Pound Sterling – UK Markets

Sterling exchange rates came under continued selling pressure yesterday after weak retail sales reduced confidence in the pound. This morning sterling rose slightly against its European and Asian currency partners, trading at 1.62 against the US dollar and 1.13 against the euro.

Despite positive housing figures yesterday, the pound came under pressure from a report which showed business investment in the UK has fallen the most in 24 years. GDP figures released this morning have been revised upwards, showing that the UK economy contracted -0.7% in the second quarter, rather than the -0.8% previously recorded. This could help lift sterling today, while UK exchange rates will also likely be affected by consumer figures out in the US.

US Dollar – US Markets

Exchange rates for the US dollar are slightly lower this morning, losing ground against the pound, Australian and Canadian currencies. The greenback has climbed against the yen, euro and New Zealand dollar ahead of key consumer releases in the US today.

The core personal consumption index is due in the US today and this, along with personal income and expenditure for July will help provide an insight into consumer spending in the US economy. Consumer activity is crucial to economic recovery and the figures are expected to rise following the “cash for clunkers” initiative. The figures are due this afternoon.

Euro – European Markets

Euro currency rates have dipped slightly this morning, although the single currency remains at the top of recent ranges, particularly against the pound. The euro is currently trading at 1.43 against the US dollar and 0.87 against the pound.

The euro is heading for its second monthly gain on the US dollar, as euro sentiment has improved following the emergence of France and Germany from recession. German consumer confidence has leapt to a three-year high and European markets have gained this morning following positive results from Dell and higher metal prices. Economic and industrial confidence for the eurozone has exceeded market expectations this morning, while consumer confidence came in slightly lower than expected.

Other Currencies – Highlights

Currency exchange rates for the yen remain strong this morning, following news that Japan’s unemployment rate rose to 5.7%, ahead of the expected 5.4%. Consumer prices are also falling at record levels and as this comes on the eve of the general election, the news is a blow for incumbent prime minister Taro Aso.

Australian currency exchange rates are heading for the longest month of gains in over 20 years against the US dollar following a rally on the back of economic recovery. Record low interest rates and rising commodity prices have helped lead the Australian currency higher in recent months against the yen and US dollar. The New Zealand dollar is also on the verge of seven months worth of gains against the yen.

Pound Sterling – UK Markets

Sterling currency exchange rates continue to fall this morning despite positive housing figures from Nationwide, with the pound falling against its major currency partners. Sterling is currently valued at 1.62 against the US dollar and 1.13 against the euro.

Further losses for the pound yesterday put sterling’s decline as the longest since January against the single currency. The price of UK bonds fell to a record low and the German IFO business climate improved, pushing the euro even higher against sterling. A correction is expected for the pound at some stage, though when this will occur is difficult to say. Nationwide figures show UK house prices gained 1.6% in August, climbing for the fourth consecutive month, while total business investment is down -10% for the second quarter.

US Dollar – US Markets

US currency exchange rates gained over 1% against the pound yesterday after downbeat US figures limited risk appetite. This morning the US dollar is trading at 0.70 against the euro and 0.61 against the pound, while climbing against its European currency partners.

Markets were underwhelmed yesterday by durable goods orders in the US, which rose 4.9% in July, slightly lower than market expectations. However these figures support the idea that the US is recovering across a wide range of sectors and economists are predicting the world’s largest economy will return to growth in the third quarter. GDP figures for the second quarter and initial jobless claims will be a source of currency volatility today.

Euro – European Markets

Currency exchange rates for the euro remain bullish, with the single currency posting its longest rally against the pound since January. The euro has climbed to 0.87 against the pound and dipped slightly to 1.42 against the US dollar.

German data continues to exceed market expectations with the consumer price index rising 0.3% in August. Positive IFO figures triggered a euro rally yesterday and economists are expecting the German economy to support sustained growth by mid 2010. German consumer confidence this morning rose to a 15-month high and EMU consumer, economic and industrial confidence figures are due tomorrow.

Other Currencies – Highlights

A rise in risk aversion following modest US data limited currency exchange rates for the Australian dollar yesterday, sending the Aussie lower against its major currency partners. A 3.3% rise in Australian business investment in the second quarter has added to the view that Australia is recovering, though the Australian and New Zealand currencies remains particularly susceptible to global risk appetite.

Currency exchange rates for the Japanese yen have climbed this morning, due to increased demand for the safe haven while risk appetite remains weak. Unemployment has risen to 5.5% Japan, while consumer prices are declining and export levels have fallen for ten consecutive months. The Japanese election is due soon and the yen could remain strong in the run up to this.

