The pound started the new year in positive territory versus the euro. The pound euro exchange rate hit a high of €1.1268, before easing slightly to €1.1250. While the pound is trading marginally higher on the day over the euro, it is trading slightly lower than the average at the beginning of January.
| 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. |
The pound appears to be showing resilience in early trading despite some rather gloomy forecasts by economists regarding the UK’s year ahead. Analysts are forecasting that the UK economy will grow just 1.5% and business investment may nearly grind to a halt as Brexit uncertainties weigh on sentiment. Elsewhere, however, global economic growth and business investment is expected to pick up next year, highlighting the growing concerns over Brexit.
Today, market participants will be paying attention to economic data as it starts to roll in. The manufacturing purchasing managers index will be the highlight in the UK economic calendar on Tuesday. This is a forward-looking indicator, which last month showed that manufacturing optimism was at a four-year high. December’s reading is anticipated to come in slightly lower at 58 than the previous month of 58.2. A weaker reading could see the pound lose a grip on recent gains.
| 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. |
Eurozone Politics to Remain Key in 2018
European politics were a central focus in 2017 and look set to remain a central focus in 2018. Italy is due to hold elections between March and May and so far the race is very close. Meanwhile, German Chancellor Angela Merkel will continue trying to form a coalition government in Germany as Madrid in Spain carries on trying to deal with the independence drive in Catalonia. Whist currently eurozone political risks appear to be under control, this potentially could all change as we head through the year.
| How does political risk have impact on a currency? |
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| Political risk drags on the confidence of consumers and businesses alike, which means both corporations and regular households are then less inclined to spend money. The drop in spending, in turn, slows the economy. Foreign investors prefer to invest their money in politically stable countries as well as those with strong economies. Signs that a country is politically or economically less stable will result in foreign investors pulling their money out of the country. This means selling out of the local currency, which then increases its supply and, in turn, devalues the money. |
Today the eurozone manufacturing pmi (purchasing manager’s index) could create some volatility in the pair, as could the other pmi’s during the week. Investors will also be watching the inflation figures closely at the end of end the week. Any signs of inflation moving higher could help boost the common currency.
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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. |
