USD/GBP Rate & Comments for 24th June 2010

USD/GBP - 1.495

Sterling hit a 6 week high against the US dollar of $1.4999/£1 after sentiment was given a large boost. Firstly, following the emergency budget on Tuesday, credit rating agency Moody’s stated that the UK will retain the AAA credit rating if it successfully implements Tuesday’s measures. In addition, investors were in for a shock when the Bank of England’s minutes for this month’s meeting on monetary policy showed that one of the Bank members voted for a rise in interest rates – the first time for over 2 years that anyone has voted for a rate hike. With VAT set to rise to 20% and a round of tough spending cuts, the affirmation from Moody’s should ease investor concern over the UK. As a result, the pound saw a welcome boost. However, many analysts said that whilst the rise was justified, there are still genuine concerns over the possibility that the cuts and tax hikes could stifle out growth. As a result, many expect that the pound will not have the momentum to push far past $1.50/ £1 for some time. Get in touch now to take advantage of the best price in 6 weeks.

In the USA, the Federal Reserve kept interest rates on hold. And the language in their statement was slightly more pessimistic than last month, suggesting that an interest rate hike by the end of the year will be less likely. This added to the US dollar’s losses against the pound. Out later today, we have US durable goods orders which are expected to drop marginally for the month. Call in now for a live price.

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