Pound Sterling – UK Markets

Sterling currency rates touched on a 10-week low against the single currency yesterday, falling to 1.1410 in the midst of weak market sentiment. This morning the pound continues to fall, trading at 1.13 against the euro and 1.63 against the US dollar.

Sterling sentiment remains extremely weak at present, due to the absence of positive UK data and growing levels of government debt. The rise in German business confidence has led to increased pressure on the pound, though economists are speculating this could be positive for sterling as a euro recovery, combined with weak exchange rates will help stimulate UK exports. The next two days are light for UK data with GDP figures released on Friday.

US Dollar – US Markets

The US dollar rose for the fifth consecutive day against the pound, as markets responded favourably to the news that Ben Bernanke would be appointed a second term as Fed chairman. This morning US currency rates are valued at 0.69 versus euro and 0.61 against the pound, while declining against the yen, Australian and New Zealand dollars.

US consumer confidence figures released yesterday show confidence rose for the first time in three months, reaching 54.1 and topping the 50 mark which separates negative from positive data. House prices however, continued to decline, falling 6.1% in the second quarter despite a 0.5% rise in the month to July. Today new home sales figures and durable goods orders will be of interest to US markets.

Euro – European Markets

Euro currency rates have continued to rally this morning, gaining a further 0.3% on the pound and 0.15% on the US dollar. The single currency has also gained against its Asian and European currency partners, touching on 0.84 against the pound and 1.43 against the US dollar.

The German IFO business climate survey has risen to 90.5 in August, while expectations have also risen to 95. The German import price index came in at -0.9% on the month but overall, the euro is stronger due to dramatically improved sentiment in the eurozone. There is no further data in the eurozone today, with economic, consumer and industrial confidence released later in the week.

Other Currencies – Highlights

In Japan export levels have declined in July, falling for the tenth straight month sparking fears that the effects of global stimulus packages may be beginning to wane. Export levels fell 37.5% in July, more than the 36.5% recorded in June. Currency rates for the yen have climbed against the pound, euro and US dollar this morning.

Annual inflation rates in Brazil have slowed for the third consecutive month, prompting speculation that the central bank will keep interest rates low until mid 2010. Currency rates for the Brazilian real fell 1% against the US dollar following the news, and are currently trading at 1.86 per US dollar.

Pound Sterling – UK Markets

Sterling foreign exchange rates continued to slide against the euro yesterday, touching on an 11-day low of 1.1461 following strong European data. This morning the pound is weaker against its major currency partners, sinking to 1.63 against the US dollar and still trading around the 1.14 level against the euro.

Sterling sentiment is weak at present, particularly against the US dollar and euro following news that the eurozone is emerging from recession. The UK is expected to return to growth in the third quarter, with markets predicting a 0.5% expansion and this morning’s figures show UK mortgage approvals have improved for the seventh month in a row, climbing 7.4% in July. There is no UK data today with the Bank of England’s Charles Bean due to speak this afternoon.

US Dollar – US Markets

US foreign exchange rates are stronger this morning, gaining on all its major currency partners with the exception of the Japanese yen. The dollar has gained 0.3% on the pound and 0.14% on the euro to trade at 0.61 and 0.70 respectively.

US markets have opened optimistically following speculation that President Obama will reappoint Ben Bernanke as chairman of the Federal Reserve for a second term. Bernanke is highly regarded for his handling of the financial crisis and the news has led to gains for the greenback this morning. The US housing price index and consumer confidence figures are due today.

Euro – European Markets

Foreign exchange rates for the euro reached an 11-day high against the pound yesterday on the back of positive economic data. This morning the euro has dipped against the US dollar to 1.42, while gaining against the pound and Australian currency to 0.87 and 1.70 respectively.

The 3.1% rise in European industrial orders announced yesterday added to the growing evidence that the eurozone is emerging from recession. This supported euro foreign exchange rates, sending the euro to a multi day high against the pound. This morning’s figures show seasonally adjusted GDP expanded by 0.3% in the second quarter for Germany, while Swiss unemployment has climbed to 3.95 million. There is no further data today.

Other Currencies – Highlights

Australian foreign exchange rates rose to a 13-year high against the pound yesterday, as risk sentiment drove appetite for the higher yielding currencies. A weak pound also helped the Aussie to the 13-year high, and the New Zealand dollar also posted gains on the pound. This morning the Australasian currencies have trimmed gains after Chinese equity markets dipped overnight.

Israel’s central bank has voted to raise interest rates by 0.25%, becoming the first central bank to do so. This has prompted speculation that other central banks will soon follow suit, and the Israeli shekel has gained 0.35% on the pound.

