Showing posts with label interest rate. Show all posts
Showing posts with label interest rate. Show all posts

Friday, 9 July 2010

USD/GBP Rate & Comments for 9th July 2010

USD/GBP - 1.518

Sterling fell yesterday against the US dollar and euro as mixed economic data triggered a sell off of sterling positions. Despite hitting a 2 month high of $1.5241/ £1 – the highest since early May – the pound struggled to make ground. This happened despite data showing a larger than expected rise in industrial production. However, house prices fell and the Bank of England kept the interest base rate and quantitative easing programme on hold as expected. It was revealed a few weeks ago that Bank of England member Andrew Sentence had voted for an increase in interest rates at the last meeting. We will need to wait for 2 weeks until the minutes of yesterday’s meeting are released to see whether any other members of the Bank of England followed suit. Out later today there is monthly PPI data and trade balance data which is expected to show a slight contraction in the UK’s trade deficit. Call in now for a live exchange rate.

In the USA, initial claims for unemployment benefits fell to 454,000 from 475,000 the week before. This was much better than expected and helped boost the US dollar against most of its counterparts and saw US government bond yields rise (a sign that investors are looking for riskier assets to invest in). In other news, the US administration pledged to monitor the Chinese yuan exchange rate, to ensure that China is living up to its commitments to help rebalance the global economy. Call in now to ensure you get the best exchange rate.

Exchange rates change every second - call Smart Currency Exchange for a live up-to-the-minute quote. For individual requirements, visit the SmartCurrencyExchange.com website and for companies visit the SmartCurrencyBusiness.com website.

Thursday, 8 July 2010

USD/GBP Rate & Comments for 8th July 2010

USD/GBP - 1.517

Sterling had a good day yesterday, recovering lost ground against the US dollar and euro as a recovery in UK shares on the FTSE stock market helped ease concerns over the fragility of the economy. Data on UK jobs growth was relatively poor and this put a cap on the strengthening pound. Against the euro, the pound was broadly stronger but sterling seems to have lost the post-budget momentum as gains related to sentiment have given way to concerns that the tax hikes and spending cuts will dampen growth and harm the UK recovery. Many analysts are concerned that the government will struggle to effectively implement the spending cuts, with industrial action being a potential stumbling block. Despite these concerns, the pound has strengthened this morning to a 2 month high against the US dollar as sentiment towards the Euro zone improves and investors look to ‘riskier’ assets in the UK and Euro zone. The big event today is the Bank of England interest rate decision. The rate is expected to stay the same and the emergency funding is likely to remain on hold. However, if this does change, there will be considerable volatility. Call in now for a live exchange rate.

In the USA, there was a lack of data released in the region yesterday, and the US dollar traded on sentiment. Similarly today, there is very little relevant data as the US dollar takes a back seat ahead of a busy set of data from the UK and Euro zone. Already this morning, the US dollar has given away ground to other currencies on risk sentiment movements. Get in touch now to avoid missing out on the best rates.

Exchange rates change every second - call Smart Currency Exchange for a live up-to-the-minute quote. For individual requirements, visit the SmartCurrencyExchange.com website and for companies visit the SmartCurrencyBusiness.com website.

Friday, 11 June 2010

USD/GBP Rate & Comments for 11th June 2010

USD/GBP - 1.468

Sterling rose yesterday driven by a stock market rally and the fact that many investors felt that poor sentiment surrounding the UK’s record deficit had already been ‘priced in’ – i.e. the price takes into account the deficit. The pound rose to a high of $1.4667/£1 and hit 1.2147/ £1 against the euro as investors bought back into the pound following poor sentiment earlier in the week over a possible downgrade of the country’s AAA credit rating. The Bank of England kept interest rates on hold for the 15th month running and also kept the Asset Purchase Facility (quantitative easing) on hold at £200bn. This was widely expected, and further settled the markets and helped add to the pound’s strength. In terms of data, there was little out aside from the Bank decision and out today we have manufacturing data which is expected to show a decline. There is however still concerns over the budget on 22nd June which is holding the pound back. Get in touch now to ensure you are set up to deal with any volatility that this causes.

In the USA, a stronger than expected amendment to the trade balance saw investors look elsewhere today. The trade deficit dropped by $0.5bn to -$40.8bn. This saw an increase in risk appetite and meant that the US dollar weakened as investors looked to other currencies. Unemployment data showed that 9,000 more people claimed for unemployment this month over last month, however the unemployment figures were already priced in after last Friday’s poor Non Farm Payroll data. Out today we have retail sales data – get in touch now for a live exchange rate.

Exchange rates change every second - call Smart Currency Exchange for a live up-to-the-minute quote. For individual requirements, visit the SmartCurrencyExchange.com website and for companies visit the SmartCurrencyBusiness.com website.

Thursday, 10 June 2010

USD/GBP Rate & Comments for 10th June 2010

USD/GBP - 1.459

Sterling recovered yesterday when investors bought back into the pound after analysts stated that the pound had been oversold on Tuesday following comments by credit rating agency Fitch. In the end, the comments made by Fitch added nothing new to what the markets knew already. Concerns over the deficit and a potential credit rating agency have been around since the start of the year, and many investors have been calmed by the aggressive cost cutting measures that have already been announced by the new government. As a result, the pound hit $1.4578/ £1 and was helped along by a strong performance by stock markets as risk aversion eased slightly. The pound is likely to remain under pressure in the run up to the emergency budget on June 22nd as investors remain cautious. There is a lot of data out today, with the main UK news being the Bank of England’s interest rate decision. Whilst it is expected to remain on hold for the considerable future, there could be volatility if any comments are made regarding the £200bn asset purchasing facility. Call in now to ensure you take advantage of any movement.

In the USA, the US dollar fell yesterday as risk appetite increased. There is a fair amount of data out today, with the trade balance expected to show a widening to $42bn. In addition, Treasury Secretary Geithner addresses the Senate on China later this afternoon. There could be some interesting discussion regarding the exchange rate ‘peg’ (i.e. fixed exchange rate) that is in place between the US dollar and Chinese yuan. The US dollar seems to be swinging back and forth at the moment on sentiment – call in now to ensure you catch it at the right time.

Exchange rates change every second - call Smart Currency Exchange for a live up-to-the-minute quote. For individual requirements, visit the SmartCurrencyExchange.com website and for companies visit the SmartCurrencyBusiness.com website.

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Disclaimer
Exchange rates can move very quickly. The above rates are valid at a moment in time. We have no crystal ball and we recommend that if an exchange rate works for your budget then don’t wait for an even better exchange rate - Murphy’s Law says the rate will go against you and cause you maximum pain! Suggestions should not be taken as advice or fact.

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