The British pound steadied on Thursday, after four consecutive days of gains - its longest streak since August - as the dollar sell-off eased and traders began assessing the potential impact of the UK’s November budget on the economy. UK Finance Minister Rachel Reeves is set to present her annual budget in eight weeks, aiming to meet her fiscal targets even if it means raising taxes, which could weigh on an already fragile economy. Sterling is also likely to receive additional support from monetary policy. The Bank of England kept interest rates unchanged in September, with markets currently pricing in the next rate cut only in 2026 as inflationary pressures remain elevated. The BoE anticipates a peak in CPI inflation at 4.0% in September, with a gradual decline towards the 2% target in the medium term. However, persistent food price inflation and administered prices (such as energy and housing costs) remain concerns.