The pound struck a two-week high versus the dollar on Wednesday. The pound dollar exchange rate rallied in early trade versus the dollar hitting a peak of US$1.3442 before easing back towards the end of the session.
The pound, whilst stronger versus the dollar, was broadly weaker versus other currencies. Investors are becoming increasingly concerned with the lack of progress over Brexit. With less than a year to go until the UK leaves the EU there is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding the UK’s position. Businesses from both the UK and the European Union have sounded urgent warnings about the economic damage that Brexit will cause.
Despite the urgent need to advance negotiations, the British government still remains deeply divided over whether the UK should pursue a hard or soft Brexit. This division is slowing down progress in the negotiations with EU. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has been slow to come forward with a firm position on how the UK views the post Brexit relationship with the EU. Theresa May still refuses to say when her team will publish a white paper setting out its negotiating position.
| Why is a “soft” Brexit better for sterling than a “hard” Brexit? |
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| A soft Brexit implies anything less than UK’s complete withdrawal from the EU. For example, it could mean the UK retains some form of membership to the European Union single market in exchange for some free movement of people, i.e. immigration. This is considered more positive than a “hard” Brexit, which is a full severance from the EU. The reason “soft” is considered more pound-friendly is because the economic impact would be lower. If there is less negative impact on the economy, foreign investors will continue to invest in the UK. As investment requires local currency, this increased demand for the pound then boosts its value. |
With no high impact data on the UK economic calendar, investors will remain focused on Brexit headlines.
Dollar Lower As Allies Retaliate
The dollar was lower even though trade tensions have started to ease. The US dollar often trades inversely to the euro and the euro had a strong session following encouraging remarks from two policy makers and rumours that the European Central Bank(ECB) will start talking about ending the current quantitative easing programme.
Also weighing on the dollar was news of retaliatory moves by US allies as they prepare to be hit by trade tariffs. Mexico has already announced tit for tat measures against the US and Canada and the EU have joined the chorus. Should all these trade tariffs be put into place then global trade will be hit which will be bad news for all the countries involved, including the US.
Today is relatively light on economic data meaning investors could focus on trade developments. US jobless claims will also be under the spotlight.
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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. |
