Trading the British Pound
The British Pound or GBP, also widely known as Sterling, is the fourth most traded currency in FX markets, after the Big Three (the US dollar, the euro, and the Japanese yen). The pound is also favoured by central banks, which frequently keep a substantial allocation of sterling on their books.
Ever since the euro was introduced, UK governments have continued to be vexed with arguments over whether the country should join the euro bloc, but so far Britain has resisted.
More recently, however, the Bank has embarked on a process of ‘quantitative easing’ designed to help stimulate the UK economy by printing money to buy up debt. This has led to higher interest rates, but with UK base rates so low already, it had few other options.
The decision in 1997 by the Labour government of Tony Blair to allow the Bank of England independent powers to set UK interest rates means that the pound has become less susceptible to the sorts of politically-inspired crises that have affected the currency in the past, like the 1976 sterling crisis (when the UK was bailed out by the International Monetary Fund), or the forced withdrawal of the pound from the European Exchange Rate Mechanism (ERM) in 1992.
The pound is regarded as a relatively responsibly-managed currency at the moment, and FX investors have a high degree of confidence in the track record of the Bank of England in managing the currency since 1997. The Bank has been tasked with keeping UK inflation rates below 2% and the governor of the Bank of England must write an open letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer (the UK finance minister) every month it fails to do so.
The pound is most frequently traded with the US dollar and the euro. The GBP/USD currency pair is often referred to as ‘cable’ by FX experts on account of the transatlantic cable that was once used to communicate currency prices in the days before satellites. The European Union remains the UK’s biggest trading partner, followed by the US.
Latest British Pound News
Has the market fully priced in a UK Labour victory?
As the dust settles from the UK's election campaign, how have markets reacted in the aftermath and what will traders focus on?
Sterling continues to make gains as gilt yields pick up
The pound's gains come despite inflation being reported as at its slowest pace in more than two and a half years.
Why are FX markets suffering with low volatility right now?
The FX market has been subdued, to say the least. We explore why that may be, and what might spur a resurgence in volatility
Is the Bank of England starting to lose the trust of investors?
As interest rates hikes impact the economy, less than two in five UK retail investors have faith in the Bank of England’s decision making.
A new perspective on the UK inflation numbers
We take a closer look at the current UK inflation numbers ahead of the August Bank of England meeting: should you be optimistic?
What’s behind the Federal Reserve’s decision to pause rates?
While the Fed stepped away from raising rates this month, the ECB pushed higher, creating new dynamics in the GBP/EUR trade.
Is the Bank of England losing the plot?
The latest hike by the Bank of England has divided analysts and economists and prompted selling of the pound.
The pound is rallying on the back of latest UK GDP data
The pound moved higher after the UK’s GDP data came in slightly above expectations but the currency still remains fragile.
Our top five capital markets risks for 2023
Our regular end of year look at the potential risks in capital markets active investors will need to look out for in 2023.
Euronext pushing LSE for European primacy
Euronext pushed ahead of the LSE in value last month on sustained sterling weakness, low investment, strong luxury goods performance in France
The Autumn Budget: the main takeaways for traders
Experts talk to The Armchair Trader about the main impact on investors and on the wider financial markets of the UK autumn budget.
Fiscal and monetary policy are working in direct opposition to each other
Bevan Blair, Chief Investment Officer of One Four Nine Portfolio Management, looks at the current contradictions in monetary policy.
Technical analysis: a positive bias to risky assets
With such lively news flow and so many conflicting cross-currents, we look at how traders could act into the new week
Technical analysis: UK politics takes back some control
the connection between British politics and the capital markets will almost certainly result in increased volatility for the GBP this week.
Traders turned to the short GBP trade for profits in Q3
The number of people trading GBP/USD increased by 23% in Q3 vs Q2, with UK and Middle East traders accounting for the largest volume.
Dollar strength versus Sterling and Euro weakness
Trader educator Chris Tubby takes a look at what has been happening in the forex and energy markets recently.
Sterling bounces off lows against USD, gilt yields spiral higher
After a catastrophic mini-budget speech on Friday, many investors are wondering what the Bank of England can do to repair things.
Technical analysis: soothing words from central bankers?
All eyes are on Central Bankers who are out in force this week from the Fed, ECB and BoE as traders look for further strategic insight
Technical analysis: preparing for a GBP volatility storm
With interest rate futures pricing 65bp of hikes, this week’s Bank of England meeting is likely to spart plenty of movement in GBP
Liz Truss as Prime Minister: further downside for the GBP market?
