The pound dropped sharply versus the dollar in the previous session, falling rapidly through US$1.30 to a session low of US$1.2927. This is the weakest that the pound has traded at versus the dollar in 2 weeks. However, the pound has picked up slightly in early trade on Wednesday.
| 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.For example, it could be written:1 GBP = 1.28934 USDHere, £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 GBPIn 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. |
Evidence of Brexit uncertainties impacting on the economy and a lack of any meaningful developments in Brexit sent the pound tumbling in the previous session. Data showing that activity in the UK service sector has almost ground to a halt sent the pound on a downward trajectory in early trade on Tuesday. The service sector pmi dropped to just 50.1 in January, significantly lower than the previous months 51.2. The level 50 separates expansion from contraction. Decisions on new projects are being delayed and orders postponed which is hitting service sector growth. This is the weakest reading for business activity in the UK’s dominant sector since the aftermath of the Brexit referendum.
The pound was also under pressure as the UK Prime Minister was getting nowhere fast with Brexit. Theresa May will go to Brussels on Thursday. However, reports that she will stick with the Irish backstop deal kept demand for the pound weak on Tuesday. Whilst the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) were showing some signs of flexibility, hardline Tories remain.
Investors are once again starting to back the idea that Brexit will be delayed. This would take the UK another step away from a hard Brexit which is good news for the pound. As a result, the pound is moving higher this morning.
| Why is a “soft” Brexit better for sterling than a “hard” Brexit? |
|---|
| 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. |
Nothing New From Trump
The dollar held up well in the previous session despite weak manufacturing data and more dovish comments from Fed policy makers. The US ISM non-manufacturing data showed that the sector had slowed to a 6-month low at 56.7. However, the market opted to look on the positive side, that there is still strong growth in the sector.
US President Trump gave his annual State of the Union address. However, this had little impact on the dollar. Trump offered nothing new to investors over trade talk progress. Instead he focused on immigration and his plans for the wall with Mexico.
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.
