The pound Australian dollar exchange rate managed to hold steady for much of the previous session before tumbling lower to AUS$1.7195 overnight. Despite the heavy fall, the pound is still hovering around its highest level versus the Aussie dollar since September, albeit some distance from the recent peak of AUS$1.7611, reached three weeks ago.
UK Election Polls hit the pound
With little in the way of UK economic data over recent sessions, the focus is firmly on political developments in the run up to the UK general election. The pound plummeted after the latest polls show that Prime Minister Theresa May and the UK Conservatives could potentially lose their working majority in the UK Parliament. Such a result would be disastrous for the Brexit process, which is pulling the pound lower.
Why would an increased UK Conservative majority in Parliament be beneficial for the pound? This would give May a stronger mandate at the negotiating table in Brussels. Additionally, it would allow May to push Brexit through Parliament without too many disruptions from hardliners, upping the chances of a smoother Brexit. A smooth Brexit is considered positive for the pound.
Looking ahead, whilst changes in the UK polls will continue to impact on the pound’s value, UK consumer confidence figures could also be relevant today. Any additional signs that Brexit is affecting consumer confidence may weigh on the pound and keep the pound Australian exchange rate low.
Australian dollar weak as region’s labour market report disappoints
On the other side of the equation, demand for the Australian dollar was subdued, albeit stronger than for the pound, after data on the Australian jobs market disappointed. Underemployment classifies part time workers who would prefer to be full time and highly skilled workers in low skilled jobs. The level of underemployment in Australia continues at a 20 year high and levels of unemployment have failed to move significantly lower for 18 months. This so called “slack” in the employment market has meant that wages haven’t increased which, in turn, is supporting low inflation. A low inflation environment means an interest rate hike is unlikely any time soon; bad news for the Australian dollar.
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from TransferWise Inc., Currency Live or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date. Consult our risk warning page for more details.
This article was initially published on TransferWise.com from the same author. The content at Currency Live is the sole opinion of the authors and in no way reflects the views of TransferWise Inc.
