Impressive wage growth and Brexit optimism sent the pound to a fresh six month high versus the euro on Tuesday. The pound euro exchange rate reached €1.1552, a level last reached back in April, before easing back towards the close. The pound has started Wednesday 0.2% higher versus the euro.
| What do these figures mean? |
|---|
| 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.h 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 had a strong start to trading in the previous session as UK wag data gave investors reason to cheer. The data showed that average weekly wages increased by 3.2% in the three months to September. This was ahead of the 3.1% that analysts had forecast and was also the fastest pace of growth since the financial crisis a decade ago. The data supports suggestions by the Bank of England that the UK jobs markets has no slack. Additionally, the data supports the central bank’s view that an interest rate rise could be needed in the case of an orderly Brexit. The pound pushed higher.
| Why do raised interest rates boost a currency’s value? |
|---|
| Interest rates are key to understanding exchange rate movements. Those who have large sums of money to invest want the highest return on their investments. Higher interest rate environments tend to offer higher yields. So, if the interest rate or at least the interest rate expectation of a country is relatively higher compared to another, then it attracts more foreign capital investment. Large corporations and investors need local currency to invest. More local currency used then boosts the demand of that currency, pushing the value higher. |
Brexit optimism has been the principal driving force of the pound for many months and Tuesday was no different. News that the terms of the Brexit deal had been agreed sent the pound soaring to its peak. However, pound traders are fully aware that UK Prime Minister must now convince her cabinet to back the Brexit plan that she has negotiated. She has called a crunch cabinet meeting for later today. She must then convince Parliament. The size of the task ahead of Theresa May is enormous. Both cabinet members and MP’s have been vocal in their doubts over the Brexit plan.
Whilst Brexit will steal the limelight, investors could glace quickly at UK inflation data. Analysts predict UK inflation will increase to 2.5% from 2.4%. A strong reading could lift the pound.
Will German GDP Data Drag Euro Lower?
The euro was broadly in favour in the previous session, albeit less so than the pound. German inflation data inline with analysts’ expectations at 2.5%, helped keep the euro buoyant. ZEW economic data was more of a mixed bag. Whilst sentiment in Germany had unexpectedly improved. Economic sentiment in the eurozone as a whole had declined.
Today, German and Eurozone GDP data will attract investor attention. Analysts predict that eurozone GDP will remain constant at 1.7%. However, analysts are expecting German GDP to tumble to 1.3%-year on year in the third quarter. This would represent a huge decline from 2% previously. Should this prove to be the case the euro could weaken.
| Why does poor economic data drag on a country’s currency? |
|---|
| 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. |
This publication is provided for general information purposes only and is not intended to cover every aspect of the topics with which it deals. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content in this publication. The information in this publication does not constitute legal, tax or other professional advice from TransferWise Inc., Currency Live or its affiliates. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in the publication is accurate, complete or up to date. Consult our risk warning page for more details.
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.
