The pound US dollar exchange rate continued to weaken for sterling on Tuesday. The pound fell a further 0.2% against the US dollar taking the rate to US$1.3235. The pound has lost just shy of 3% versus the US dollar in the last 3 weeks.
| What do these figures mean? |
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When measuring the value of a pair of currencies, one set equals 1 unit and the other shows the current equivalent. As the market moves, the amount will vary from minute to minute. For example, it could be written: 1 GBP = 1.28934 USD Here, £1 is equivalent to approximately $1.29. This specifically measures the pound’s worth against the dollar. If the US dollar amount increases in this pairing, it’s positive for the pound. Or, if you were looking at it the other way around: 1 USD = 0.77786 GBP In this example, $1 is equivalent to approximately £0.78. This measures the US dollar’s worth versus the British pound. If the sterling number gets larger, it’s good news for the dollar. |
A slew of weak UK economic data has kept the pound depressed. Friday’s GDP showed that the UK economy grew slower than analysts had forecast in the second quarter. Monday’s UK manufacturing data showed that momentum was slowing in the sector. Finally, Tuesday’s construction data showed that the sector shrank for the first time in 13 months as Brexit continued to impact sentiment. Concerns over the future have weighed on business confidence and, as a result, many firms are holding off on new commercial building contracts. New orders in the sector are also down, suggesting that the picture could get worse before it improves. The unexpected contraction of the construction sector sent the pound lower.
| Why does poor economic data drag on a country’s currency? |
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| Slowing economic indicators point to a slowing economy. Weak economies have weaker currencies because institutions look to reduce investments in countries where growth prospects are low and then transfer money to countries with higher growth prospects. These institutions sell out of their investment and the local currency, thus increasing supply of the currency and pushing down the money’s worth. So, when a country or region has poor economic news, the value of the currency tends to fall. |
Today sees the focus switch to the UK service sector. This is by far the most important sector for the UK economy, given it accounts for over 70% of economic activity. A slowdown in the service sector would point to a slowing of momentum for the UK economy as a whole. Should this be the case, then the pound could continue to move lower.
Will US Fed Reserve Chair Yellen send the dollar higher?
With little highly influential data to digest on Tuesday, the dollar slipped against most of its major peers except the pound. However, today looks set be a busy day for the buck. Firstly, there is economic data in the form of non-manufacturing purchasing managers index and private employment payroll numbers. The employment numbers are often used as a guidance for Fridays’ Labour Department numbers, the most important data piece in the US economic calendar.
Secondly, Federal Reserve Chair Janet Yellen will speak. Last week, the last time Yellen spoke, she seemed very in favour of another interest rate hike before the end of the year. Her speech ultimately boosted the dollar as the odds of an interest rate increased. Investors will be watching closely for any further hints as to the possibility of another rate rise this year. Further commentary in that direction could send the dollar rallying higher.
| Why do raised interest rates boost a currency’s value? |
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| Interest rates are key to understanding exchange rate movements. Those who have large sums of money to invest want the highest return on their investments. Higher interest rate environments tend to offer higher yields. So, if the interest rate or at least the interest rate expectation of a country is relatively higher compared to another, then it attracts more foreign capital investment. Large corporations and investors need local currency to invest. More local currency used then boosts the demand of that currency, pushing the value higher. |
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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. |
