14/05/2013

Good US data undermines sterling | Smart Daily Currency Note

GBP/EUR - 1.1773
GBP/USD - 1.5313
EUR/GBP - 0.849
EUR/USD - 1.3005
GBP/AED - 5.6242
GBP/AUD - 1.5341
GBP/CAD - 1.5465
GBP/CHF - 1.4609
GBP/CNY - 9.406
GBP/HKD - 11.8844
GBP/HUF - 346.54
GBP/INR - 83.617
GBP/JPY - 155.38
GBP/NZD - 1.8481
GBP/RUB - 47.8851
GBP/SEK - 10.092
GBP/THB - 45.333
GBP/ZAR - 14.038


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

Sterling had a steady day through much of yesterday before losing ground rapidly towards the end of the day on the release of better than expected US retail sales data. Sterling fell to a two week low against the US dollar. Sterling’s weakness came in spite of the Confederation of British Industry releasing a statement confirming economic sentiment in the UK had improved - adding to hope that growth is expected to pick up over the next two years. As the Bank of England refrained last week from boosting their asset-purchasing programme and with CPI inflation figures also released midweek expected to be relatively constant, sterling could well stabilise but call in now for feedback from your trader on whether it can resist pressure from across the Atlantic.

The euro largely proceeded on an even keel yesterday as Eurogroup meetings took place and the Greek Prime Minister declared that Greece would not require any further bailouts as the economy in his country looks to be steadying. The single currency performed staunchly in most of it's major pairings save for a US dollar that has been enjoying significant gains across the board on the back of strong retail figures. Europe's governments are in the middle of a policy rethink following years of tight budgets as the recession in the region deepens and the G7 meetings signalled its intentions to scale back austerity. Focus now will be on important economic sentiment data today whilst the release of growth figures midweek are expected to highlight the gloomy economic situation. Call in now to see how emerging political decisions affect euro trading levels.

The US dollar enjoyed a strong day on the currency markets yesterday following better than expected monthly retail sales data from the world's largest economy – making gains against most of it's major counterparts. This followed on from reports that Federal Reserve officials had sorted out a strategy to wind down the US bond-buying programme. This is in an effort to preserve flexibility and manage highly unpredictable market expectations, where the first steps in scaling back could be in the next few months depending on emerging data. Today sees the release of monthly import price figures, whilst later in the week inflation indices as well as unemployment claims and consumer confidence reports are published. Call in now for up to date information on whether the dollar continues it's momentum.

Yesterday we saw the Australian dollar slide to an 11-month low against the US dollar, whilst falling against the majority of it's major trading peers in response to low business confidence amid rumours that their Reserve Bank will cut interest rates further. The Yen continued to weaken over the weekend and through yesterday; falling to five year lows beyond the 102.00 level against the US dollar as the G7 meetings confirmed expectation of further consolidation for the Japanese yen following the government's ground-breaking monetary policy programme. The Canadian dollar had a strong day yesterday as better-than-expected sales data in the US had an immediate impact on Canadian markets, with the currency performing well against most if it's major currency pairs. Much focus will be on the Australian annual budget figures emerging mid-morning today as Australian dollar price levels continue to be susceptible to unfavourable data releases. Speak to your trader now for current prices and reaction from world markets.

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 quote form

Weekly Update on GBP, EUR, USD & Commodity-Backed Currencies

Smart Resources

Currency Report
Have you read our 10-page Currency Report 'Why UK businesses unknowingly lose £££'s on making and receiving international payments...And what they can do to avoid it!" Get the report here!

Currency Quotation
Are you interested in a currency rate for euros, US dollars or any other currency? If so, please call 0808 163 0102 fill out our Smart quotation form.

Smart Articles (For Clients & Press)
Read recent articles published in a variety of publications or request information on our Smart Media page.

Main Smart Currency Business Website
Get information on all the Smart services, educational resources and access to our FAQ's plus much more! Visit main website here.



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.

© 2005-2010 Copyright Smart Currency Exchange Ltd THIS PUBLICATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ADVICE WITHIN THE TERMS OF THE FINANCIAL SERVICES ACT (OR ANY SUBSEQUENT REVISIONS, ADDITIONS, OR AMENDMENTS).