Sterling holds levels despite mixed data

Last week saw the Pound hit a new post-2008 high against the Euro, amid Spanish bond auction prices rising again and the lack of any coherent plan to solve the Eurozone debt crisis. Sterling also had a reasonable week against the US dollar (up 1c) and South African Rand (up R0.2), but fell against the Australian and New Zealand dollars. With mixed data in the UK (unemployment fell, but the Bank of England minutes, inflation figures and retail sales were sterling-negative), perhaps a mixed behaviour for exchange rates was to be expected.

This week, the most significant UK data is Wednesday’s GDP revision. The ongoing Libor scandal may also be in the headlines, but as Britain gets ready for the Olympics, there is little else due out that is likely to directly affect the Pound. Could this be the peak for some exchange rate pairs? Much will depend on sentiment around the world and particularly in Europe, where events are really driving foreign exchange markets everywhere.

Eurozone consumer confidence is published at 3pm today, and could provide further opportunities to buy your Euros at unexpectedly good rates. For the latest views and news, whichever currency you are buying or selling, contact your currency broker here for a quote at any time.