Retail sales in surprise jump

This morning’s retail sales figures showed a surprise 0.9% increase in January, boosting the Pound, as risks of another UK recession fell. Sterling has gained half a cent against both the Euro and the US Dollar, and rates for sending money abroad are up across the board. In Europe, Greece now expects to get approval on Monday for its long awaited debt-swap with private investors, paving the way for its bailout. This could strengthen the Euro next week.