The pound sunk at the start of the week versus the dollar, hitting a low of US$1.3096, before clawing back some losses. The pound ended Monday 0.5% lower versus the dollar.
| 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. |
The pound dropped in early trade as investors continued to digest political woes and less than encouraging UK economic data. UK Prime Minister Theresa May sent the pound lower early on as she once again failed to say how she intended to achieve her Brexit plans. Theresa May made it clear that her plan was to have the EU relationship in place by 2020, ensuring that no backstop would be necessary. But the distinct lack of detail over how she intends to achieve this goal weighed on the pound. With so many Brexit uncertainties and the clock ticking, a no deal Brexit unnerving investors.
Manufacturing activity data also kept the pound out of favour. The UK manufacturing purchasing managers index (PMI) ticked slightly higher in June to 54.4, up from 54.3 in May. PMI is an indicator of economic health for a sector that is based on a monthly survey of company executives on five major survey areas: new orders, inventory levels, production, supplier deliveries and employment. This was ahead of analysts’ expectations so would normally lift the currency higher. Instead investors focused on the fact that, for the second straight month, manufacturing activity increased not to fulfil new orders but to build inventory. This is not sustainable and unless there is an increase in demand, manufacturing output could drop sharply in the coming months.
Today investors will be watching construction activity. Analysts are expecting the construction PMI to have remained constant in June at 52.5. Should there be an uptick in activity the pound could rally.
| Why does strong economic data boost a country’s currency? |
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| Solid economic indicators point to a strong economy. Strong economies have strong currencies because institutions look to invest in countries where growth prospects are high. These institutions require local currency to invest in the country, thus increasing demand and pushing up the money’s worth. So, when a country or region has good economic news, the value of the currency tends to rise. |
Trade War Fears Drive The Dollar (Again)
Trade war fears were once again responsible for the rally in the dollar in the previous session. With the US fighting on many fronts, including against China and the EU, investors are growing increasingly nervous. The dollar is benefitting from these fears thanks to its safe haven appeal, which means investors look to buy the dollar in times of geopolitical uncertainty.
The dollar’s rally was unable to last and the dollar eased lower in later trade. This was mainly because demand for the euro increased following a deal over migration between the two German coalition party leaders Mr Seehofer and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The dollar often trades inversely to the euro, pulling it lower.
Trade war concerns are likely to remain central to dollar movements on Tuesday. Investors could also look forward to US factory orders and US durable goods numbers.
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