USD/GBP Rate & Comments for 7th June 2010

USD/GBP – 1.442

Sterling fell on Friday against the US dollar but hit a 1 ½ year high against the euro as a worse than expected rise in US employment figures pointed towards a slower than expected US recovery. With Europe in the midst of a debt crisis and China looking to curb spiralling growth, many analysts were hoping that the USA could provide the driving engine of a global recovery. However, with the number of new jobs falling 100,000 short of what was expected, many analysts feel that this opens the door to a double dip recession and fresh round of risk aversion and a flight to US dollar denominated assets. Over the weekend, news was released that David Cameron is to state that the UK economy is in a far worse state than he had initially thought. With £6bn worth of cuts already announced, this is a drop in the ocean compared to the £156bn deficit. Following the Prime Minister’s statement later today, expect some volatility on the currency markets. In terms of data, there is little out aside from some yearly retail sales data. Ensure you do not lose out. Get in touch now for a live exchange rate.

In the USA, following Friday’s disappointing jobs report, the US dollar and Japanese yen have both strengthened as investors look for safe haven assets to invest in. With fears of a double dip recession – where growth turns negative after a period of recovery – the US dollar again looks set to take on the role of risk sentiment indicator. Therefore, any negative news in the UK will see sterling fall against the US dollar. In addition, perversely, any strong data for the USA will have the same effect. 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. For individual requirements, visit the SmartCurrencyExchange.com website and for companies visit the SmartCurrencyBusiness.com website.