The pound euro (GBP/EUR) exchange rate is rising for a second straight day.

The pound is rising despite consumer confidence falling -21 from -19. Economists had been expecting a rise to -18.

The data comes after stronger-than-expected PMI data came in above forecasts, suggesting that the UK economy is already out of a recession.

The euro trades lower after German GDP contracted -0.3% QoQ in Q4. Meanwhile, the German GFK business climate ticked higher in line with forecasts at 85.5, up from 85.2.

The data comes following German PMI figures yesterday which highlighted the downturn in the manufacturing sector as national and domestic demand tumbled.