Pound Sterling – UK Markets

Sterling foreign exchange rates are relatively unchanged this morning, slightly down against the US, Australian and Canadian currencies, while recovering some of the ground against the euro lost on Friday. Sterling is currently trading at USD1.64 and EUR1.15.

The Institute of Chartered Accountants has seen confidence among business professionals rise by the largest amount in two years, as the UK is expected to return to growth in the third quarter. The index leapt from -28.2 at the end of March to 4.8 at the end of June. The London FTSE has gained ground following the news. This week is light for UK data, with nationwide house prices released tomorrow.

US Dollar – US Markets

US foreign exchange rates are slightly higher this morning against the yen, euro and pound while declining against its Asian currency partners. The dollar is currently valued at EUR0.69 and GBP0.60.

Comments from Ben Bernanke that growth prospects for the US economy “appear good” helped fuel a rise in risk appetite overnight with Asian markets gaining ground. The pound reached an 11-day high against the dollar last week after US house prices continued to rise for the fifth consecutive month. This week brings more housing data in the US, along with consumer confidence and durable goods orders.

Euro – European Markets

Euro foreign exchange rates are slightly weaker this morning, losing ground against all its major currency partners with the exception of the pound, Swiss franc, yen and South Korean won. The single currency is currently trading at USD1.42 and GBP0.86.

The euro continued is rally in Friday’s trading following news that business expectations in Germany and France rose to their highest level in over two years, supporting the view that their economies are recovering. This morning industrial new orders in the eurozone rose 3.1% in June, while still declining at an annual rate of -25.1%. There is no major data in the eurozone today.

Other Currencies – Highlights

In Asian markets Thailand is the latest country to join the growing list of those emerging from recession. In combination with improved confidence from Ben Bernanke, this has fuelled gains in Asian stock markets this morning, where markets from Hong Kong to South Korea have gained ground.

The Japanese yen has weakened against the euro for the third consecutive day, as growing optimism is capping demand for the safe haven currencies. The yen also declined the most against the Australian and South Korean currencies, and is currently valued at 135.63 per euro.

Pound Sterling – UK Markets

Sterling foreign exchange rates have declined this morning as markets digest the record budget deficit announced yesterday. The pound has declined against its major currency partners, with the exception of the Australian and New Zealand currencies.

New that the UK is running a record budget deficit kept sterling under pressure yesterday, with the pound remaining in low ranges against the euro and US dollar. Rising government debt may have contributed to the MPC decision to increase QE levels by another GBP50 billion and rising retail sales did little to boost investor sentiment. There is no major data in the UK today.

US Dollar – US Markets

US dollar foreign exchange rates received a boost yesterday after negative jobless figures triggered a spike in risk aversion. This morning the US dollar is trading at 0.69 against the euro and 0.60 against the pound.

New jobless claims rose by 576,000 in the week to August 15, more than markets expected which led to a bout of risk aversion yesterday. US dollar gains were trimmed however by the Philadelphia Fed which showed manufacturing in the region expanded for the first time in over a year. This is an important snapshot of the region as a whole. US existing home sales are out this afternoon.

Euro – European Markets

Foreign exchange rates for the euro remain strong this morning, climbing against its major currency partners with the exception of the yen and Swiss franc. The euro is currently valued at 1.42 against the US dollar and 0.86 against the pound.

German PMIs for both manufacturing and services have shown positive results this morning, coming in at 49 and 54 respectively. This is in line with positive German data released earlier in the week, indicating that the eurozone’s largest economy is on the way to economic recovery. PMI’s for the eurozone are slightly worse, coming in just under the 50 mark. There is no further data in the eurozone today.

Other Currencies – Highlights

Foreign exchange rates for the Australian dollar gained nearly a cent against the pound yesterday, after the UK budget deficit came in at a record figure. News that the Philadelphia Fed has expanded helped raise foreign exchange rates for the Aussie and Kiwi currencies, through boosting international risk appetite.

The Canadian dollar has also received a boost after wholesale sales rose 0.6% in June, the first increase in 9 months. Goldman Sachs also recommended buying Canadian dollars against the US in the short term which sent the CAD to a weekly high against the greenback.

Pound Sterling – UK Markets

The trend in sterling currency rates remains neutral this morning with the pound trading at 1.65 against the US dollar and 1.16 against the euro. The pound has also gained 0.3% against the yen and is up slightly against the Canadian dollar.

Sterling lost nearly a cent against the euro yesterday after the MPC minutes showed the Bank of England was split on its quantitative easing policy. CBI distributive trades also came in slightly worse than expected at -54. This morning’s figures show retail sales rose 0.4% last month and 3.3% on the year, while public sector borrowing is running at GBP8 billion. The US leading index could be a source of volatility for the pound later in the day.

