Staying on top of the latest currency news can help you time your transfers more effectively,
so find out what you should be looking out for over the next couple of weeks…
Latest currency news
Hopes that the global economy is starting to recover as countries ease lockdown measures
boosted market optimism last week. However, US-China trade tensions have capped some
risk appetite and lingering Brexit concerns are weighing on the pound.
The GBP/EUR exchange rate dipped from highs of €1.12 to lows of €1.10 while the
EUR/GBP rose from £0.88 to £0.90.
Meanwhile, GBP/USD climbed from lows of $1.21 to highs of $1.24, while the EUR/USD
edged higher to around $1.11.
What’s been happening?
The pound edged higher at the beginning of last week after Andrew Haldane, the Bank of
England’s chief economist, said that the UK’s economic data had been a ‘shade better’ than
forecasts.
Last week also saw Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s announcement that all non-essential
shops could reopen from the 15 th June, buoying investors’ hopes for a quick economic
recovery.
However, concerns about upcoming Brexit talks left Sterling struggling before the weekend.
Meanwhile, the euro fluctuated amid a raft of improving – but still predominantly negative –
economic data. For example, Wednesday saw the release of the flash annual German
inflation data for May, which dipped from 0.8% to 0.5%.
The single currency benefited greatly from a sense of resolution as the European Union
announced its €750bn recovery fund, pushing the euro higher against its rivals.
The US dollar slumped last week as more economies began easing lockdown measures,
improving market sentiment and increasing risk appetite. USD losses were limited by
returning US-China trade tensions however.
What do you need to look out for?
The euro could edge higher this week if Eurozone economic data confirms hopes that the
bloc is making a steady recovery as its largest economies – including Germany and France
– continue to ease lockdown measures.
However, Germany’s Unemployment Rate for May is forecast to rise from 5.8% to 6.2%. A
sharp increase in joblessness in the Eurozone’s largest economy could be euro-negative.
Thursday will see the ECB announce its latest interest rate decision. While policy isn’t
expected to change, any dovish comments may have a negative impact on EUR.
In UK economic news we have the UK Markit Services PMI for May. If this confirms
consensus and edges higher from 27.8 to 28 Sterling could enjoy a (very modest) amount of
support.
The US dollar will most likely be driven by US-China trade developments and domestic
political unrest this week. Any signs of escalating tensions between the world’s two largest economies could dampen risk sentiment, increasing demand for the safe-haven
‘Greenback’.
Our friends at Currencies Direct
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