USD/GBP Rate & Comments for 27th May 2010

USD/GBP – 1.445

Sterling had a strong day against the euro yesterday as investors sold the single currency on concerns that Europe’s debt problems were far worse than the UK. The pound rose 1% to hit a 2 week high of 1.1808/ £1 in afternoon trading. With the UK election out of the way, the debt risk in the UK still saw the pound suffer against the US dollar but the pound is a far superior option for investors than the single currency. Expectations for growth were boosted earlier in the week when 1st Quarter GDP showed an increase on the initial estimate but mortgage data released yesterday showed that the number of new mortgage approvals fell slightly on the month. Overall though, the number of mortgages approved rose 15.5% for the year and net lending increased by £1.825bn. Out today we have sales data for the UK which is expected to come in at around the same level as last month. Get in touch now for a live price to ensure you take advantage at the right time.

In the USA, fundamental data released yesterday was strong. Durable goods orders came in a lot higher than expected and new home sales jumped to 504,000 – far more than the 425,000 that was expected. The main data out today in the US is the second estimate of 1st Quarter GDP. The general consensus is for an upward revision to 3.5% from 3.2%, but this could be more, as consumer spending has been strong over the last few months. In addition, there is initial jobless claims data that is expected to show a drop in claimants to the lowest level since August 2008. However, it is worth noting that US ‘unemployment insurance’ runs out after several months, so a drop in claimants does not necessarily mean those people are back in work. Get in touch now for a live price to avoid missing out.

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USD/GBP Rate & Comments for 25th May 2010 USD/GBP – 1.428 Sterling gained over 1% against the euro yesterday and fell against the US dollar. The pound hit a high of 1.1646/ £1 and fell to a daily low of $1.4353/ £1 before pulling back ground towards $1.4430/ £1. The strength against the euro was  Continue Reading…

USD/GBP Rate & Comments for 19th May 2010 USD/GBP – 1.432 So the UK parliament met for the first time yesterday following the general election. Some people were sitting next to people they probably thought they would never sit next to ever in Parliament [e.g. David Cameron and Nick Clegg]. But we are in a  Continue Reading…