US Dollar – US Markets

Currency rates for the US dollar are mixed this morning as the greenback climbed against the yen and pound while declining against the euro and Asian currency partners. The US dollar is currently trading at 0.70 versus the euro and 0.60 versus the pound.

The US leading index is released today and positive figures are expected to show the recession is drawing to a close. Recent figures show evidence of stock building, higher export levels and fewer job losses, though economists are quick to point out that there remain a number of large barriers to sustainable recovery, most notably unemployment which is set to reach 10%. The Philadelphia Fed is also released today and this will provide and important snapshot of the manufacturing industry.

Euro – European Markets

Euro currency rates rose this morning after a volatile day in equity markets yesterday. This morning the single currency is marginally higher against the pound, US dollar, Canadian dollar while declining against the Australian and New Zealand currencies.

European stocks have recovered this morning which could boost euro sentiment today. The ZEW survey for Switzerland came in better than expected at 18.6, and the trade surplus rose to CHF2.5billion. There is little data out in the eurozone today, with euro currency rates likely to be affected by the US leading index released this afternoon.

Other Currencies – Highlights

Currency rates for the Japanese yen fell against the euro and dollar overnight as a rebound in Chinese stocks improved risk appetite. The South African rand and South Korean won gained the most against the yen as higher yielding currencies rallied, boosted by optimism over global recovery.

Australian and New Zealand currency rates are lower this morning against the pound and US dollar, despite rebounding stocks in China. The Australian central bank has made a record AUD sale based on the view that foreign exchange markets are stabilising. The AUD has gained 18% against the US dollar and is currently trading at 1.20 per US dollar.

For a live quote or to tell us about your foreign exchange requirements, please call us on 0207 740 0000 or click here to submit an enquiry.

Pound Sterling – UK Markets

Sterling foreign exchange rates have spiked against the US dollar this morning, rising above 1.69 on the back of positive economic data. The pound has also risen against its international currency partners, trading just below 1.18 against the euro.

The UK service sector PMI has expanded to 53.2, ahead of market expectations in July. Manufacturing production has also expanded by 0.4% adding further evidence to the case that the UK economy is on the road to recovery. This will be good news for the Bank of England who will make a decision regarding interest rates and quantitative easing levels tomorrow.

US Dollar – US Markets

Foreign exchange rates for the US dollar are mixed this morning, trading in choppy ranges against the euro and pound recently as risk appetite fluctuates in the market. This morning the greenback is valued at 0.58 versus the pound and 0.69 versus the euro.

Today is packed with US data that is likely to cause more currency volatility. Employment change, factory orders and ISM manufacturing data are released, to be followed by initial jobless claim figures tomorrow. These will help contribute to economic sentiment in the world’s largest economy and are likely to influence global risk appetite. If positive, this could influence the US dollar and yen negatively.

Euro – European Markets

Foreign exchange rates for the euro are also mixed, with the single currency climbing against the Australian and kiwi currencies while losing ground to the pound, yen and US dollar. The euro is currently valued at 1.43 against the US dollar and 0.84 versus the pound.

European retail sales shrunk -0.2% in June, contracting at an annual rate of -2.4%. The European service sector PMI has also noted a modest rise, climbing to 45.7 showing that the 16-nation eurozone could be beginning to climb out of recession. European stocks have climbed this morning in response to the news. An interest rate decision from the ECB is due tomorrow.

Other Currencies – Highlights

Australian foreign exchange rates have dipped from their yearly high as investors hedge risk ahead of unemployment figures released tomorrow. This has led the Australian dollar to reverse some of its gains from speculation that the Reserve Bank will raise interest rates by the end of the year. The New Zealand unemployment rate is also due tomorrow and this could limit appetite for the South Pacific currencies.

The Canadian dollar has weakened overnight, after the Canadian finance minister voiced concerns at the rapid rise of the currency. The CAD has recently appreciated to a 10-month high on the back of rising risk appetite, performing the best of 16 currencies against the US dollar last month. The central bank has noted they will verbally intervene if they believe CAD appreciation will inhibit recovery prospects.

Pound Sterling – UK Markets

Sterling exchange rates have recovered ground this morning, as positive UK retail sales figures have led the pound to reverse its losses yesterday following the MPC minutes. This morning the pound has strengthened to 1.65 against the US dollar and 1.16 against the euro.

