Today's Currency Market Focus

- GBP: The Irish question haunts Sterling

- EUR: Back to flavour of the month 

- USD: G7 Summit weighs on the Dollars

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GBP: The Irish question haunts Sterling

Sterling touched 1-months lows against the Euro yesterday on Brexit concerns. 

One major issue remains unresolved – the Irish border. The UK government wants to avoid a hard border (a wall?) but rumours are Theresa May is struggling (as always) to get her own cabinet to agree on the matter. 

Beyond Brexit, this week has seen some encouraging signs for the UK economy, in particular the widely watched PMI survey of the Services sector. The hope is the first quarter dip in growth was temporary. 

Option markets are keeping the dream alive; pricing in a 60% chance of a rate rise in September. But let’s face it, that’s not far off the flip of a coin. 

Today we have the 12-month inflation forecast due out. Buyers of Sterling will be hoping there’s no downward revision. 

EUR: Back to flavour of the month

The Italians may have caused some mayhem and the economic data may be soft, but that hasn’t stopped the Euro staging a comeback. 

The reason for the lift has come from unexpected quarters: the normally timid European Central Bank (ECB). 

The ECB is due to have its monthly policy meeting next week and the main point of discussion will be whether to end bond purchases later this year. This was confirmed yesterday by the ECB’s chief economist, Peter Praet. 

Despite the bullish noises from the ECB, the data in the EU continues to disappoint. A case in point was the negative reading on German factory orders yesterday. But when it comes to currencies, central banks beat economics (in the short-term anyway).  

USD: G7 Summit weighs on the Dollar

The bond markets have been playing a leading role in Dollar moves lately. This has largely been having a positive effect on the Dollar as US Treasury yields have been climbing on expectations of higher inflation/growth. 

But yesterday the trend went into reverse with US Treasury yields falling sharply, taking the wind out of the Dollar. Traders are putting it down to a drop in risk appetite, as tensions are rising between the US and its major trade partners ahead of the G7 summit this weekend. 

Thanks For Reading, What Next?

To discuss current exchange rates and currency purchasing strategies, please contact your trader today on 01872 487 500.

If you don't yet have an account please request a free quote and we’ll look after you from there.

Have a great day,

Geoff Lambourne - Direct Dial me on 0044 (0)1872 487 470.

Current rates: 

Friday 8th June 2018 at 11:00

£1.00 GBP = 1.1400 EURO

£1.00 GBP = 1.3414 USD

£1.00 GBP = 1.7719 AUD

£1.00 GBP = 1.9113 NZD

£1.00 GBP = 1.7462 CAD

£1.00 GBP = 17.6984 ZAR

Need to Send Money Abroad?

At Clé France, many of our customers have a need for currency exchange.

We are pleased to have partnered with Key Currency to offer our customers favourable exchange rates on international currency transfers.

Key Currency is an award-winning currency exchange specialist, Key Currency Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Authorised Payment Institution (Financial Services Register No. 753989) and experienced in executing high-volume transactions.

As a Clé France website visitor, you qualify for preferential exchange rates when you transact through Key Currency.

Save money on your foreign currency transfers

Key Currency can save you money by offering more competitive rates of exchange than retail banks.

Clients can typically save you 3-4% of the total transaction value, which can result in significant cost savings.

All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks keeping your money safe and secure.

Download our "Buying A Property in France" Guide PDF document now.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk 

GBP: Sterling gets a much-needed boost

Sterling jumped yesterday after the latest PMI Survey of the dominant Services sector rose to a 3-month high. 

That means all three PMIs – manufacturing, construction and services – beat estimates in May. It’s some much-needed good news for Sterling. 

The next big test will be on Friday when the Bank of England’s 12-month inflation forecast is due for release. 

EUR: Euro gets surprise lift

The Euro steadied yesterday after Italian Prime Minister, Giuseppe Conte, made it clear to Parliament that the government had never considered leaving the Eurozone. The reassurance has helped investors shift their attention to next week’s European Central Bank's (ECBs) policy meeting. 

Here’s the surprise bit of news. According to Bloomberg, the ECB is considering using this month’s meeting to announce an end date to its quantitative easing programme. If true, that would be very positive for the Euro. 

The rumour has caught investors off guard as it was thought the Italian political crisis and threat of global trade wars would keep the timid ECB from doing anything of consequence. 

USD: A cloud hangs over the Dollar

The Dollar gave up some of its recent gains yesterday, in part due to the strength of the Pound and Euro – which both had good sessions (as noted above).

There also remains a cloud hanging over the Dollar given the escalating tension over trade tariffs. Will the upcoming G7 summit in Canada bring calm or chaos? Best ask President Trump. 

Thanks For Reading, What Next?

To discuss current exchange rates and currency purchasing strategies, please contact your trader today on 01872 487 500.

If you don't yet have an account please request a free quote and we’ll look after you from there.

