- Pound (GBP) edges higher as Boris Johnson to unveil guidelines to further ease lockdown restrictions
- Gains limited after BoE slows support
- R Rate jumps in Germany boosting fears of a second wave
- Pound Euro exchange rate (GBP/EUR) trades +0.1% at €1.1063
After shedding 0.7% across the previous week, the Pound is mildly higher on Monday. The Pound Euro exchange rate settled at €1.1056 on Friday following insufficient support from the Bank of England and amid coronavirus concerns.
At 05:15 UTC, GBP/EUR trades +0.1% at €1.1063, at the top of the daily traded range.
Supporting the Pound’s recovery is news that Boris Johnson will announce the further easing of lockdown measures tomorrow. He is expected to announce that the two meter rule will be reduced to one. This will help shops, bars and restaurants as they reopen. Chancellor Rishi Sunak could also announce a reduction in VAT to help boost spending. This is helping to offset the BoE sell off last week.
The Pound trended lower across the latter part of the previous week, after signs that BoE Governor Andrew Bailey is hitting the brakes on monetary stimulus. Whilst the central bank increased its asset [purchase programme by £100 billion, investors were left concerned by the fact that the central bank hinted at a slower pace of purchasing. Contrary to pre-coronavirus pandemic the Pound rises when the BoE offers support and fall when support starts to dry up.
Today investors will look towards Confederation of British Industries Industrial trends survey for June. Analysts are expecting a slight improvement to -59 up from -62. The data is still painting s very dark picture for the sector.
The Eurozone continues to ease lockdown measures. Spain has reopened its borders lifting the state of emergency. As the economies slowly start to re-open investors are watching closely for signs of a second flare up.
News that the R rate or the reproductive rate of coronavirus, in Germany has suddenly jumped to 2.88 on Sunday is weighing on sentiment. An R number over 1 means that the virus is increasing among the population. This report will only add to fears of a second wave and a seco and lockdown.
Investors will now look ahead to the release of Eurozone consumer confidence data. Analysts are expecting to see a slight uptick in June to -15, from -18.8. Closely watched PMI states are expected on Tuesday.