With Liz Truss confirmed as the new PM of the UK, we look at the prospects for sterling, tax, the economy and interest rates.
Technical Analysis: a major move for GBPAUD?
Looking at the calendar this week, Aussie wages and employment, and UK CPI jump out as event key risks and potential price catalysts
Bank of England rate hike: recession on cards as GBP sells off
The Bank of England has raised rates again, but what are the implications for the GBP and the UK economy we ask?
Shock UK economic growth to provide impetus for M&A deals?
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show the UK economy grew by 0.5% in May - higher than the rate of growth many were expecting.
Boris Bounce for the pound: long term reversal or just a blip?
Boris Johnson's resignation gives temporary relief for the pound but uncertainty continues as underlying economic issues persist for next PM
Boris and the pound: Gray Report means further sell off for sterling
More short side action on sterling at the back end of the week, although FOMC minutes will also be a factor on Thursday.
City of London firm offers to pay staff in gold or cryptocurrency
With the cost of living crisis going from bad to worse, it didn’t make sense to continue offering pay hikes in pounds says TallyMoney CEO.
Sterling slumping as Omicron forces Bank of England’s hand
The pound has been selling off this week as forex traders reckon the Bank of England is not going to raise rates.
Forex: UK unemployment numbers reverse the bearish sterling trade – more to come?
A solid set of UK employment figures demonstrates the country is emerging smoothly from furlough, but what about that inflation?
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Tony Cross looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the US, UK and Eurozone for the week of 4th October, 2021
Catalysts for the markets following the upcoming BoE and FOMC meetings
The FOMC and the BoE meeting are firmly in our sights now, and positions and exposures will need to be managed accordingly
Economists caught off guard by UK CPI, but GBP shrugs it off
Economists were taken by surprise this week as UK inflation dropped back, although GBP and FTSE were largely undecided.
Why it pays for traders to read central bank statements in detail
Giles Coghlan, Chief Currency Strategist at HYCM, explains why it is important for traders to read bank statements in more detail.
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Tony Cross looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the US, UK and Eurozone for the week of July 19th, 2021
Inflation is getting hotter and hotter: but what next for central banks and traders?
Central banks are starting to feel the heat: the latest CPI read out of the US Tuesday has many traders wondering what from the Fed?
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Tony Cross looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the US, UK and Eurozone for the week of July 12th, 2021
UK May growth numbers disappoint, but traders shrug it off, go long sterling
The Pound and FTSE were both up despite worse than expected economic growth figures out of the UK this morning.
Getting into cryptocurrencies: what options do UK consumers have left?
As the FCA puts the heat on Binance, we take a quick tour of three FCA regulated solutions still providing crypto trading in the UK.
European retail investors turning bearish on sterling, Italian stocks – latest SERIX data
Spectrum Markets has published its SERIX European retail investor sentiment data for May, including bearish sentiment towards the UK pound.
Busy week ahead for sterling: Scottish vote and Bank of England meeting
Brace yourselves for a busy week ahead with Scottish elections and a much watched Bank of England MPC meeting as UK economy picks up.
Transitional UK budget unlikely to hit financial markets
There will be a lot of focus on Wednesday's budget but we are not expecting too many surprises - can Sunak afford to rock a boat in a storm?
Analysis: Pound Sterling soars as Bank of England issues bullish statement for 2021
It looks like the Bank of England is slowly taking the idea of negative interest rates off the table and sterling traders like what they hear.
NZD forex trading forecast: analysts bullish on Kiwi as COVID stays away
The GBP/NZD currency pair broke trend at the end of the year as the Reserve Bank flirted with negative interest rates and the USD applied pressure
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 11th January
Negative UK interest rates – should you be worried?
New data from fund manager FJP Investments shows that many investors will make changes to their portfolios if the Bank of England goes to negative rates.
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 14th December
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 7th December
Forex strategy: what to do when the USD loses its crown?
The US Dollar looks under pressure as the Fed tries to print its way out of COVID; so what are your options as its dominance is threatened?
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 30th November
UK Government adopts buy now, pay later scheme
Selling a bit of time over Christmas could force governments into buying disproportionately far more next year at great cost to the economy and society
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 23rd November
The prospects for an explosive move in the GBP and UK assets
Analyst Chris Weston looks at the likelihood of a big GBP move as the Brexit trade deal deadline looms and what traders can expect in the coming months
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 16th November
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 26th October
Sterling fast approaching day of reckoning
Olivier Desbarres explores three possible broad outcomes with very different implications for Sterling as the Brexit negotiations deadline approaches
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 19th October
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 12th October
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 5th October
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 28th September
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 21st September
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 14th September
Game playing or the start of a no-deal?