Have a great day,

Geoff Lambourne - Direct Dial me on 0044 (0)1872 487 470.

Current rates: 

Wednesday 6th June 2018 at 15:30

£1.00 GBP = 1.1398 EURO

£1.00 GBP = 1.3428 USD

£1.00 GBP = 1.7505 AUD

£1.00 GBP = 1.9063 NZD

£1.00 GBP = 1.7299 CAD

£1.00 GBP = 17.0463 ZAR

Need to Send Money Abroad?

At Clé France, many of our customers have a need for currency exchange.

We are pleased to have partnered with Key Currency to offer our customers favourable exchange rates on international currency transfers.

Key Currency is an award-winning currency exchange specialist, Key Currency Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Authorised Payment Institution (Financial Services Register No. 753989) and experienced in executing high-volume transactions.

As a Clé France website visitor, you qualify for preferential exchange rates when you transact through Key Currency.

Save money on your foreign currency transfers

Key Currency can save you money by offering more competitive rates of exchange than retail banks.

Clients can typically save you 3-4% of the total transaction value, which can result in significant cost savings.

All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks keeping your money safe and secure.

Download our "Buying A Property in France" Guide PDF document now.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk 

GBP: What a difference a day makes

Sterling surged back above 1.14 against the Euro yesterday. But it was more a case of Euro weakness than Sterling strength. 

In fact, against the US Dollar, Sterling continued to slump – hitting 6-month lows. 

For those looking to buy Euro / selling Sterling, it’s an opportunity to mitigate some of your risk and take advantage of the recent moves. 

Sterling has not been performing well. So the Euro’s sudden slump is an opportunity that may not last. 

EUR: Italian crisis sends Euro crashing

The euro hit multi-month lows against major rivals yesterday as Italy’s political crisis deepened. 

There’s now talk that another election being held in the coming months. The underlying fear is that a new election will turn into a referendum about Italy’s membership of the EU.

Yields on Italian bonds have skyrocketed, so there are already real implications to this crisis as Italy has enormous debt and may struggle to fund itself.

The political news is likely to dominant trading in the Euro. However, there is German unemployment and inflation data due out today. A strong showing is needed if the Euro is to regain some stability. 

USD: Dollar up on scared money

The situation in Italy has brought back memories of the euro-zone debt crisis of 2010-2012. 

Its undermined any thoughts about the Euro joining the club of the world’s safe-haven currencies. 

As expected, yesterday saw money flow into the usual suspects: the Dollar, Yen and Swiss Franc as investors took cover from the turmoil. 

Meanwhile, investors are keeping a close eye on talks between the US and China. It’s set to be a busy day with GDP and Advanced Goods Trade Balance due out later. 

Thanks For Reading, What Next?

To discuss current exchange rates and currency purchasing strategies, please contact your trader today on 01872 487 500.

If you don't yet have an account please request a free quote and we’ll look after you from there.

Have a great day,

Geoff Lambourne - Direct Dial me on 0044 (0)1872 487 470.

Current rates: 

Wednesday 30th May 2018 at 15:45

£1.00 GBP = 1.1450 EURO

£1.00 GBP = 1.3284 USD

£1.00 GBP = 1.7609 AUD

£1.00 GBP = 1.9014 NZD

£1.00 GBP = 1.7115 CAD

£1.00 GBP = 16.7355 ZAR

Need to Send Money Abroad?

At Clé France, many of our customers have a need for currency exchange.

We are pleased to have partnered with Key Currency to offer our customers favourable exchange rates on international currency transfers.

Key Currency is an award-winning currency exchange specialist, Key Currency Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Authorised Payment Institution (Financial Services Register No. 753989) and experienced in executing high-volume transactions.

As a Clé France website visitor, you qualify for preferential exchange rates when you transact through Key Currency.

Save money on your foreign currency transfers

Key Currency can save you money by offering more competitive rates of exchange than retail banks.

Clients can typically save you 3-4% of the total transaction value, which can result in significant cost savings.

All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks keeping your money safe and secure.

Download our "Buying A Property in France" Guide PDF document now.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk 

GBP: The bank that cried wolf

Sterling was given a temporary lift yesterday after a fairly upbeat message from the Bank of England to the Treasury Committee of Parliament. 

The BoE remains adamant that rate rises are coming but investors have heard that message many times before and are understandably wary. 

Today we have had a very important release with the latest inflation figures. Expectations were for UK inflation to remain flat at 2.5% but the recent trend towards the downside continues with a 2.4% figure, erasing all the gains made by Sterling in the last few days. 

EUR: Fear of the unknown

The Euro weakened against its most of its major peers yesterday. 

At the moment, worries about Italy have dominated Euro trading. The latest development is that Italy's populist parties look set to appoint a political unknown to become the next prime minister. 

