EURO/GBP - 1.1972
US$/GBP – 1.5570
CHF/GBP – 1.4607
CAN$/GBP - 1.5796
AUS$/GBP – 1.5118
ZAR/GBP – 12.5722
JPY/GBP – 119.61
HKD/GBP – 12.1065
NZD/GBP – 1.9823
SEK/GBP – 10.6932
AED/GBP - 5.723
US$/EURO - 1.2984
INR/GBP - 82.02

To request a up-to-the minute quotation, call 0845 638 0571 or (+44 207 898 0500 from outside the UK) or fill out our quote form: http://www.smartcurrencybusiness.com/quote1.htm

Sterling has started the New Year much where it left off, hovering just under €1.20/£1 against the euro and at $1.5570/£1 against the US dollar. With many currency market traders beginning to return to work after the Christmas break, many expect that volatility will increase again after a relatively quiet week. As we start 2012, many analysts expect sterling to strengthen against the euro as the debt crisis worsens. Against the US dollar, some feel that sterling will fall as investors move money into the safe haven currency, but others feel that there is scope for sterling to strengthen as the US government struggles to deal with its deficit and continues to bicker over budgets and spending. This week we have a wide array of sector activity data in the form of PMI figures kicking off with manufacturing data today. Call in now for a live exchange rate.

In the euro zone, the euro suffered throughout December, dropping to an 11 ½ month low against sterling in the last week of the year. ‘Shorts’ of the euro – i.e. trades betting that the euro will fall – have increased to record highs in recent weeks and Europe is set to remain as the market focus for the coming months. This week sees bond market auctions in Germany and France which will most likely draw some attention alongside German unemployment figures later today.

In the USA, key events this week include the minutes from the most recent Federal Reserve interest rate meeting that are released today. With more buoyant data coming out of the USA, the minutes might show that the committee are feeling more positive about the US recovery. Friday sees key data in the form of non-farm payroll unemployment data so call in now for a live exchange rate.

Elsewhere, the Danish krone has begun to show signs of safe haven demand as the euro zone crisis has deepened. The Scandinavian currencies could potentially start to strengthen against others as they are not as embroiled in the credit crisis as many other countries. Call in now for a live exchange rate.

Exchange rates change every second - call Smart Currency Exchange for a live up-to-the-minute quote on: 0845 638 0571 (or +44 (0)207 898 0500 from outside the UK) or fill out our online quote form at: SmartCurrencyBusiness.com/quote1.htm