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British Pound / Swiss Franc

GBPCHF
$
GBPCHF

Price

GBPCHF
GBPCHF
British Pound / Swiss Franc
24h Change 24h Change
24h High 24h High
24h Low 24h Low

Overview

GBPCHF is the forex cross pair that compares the British Pound (GBP) to the Swiss Franc (CHF). This pair combines the risk-sensitive nature of the GBP with the stability of the CHF — often regarded as a global safe haven. As a result, GBPCHF is heavily influenced by geopolitical developments, central bank policy, and shifts in global risk appetite.

The pair tends to be favored by swing traders and those looking for macroeconomic opportunities. Movements in GBPCHF are commonly driven by differences in interest rates between the Bank of England (BoE) and the Swiss National Bank (SNB), as well as broader global events that cause capital to flow into or out of the Swiss Franc. It’s a useful pair for traders looking to diversify outside of the more crowded USD-dominated forex landscape.

Price Chart

Candlestick
Area

Technical Details

Base Currency British Pound (GBP)
Quote Currency Swiss Franc (CHF)
Typical Spread 1.5–2.5 pips (broker-dependent)
Trading Hours 24/5 (Most active during London session)
Leverage Up to 1:500 (depends on broker and region)
Volatility Moderate
Average Daily Range 50–100 pips
Correlation Low correlation with USD pairs; influenced by GBP sentiment and safe-haven flows into CHF

Why Trade British Pound / Swiss Franc?

Safe-Haven Dynamics

CHF adds risk-off hedging capability

Diversification

Not heavily impacted by USD news, offering balance to a USD-heavy portfolio

Macroeconomic Trade Setups

Driven by policy divergence and risk flows

Technical Clarity

Often respects key support/resistance and trend lines

Liquidity

Reasonable liquidity during London and European hours

Pros & Cons

Advantages

  • Low correlation with USD pairs offers diversification
  • Trending behavior supports swing and position trading
  • Influenced by distinct economic drivers between the UK and Switzerland
  • Safe-haven nature of CHF adds hedging potential in volatile markets
  • Available with competitive spreads on major trading platforms

Disadvantages

  • Lower liquidity than major GBP or USD pairs
  • Can exhibit slow, consolidating price action during low volatility
  • Sensitive to political developments and risk sentiment
  • May produce false breakouts due to thin trading during off-hours
  • Less coverage in mainstream market news, requiring deeper analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What economic factors influence GBPCHF the most? +
Interest rate differentials between the Bank of England and Swiss National Bank, UK political developments, and global risk sentiment are key drivers. CHF often strengthens during market uncertainty.
Is GBPCHF a good pair for technical trading? +
Yes. While not as volatile as some majors, GBPCHF often trends cleanly and respects technical levels, making it suitable for both swing and position traders.
When is the best time to trade GBPCHF? +
The London session (08:00–16:00 GMT) is best, especially when UK or Swiss economic data is released, as this is when volatility and liquidity peak.
Why is CHF considered a safe-haven currency? +
Switzerland's political neutrality, strong economy, and stable banking system make the CHF attractive during global uncertainty, which can influence GBPCHF movements.
Is GBPCHF suitable for beginners? +
It can be, especially for those who want to avoid highly volatile pairs. However, traders should understand how risk sentiment affects CHF before trading this pair.

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