Today is all about PMI’s. France, Germany and the Euro-zone are all releasing their latest Manufacturing and Services PMIs, which are indicators of economic health. 

USD: At the last minute

The dollar was pretty steady yesterday in the absence of any major economic news. 

Investors have been awaiting the minutes of the Federal Reserve’s last meeting for greater clarity on the inflation outlook and future rate rises, which are due out later today.

Meanwhile President Trump may be facing a political setback as he conceded there was a "very substantial chance" he won't meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un next month. 

Thanks For Reading, What Next?

To discuss current exchange rates and currency purchasing strategies, please contact your trader today on 01872 487 500.

If you don't yet have an account please request a free quote and we’ll look after you from there.

Have a great day,

Geoff Lambourne - Direct Dial me on 0044 (0)1872 487 470.

Current rates: 

Wednesday 23rd May 2018 at 14:15

£1.00 GBP = 1.1384 EURO

£1.00 GBP = 1.3314 USD

£1.00 GBP = 1.7659 AUD

£1.00 GBP = 1.9314 NZD

£1.00 GBP = 1.7176 CAD

£1.00 GBP = 16.8167 ZAR

Need to Send Money Abroad?

At Clé France, many of our customers have a need for currency exchange.

We are pleased to have partnered with Key Currency to offer our customers favourable exchange rates on international currency transfers.

Key Currency is an award-winning currency exchange specialist, Key Currency Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Authorised Payment Institution (Financial Services Register No. 753989) and experienced in executing high-volume transactions.

As a Clé France website visitor, you qualify for preferential exchange rates when you transact through Key Currency.

Save money on your foreign currency transfers

Key Currency can save you money by offering more competitive rates of exchange than retail banks.

Clients can typically save you 3-4% of the total transaction value, which can result in significant cost savings.

All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks keeping your money safe and secure.

Download our "Buying A Property in France" Guide PDF document now.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk 

GBP: Sterling rebounds on jobs

The benefit of a battered currency is that it doesn’t take much to trigger a rally. Yesterday a solid set of UK jobs data brought buyers back to Sterling. 

Unemployment remains at a 42 year low and annual growth in earnings is running at 2.9%, which means wages are running ahead of inflation – a rare occurrence in recent years. 

The fragile state of the UK economy has been the fly in the ointment lately as investors scale back expectations of rate hikes. It will of course take more than one decent day of data to turn sentiment. 

Two different members of the Bank of England’s rate setting committee are due to give speeches today and tomorrow. Investors will be listening closely for further forward guidance. 

EUR: Euro slips as Germany wilts

Yesterday brought further evidence of a slowdown in Germany – the powerhouse of the EU. 

German GDP (economic growth) came in below forecasts and the latest ZEW Sentiment Survey (economic sentiment) produced a negative reading. It’s another sign that the economic recovery in the EU is spluttering, ruling out hopes that the European Central Bank might tighten this year. 

Today will be a busy day for the Euro with German and Eurozone CPI (inflation) as well as ECB President, Mario Draghi, giving a speech in Frankfurt. Draghi has been concerned about the rising Euro, so he will be liking its recent retreat. 

USD: Dollar near 5-month highs

After a pause last week, the Dollar has resumed its rise. It is now near 5-month highs as measured against a basket of the world’s other major currencies. 

The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury yield rose above 3% again. The rising yield suggests markets are worried about US inflation, and in turn, may force the Fed to raise rates. 

Thanks For Reading, What Next?

To discuss current exchange rates and currency purchasing strategies, please contact your trader today on 01872 487 500.

If you don't yet have an account please request a free quote and we’ll look after you from there.

Have a great day,

Geoff Lambourne - Direct Dial me on 0044 (0)1872 487 470.

Current rates: 

Wednesday 16th May 2018 at 12:00

£1.00 GBP = 1.1430 EURO

£1.00 GBP = 1.3473 USD

£1.00 GBP = 1.7987 AUD

£1.00 GBP = 1.9568 NZD

£1.00 GBP = 1.7323 CAD

£1.00 GBP = 16.8946 ZAR

Need to Send Money Abroad?

At Clé France, many of our customers have a need for currency exchange.

We are pleased to have partnered with Key Currency to offer our customers favourable exchange rates on international currency transfers.

Key Currency is an award-winning currency exchange specialist, Key Currency Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority as an Authorised Payment Institution (Financial Services Register No. 753989) and experienced in executing high-volume transactions.

As a Clé France website visitor, you qualify for preferential exchange rates when you transact through Key Currency.

Save money on your foreign currency transfers

Key Currency can save you money by offering more competitive rates of exchange than retail banks.

Clients can typically save you 3-4% of the total transaction value, which can result in significant cost savings.

All client funds are held in segregated accounts with top-tier banks keeping your money safe and secure.

Download our "Buying A Property in France" Guide PDF document now.

For everything you need to know about French property visit www.clefrance.co.uk