UK retail sales rose 1.2% in June, on track for a 2.9% increase this year. B&Q, Next and Morrisons have all reported rising sales and healthy forecasts as the summer heat wave boosted spending. While these figures tend to support the view of recovery in the UK economy, retail sales are a volatile statistic GDP estimates due on Friday could provide a better indication. The CBI has reported that 250,000 jobs may be lost in the manufacturing sector as factory orders fell to new lows in July. There is no further data in the UK today with a GDP estimate out tomorrow.

US Dollar – US Markets

US dollar exchange rates have dipped this morning as markets digest Bernanke’s speech and recover a little appetite for risk. The greenback has gained 0.76% against the yen and weakened against the pound and euro, currently trading at 0.6047 and 0.7025.

US markets had a relatively quiet day yesterday with the S&P finishing marginally down despite gains in European equities. The US dollar continued to be supported by risk trading as corporate earnings at Morgan Stanley came in worse than expected, sending the dollar higher against its international currency partners. Home sales and jobless claims are out in the US today and this will likely affect the US dollar exchange rate and risk appetite in the market.

Euro – European Markets

European exchange rates are holding firm this morning, trading at 1.42 against the US dollar and 0.86 against the pound. The euro has sunk against the Australian and New Zealand dollars as investors are prepared to take on limited risk.

The European current account deficit has narrowed to EUR1.2 billion in May, its smallest level in over one year. This is much less than the market expectation of a EUR5.8 billion deficit. Second quarter profits at Credit Suisse, Switzerland’s largest bank, have risen 29% as profits from trading and investments rose. The news sent shares in the bank 3.8% higher and has supported the euro this morning. Today is light for euro data with the PMI for manufacturing and services due tomorrow.

Other Currencies – Highlights

The New Zealand dollar inched closer to a nine-month high against the US dollar yesterday as rises in Asian stock markets boosted New Zealand dollar exchange rates. The Australian dollar also rose to a one-month high against the greenback, gaining to 81.89 US cents.

The Brazilian central bank has lowered interest rates by 0.5% to 8.75%, a new record low in the hope of stimulating the Brazilian economy. Domestic demand is still driving growth in Brazilian, with 4% expansion expected this year. Inflation is currently running near government targets of 4.5%, leading economists to speculate that interest rates could stay on hold at this level for sometime.

Pound Sterling – UK Markets

The pound shed 0.57 pence against the euro yesterday as exchange rates dipped due to investor fears over the state of the UK budget deficit. This morning the pound has continued to decline, falling to 1.63 against the US dollar and 1.15 against the euro.

With government debt currently running at 56% of GDP, there are growing concerns over how the government plans to tackle the massive debt that could prove inflationary. Charles Bean noted that the weak pound is stimulating the economy through improved export prices and this is aiding UK recovery. This morning’s MPC minutes show the committee unanimously voted to leave QE levels unchanged, as they felt the slowing pace of decline meant no further stimulus was necessary in July. The MPC will meet again in August.

US Dollar – US Markets

US dollar exchange rates have strengthened following Bernanke’s speech to Congress yesterday in which he outlined US economic prospects. This morning the dollar has gained against all its major currency partners with the exception of the yen, climbing to 0.70 versus the euro and 0.61 against a weaker pound.

Ben Bernanke gave a cautious assessment of the US economy to Congress yesterday, stating that while there are “tentative signs of recovery” the situation is highly unstable and Fed policy will be focussed on “fostering economic recovery”. He also noted that unemployment will likely remain high into 2011 with a slow and gradual climb out of recession. With no tightening of monetary policy due in the immediate future, risk appetite took a hit, sending the yen and greenback exchange rates higher. The house price index is due today in the US.

Euro – European Markets

Euro exchange rates are mixed this morning, climbing against the higher yielding pound, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian dollars while losing ground to the yen, US dollar and Brazilian real.

Industrial new orders across the eurozone have fallen -0.2% this month, taking the annual rate of decline to -30.1%. This is in line with falling industrial production across the region as recession contracts almost all sectors of the economy. European equities gained 0.8% yesterday and the euro remains firm in the region of 1.42 against the US dollar. There is no further data in the eurozone today with current account figures due tomorrow.

Other Currencies – Highlights

Australian dollar exchange rates reached a one-month high against the pound overnight, as consumer inflation figures slowed to 0.5%, the lowest level in a year. In combination with negative news in the UK, this allowed the Australian dollar to consolidate on the pound. The news also suggests that the Reserve Bank will leave interest rates on hold for some time.

Japanese yen exchange rates have surged overnight, amid concerns over the pace of global economic recovery. The Japanese yen gained the most against the euro, South African rand and British pound as low risk appetite in the market led investors to seek out the safe havens.