Brexit tensions and resulting headlines have come to the fore this week after the UK government published legislation on Wednesday which threatens to undermine the Brexit Withdrawal Agreement
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 7th September
GBP strengthens against JPY, looks to stage breakout on Abe resignation
The resignation of the Japanese prime minister has given the pound a further boost against the yen but how long can this go on for?
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 31st August
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 24th August
Sterling struggles as traders wake up to hard Brexit possibilities
Sterling finally seems to be losing some of its momentum against the USD as Brexit talks start to run out of runway and traders get worried.
USD and GBP both developing nightmare scenarios for investors
The US economy is heading for a fiscal cliff and the dollar index and gold price are responding accordingly as investors scramble for safe havens.
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 29th June
United Kingdom: Anatomy of economy on lockdown life-support
Find out where the UK economy is heading through the “Anatomy of economy on lockdown life-support” - the first of five Fixed Income Research & Macro Strategy reports produced by Olivier Desbarres
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 22nd June
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 15th June
The UK, China, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 11th May
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 4th May
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 27th April
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 20th April
Range-trade making a comeback as global FX volatility falls
Seismic daily currency moves have given way to a range-bound US Dollar in the past fortnight with a number of major currencies currently trading broadly in the middle of comparatively narrow ranges
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 13th April
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 30th March
From black swans to flightless doves
Markets, it would seem, are giving greater billing to imaginative fiscal measures than to old “tried-and-tested monetary measures. All eyes are now on the US Senate
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 23rd March
The trend may not be currencies’ friend in very volatile markets
Olivier Desbarres of 4X Global Research reflects on developments in global currency markets after the week that was for forex traders.
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 16th March
Financial markets gripped by “sell/buy now, think later”
The draconian measures which governments have enacted in recent weeks to stop the coronavirus epidemic are having a disproportionately negative impact.
US dollar market sees major sell off as currency traders buy EUR
Last week was a dramatic one for global currency markets as central banks began to respond to the anticipated slowdown in the global economy. What can FX traders expect next?
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 9th March
Financial markets gripped by “sell/buy now, think later”
The draconian measures which governments have enacted in recent weeks to stop the coronavirus epidemic are having a disproportionately negative impact.
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 2nd March
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 24th February
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 17th February
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 10th February
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 3rd February
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 27th January
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 20th January
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 13th January
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 6th January
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 23rd December
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 16th December
Three Quick Facts: The Pound, the FTSE 100 and Hollywood Bowl
Investment writer Tony Cross picks out three things you need to know about the markets. This morning, Tony's focus is on GBP, the FTSE 100 and Hollywood Bowl
Sterling traders and brokers braced for UK election volatility
Brokers are warning traders to expect extremely high levels of volatility in sterling and FTSE over the next 48 hours as UK voters go to the polls.
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 9th December
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 1st December
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 25th November
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 11th November
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 4th November
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 28th October
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 21st October.
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 14th October.
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 7th October.
The UK, US and the Eurozone in the week ahead
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 30th September
What’s happening this week in the US, UK and the Eurozone?
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 23rd September
What’s happening this week in the US, UK and the Eurozone?
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 16th September
What’s happening this week in the US, UK and the Eurozone?
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 9th September
US markets rally and gold price drops on China talks news
We take a quick look at what is happening in financial markets on Friday 6th September.
What’s happening this week in the US, UK and the Eurozone?
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 2nd September
What’s happening this week in the US, UK and the Eurozone?
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 12th August
What’s happening this week in the US, UK and the Eurozone?
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 5th August
What’s happening this week in the US, UK and the Eurozone?
Spreadex analyst Connor Campbell looks at the macroeconomic picture and its effect on the markets in the US, UK and the Eurozone for the week of 22nd July
Boris Johnson and the great GBP sell off of 2019
The short trade against sterling has been yielding plenty of profit for traders over May and into June. It is being driven by further comments about a hard Brexit coming out of Westminster. Has the pound got further to fall though?
Will Jeremy Corbyn wreck the UK gilts market?
Many investors in UK government bonds are becoming increasingly worried about the prospects of a Labour party election victory and what the implications are for gilts.
