UK PMI Finalizes at 53.7 Four-Year High with Surging Costs, Bolstering GBPUSD Post-Rally

UK manufacturing PMI finalized at 53.7 for April, the highest since May 2022, with rebounds in output, orders, and staffing, though supplier lead times hit four-year worsts and input costs surged to near four-year highs—reinforcing GBPUSD after its rally to 1.3427. The advance followed bearish calls like RBS's 2012 short to 1.5050 and a 2026 recommendation targeting 1.2800 amid Middle East conflict-driven USD strength. A US-Iran ceasefire in April crashed crude 15% intraday, weakening USD below its 200-day SMA at 1.3415 and shifting sentiment bullish for cable.