan in May 2020. In addition, the BoJ bought ETFs and pumped huge amounts of yen and foreign currency into the financial markets.

The British government created a £30 billion stimulus package in August 2020. It included lowering interest rates to near-zero, financing £190 billion to companies, and buying £435 billion in government bonds. Throughout 2020, the pair traded between a high of 144.78 and a low of 127.55.

However, the all-time records for this currency pair weren’t at either of these periods. Instead, they were:

Role of the Great British Pound

Before you start focussing on your GBP/JPY trading signals and system, it helps to have some context about the role these two currencies play.

Although the UK is relatively small in size, its economy is one of the largest in the world. It plays a leading role in international financial markets. London is thought of as the forex trading capital of the world.

The UK was at one time the global superpower, with the largest economy on the planet for over one hundred years. The British pound was considered the world’s unofficial reserve currency. However, the world wars sparked a decline. Stringent government regulations and restricted labor markets further impacted the economy.

The economy has since stabilized partially due to the UK’s role as a key global player in financial services.

Role of the Japanese Yen

Japan is one of the biggest economies in the world, boasting one of the highest GDPs, plus it is a huge exporter. However, it has had a challenging few decades. Low fertility rates and an ageing workforce have also made taxation and consumption a constant battle.

Despite troubles, their workforce is well-educated, and while industries such as shipbuilding have moved to China and South Korea, Japan remains a leading manufacturer of electronics and technological components. Japan is now heavily reliant on China as a trade partner.

The main driving forces are interest rates and price action. However, there are other economic data releases that traders should keep an eye out for:

Google Finance, Yahoo Finance, Bloomberg, and Reuters are good GBP/JPY news resources. For truly yen-specific information, the Tankan survey is particularly useful. This is published quarterly online by the BoJ.

Final Word on GBP/JPY Day Trading

The GBP/JPY is thought of as a gauge for global economic health, as it reflects issues affecting both Western Europe’s monetary policies and those in the Asia-Pacific region. Phenomenal volatility and wide trading ranges attract vast numbers of day traders.

Success will be no easy challenge when you open up your live forex chart. You will need an understanding of how and what influences each currency and economy, fundamental analysis, charts, patterns, and the news to spot potential opportunities. Only then can you begin your journey to join the likes of famous forex traders, Ed Seykota and Richard Dennis.

For more guidance, see our forex day trading page.

FAQ

What Does GBP/JPY Mean?

GBP stands for Great British pound and JPY for Japanese yen. GBP/JPY is the forex exchange pair these two currencies generate. With it, you can speculate on the price movement between GBP and JPY.

Is GBP/JPY A Good Pair To Trade?

The pair is highly volatile and suitable for investors who can manage such conditions. Volatility is great for day or short-term trading as it offers plenty of opportunities to take advantage of the price fluctuations.

What Is The Best Time To Trade GBP/JPY?

GBP/JPY moves the most when the London and the Japan markets are opened at the same time, between 03:00 and 04:00 EST. This creates liquidity and substantial price movements.

Why Is The GBP/JPY Highly Volatile?

Both GBP and JPY are highly volatile currencies; when combined, this results in an exciting pairing. GBP/JPY is also tied to distinct types of economies, which creates big up and down swings in price. The pair also has ample liquidity due to its popularity.

What Affects GBP/JPY?

Some of the most impactful factors include energy prices and government policies. Japan is a big importer of crude oil and natural gas. JPY is highly dependent on the cost of energy. The UK is one of the most influential economies in the world. Its policies often have a knock-on effect on regional and international markets.