The pound US dollar exchange rate started the week marginally lower than the last one. While the mood for the pound was upbeat, demand for the dollar was stronger. The pound shifted 0.1% lower versus the dollar to US$1.32. Although it remains some 0.2% higher than this time last week.
| 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. |
Demand for the pound has been boosted by reports that UK Prime Minister Theresa May has received the approval from her cabinet to increase her offer for the Brexit divorce bill. The bill is an amount that EU wants UK to pay to cover up financial losses caused due to Brexit. The amount that the EU is demanding from the UK for the divorce bill has been a clear hurdle for Brexit negotiations so far. The UK had initially put forward an offer for €20 billion, investors are hoping that the new offer will close the gap on the €60 billion, which the EU is demanding and break the deadlock in the talks in Brussels.
Theresa May is keen for talks to move forward to the next stage, which would include discussions on a trade deal and transition deal. This 2nd phase of talks would make a smooth Brexit much more likely, which would be more advantageous for the pound.
| 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. |
Tax Reform In Focus Moving Into Thanksgiving Holiday Shortened Week
The dollar finished the previous week lower versus the pound as concerns over delays to the US tax reform weighed on investor sentiment. The House of Representatives voted to pass its tax bill on Thursday. However, the Senate is where the real battle will take place. Some last-minute changes in the bill have not been received well by some Senate Republicans and two Senate Republicans have already come out against it. This could potentially become a serious problem, given that Trump’s party, the GOP, cannot afford to lose more than 2 votes, given their 52-48 majority. Even then, the two Houses will then have to combine their bills into a final plan, which will then be voted on. So, there is still a long road ahead with many potential pitfalls. Any signs of delay in this process puts pressure on the dollar.
| How would Trump’s policies boost the US dollar? |
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| A sizeable corporation tax cut would see a flood of money repatriated to the USA which would then create a high demand for the currency. In turn, this would increase its value versus other currencies. Infrastructure spending in a country already close to full employment would also push wages higher, leading to more spending and thus boosting inflation. Higher inflation leads to higher interest rates and a higher demand for the currency. |
While the market remains focused on the US tax reform, investors will also be looking towards the release of the US Federal Reserve monetary policy meeting minutes on Wednesday. While the market remains confident that an interest rate hike is till on the cards for December, investors will be watching for any clues over the outlook for the interest rate path in the next year.
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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. |
