USD/GBP Rate & Comments for 30th June 2010

USD/GBP - 1.503

Sterling hit a 19 month high against the euro yesterday as investors deserted the euro ahead of bank repayments to the European Central Bank. The pound hit 1.2380 as a key deadline looms on Thursday for the repayment of loans made to banks in the Euro zone. Sterling was also supported after the launch of a 30 year gilt (UK government bond) was received well by financial markets. Lending data released yesterday showed that net lending to individuals had increased to £1.5bn but final mortgage approvals fell slightly. Today, we have seen house price data show prices rise by a mediocre 0.1% month on month against an expectation of 0.3%. Despite the wave of positivity that has followed the budget, there are still several issues that need addressing in the UK, and these figures are showing that there is potential for another housing slump. Call in now to avoid missing out on the best rates.

In the USA, with a fairly quiet week so far on the economic calendar, the big news was that consumer confidence fell on the month. A lot of data in the US has suggested that the US recovery is stalling somewhat so a decline in confidence did not come as too much of a surprise. Out later today, there is ADP Non-Farm employment change – the precursor to the main Non-Farm Payroll data and a figure that gives a good indicator of Friday’s figure. Call in now for a live exchange rate and to ensure that you don’t miss out on the best price.

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