Pressure mounted on the pound early on Thursday pulling the pound euro exchange rate lower. Sterling dived over the course of the day hitting a low of €1.1265, before once again climbing higher towards the close of the day.
| 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 = 1.13990 EUR Here, £1 is equivalent to approximately €1.14. This specifically measures the pound’s worth against the euro. If the euro amount increases in this pairing, it’s positive for the pound. Or, if you were looking at it the other way around: 1 EUR = 0.87271 GBP In this example, €1 is equivalent to approximately £0.87. This measures the euro’s worth versus the British pound. If the sterling number gets larger, it’s good news for the euro. |
Pound traders have had plenty of bad news to deal with over the past week and it showed no signs of slowing down on Thursday. Chaos in UK Government cabinet continued, while weak data from the European Commission (EC) ensured that sentiment for the pound remained weak early on. The EC forecasted a growth of 1.5% for the UK economy in 2017, down from 1.8%. Furthermore, they anticipated a growth of just 1.3% in 2018 and 1.1% in 2019. These disappointing figures pulled 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. |
Brexit headlines will continue to drive the pound after the EU has given the UK an informal deadline of 2-3 weeks to make a bigger financial offer for the Brexit bill. The Brexit bill is an itemized bill the EU wants to hand the UK before it leaves the bloc. It’s the most controversial matter in the Brexit talks. Theresa May is allegedly ready to increase the offer of €20 billion for the Brexit bill which was already on the table, in an attempt to break the deadlock in negotiations. So far, no new offer has been put forward and the sixth round of negotiations are due to conclude today. Negotiations must move forward in order for Britain to have the possibility of securing a smooth Brexit. Analysts expect an increased offer to come from May after the UK Budget due on 22 November. However, she is expected to demand assurances of a transition period in exchange for a bigger offer. A transition period would help ensure a smooth Brexit, which is pound favourable.
| Why is a smooth Brexit good for the pound? |
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| A smoother Brexit would be a scenario in which the economic consequences of leaving the European Union are minimised. This is favourable for the pound because the less the Brexit impact on the economy, the more likely that foreign investors will remain interested in the UK. Foreign investors need sterling to invest in the country and so the more GBP is purchased, the higher the demand and, thus, an increase in the currency’s value. |
Today’s UK economic calendar is fairly packed with three important economic data sets to be released: a third quarter GDP estimate, manufacturing and industrial production data. Should these numbers come in stronger than forecasted, then the pound’s losses could be halted.
Positive Outlook By ECB Boost Euro
The euro was supported on Thursday by an upbeat economic bulletin produced by the European Central Bank (ECB). The ECB said it expects the eurozone economy to remain solid going into the new year. The central bank made positive remarks about the health of the EU economy and sees favourable conditions going forward. The report boosted the value of the euro as investors re-evaluated the possibility of an interest rate hike.
Previously the ECB had been clear that no interest rate hike was on the cards until the end of the bond buying programme late next year. However, Thursday’s comments improved confidence in the ECB’s monetary policy outlook. As investors’ perceived odds of a rate rise increased, so did the value of the euro.
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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. |