Hedge fund manager sounds warning bells for European markets in June
European financial markets could be in for some turbulence in June and it has nothing to do with Brexit or the China-US trade war, according to one hedge fund manager.
European elections? It’s what comes NEXT that matters for the pound
The results of the European elections have been largely priced-in for the Pound, but happens next will determine if Sterling will prolong its run of losses
Will Brexit delay mean a relief rally for the pound?
The pound could benefit from a relief rally – but little else has changed - as Theresa May is forced…
Turkish lira liquidity shakes confidence ahead of local elections
The Turkish lira was focusing mind on emerging markets currency trading desks this morning, as the government in Ankara sought…
Five scenarios for the Pound following Parliament’s ‘indicative votes’
Tonight will see an unusual process take place in Parliament, with the use of ‘indicative votes’. Here are five possible scenarios for the Pound
How could Brexit affect the pound?
How much could the UK pound fall? Why? Could it bounce back? What’s the long-term expectation for the pound if…
[Video] Chinese trade balance data to reveal effects of US tariffs
AxiTrader Analyst, James Hughes looks ahead to next week After what has been a huge few days for markets with…
[Video] Bank of England to raise interest rates and boost the Pound?
AxiTrader Analyst, James Hughes on The Bank of England's interest rate decision this week We have what could be a…
[Video] Pound in focus this week as UK economic data released
AxiTrader Analyst, James Hughes looks at the economic data due out this week in the UK and how it may affect the Pound
[Video] Economic data and politics set the tone for currencies
AxiTrader Analyst, James Hughes looks at the effect on the major currencies of upcoming economic data and political turmoil
Is Bank of England rate likely to rise as inflation cools?
Poor retail sales and economic growth in Q1 has the market believing the Bank will shy away from a rate rise on Thursday.
Future Economic or Political Events That Are Likely to Drive Sentiment
Britain’s vote to leave the European Union has had a major impact on world financial markets
Three Quick Facts: easyHotels, AstraZeneca and GBPUSD
Three things you need to know from the markets this morning from investment writer, Tony Cross
Morning Round-Up: Sainsbury’s, the Pound and S&P 500
Sainsbury's post Christmas trading update has failed to excite as investors focus on UK production data. Meanwhile, the S&P breaks more records
Morning Round-Up: US Tax Reform Bill, FTSE, Dollar and Pound
US Tax Reform Bill hold up keeps investors waiting as FTSE treads water. The Dollar is unmoved while the Pound awaits BoE Parliament address
Morning Round-Up: Pound, Dollar and US tax reform
A stronger Pound holds back the FTSE while US tax reform concerns offset positive economic news for the Dollar
UK inflation above 3% will force Bank of England to raise rates again
As the Bank of England ponders its next moves, we think inflation will be a major factor for traders to consider in 2018
Morning Round-Up: US tax reform Bill, FTSE, Pound and US equities
The US tax reform Bill continues to dominate with the FTSE following Wall Street's negative close. Meanwhile, the Pound struggles to shake its Brexit worries
Morning Round-Up: FTSE, Pound, Dollar and the Dow
FTSE up with the Pound falling on news of a hold up in Brexit talks while the passing of the US Tax Reform Bill boosts the Dollar and the Dow Jones
Morning Round-Up: FTSE, Pound, Oil and US Equities
FTSE and Pound look to UK manufacturing data for direction; OPEC agreement boosts Oil and US Equities rise in anticipation of tax cuts approval
Morning Round-Up: FTSE, Pound, Dollar, Bitcoin and Tech-stocks
The FTSE is down on the back of a stronger Pound while the Dollar shows signs of improvement. Bitcoin receives a boost and Tech-stocks recoil
Morning Round-Up: Pound, Dollar and US Equities receive boost
US and European politics dominate this morning despite North Korea's best efforts to spoil the party with their latest missile test
Dollar strengthens as Euro and Pound lose ground
It's the Dollar that has been dominant in early trading today
What would a Labour Government mean for the Pound?
Britain's opposition party says it is planning for a major sell-off in the pound should it win the next election
Five unloved – but interesting – financial spread betting markets
A quick look at some interesting spread betting markets you may be ignoring on your trading platform
The Brexit impact on financial markets
There is still plenty of potential disaster lying in wait in UK financial markets one year on, says Editor, Stuart Fieldhouse
Are European interest rate rises on the table?
The Euro and Sterling in focus for investors as ECB and BoE talk up possibility of interest rate hikes
FTSE boost as appetite for the pound slows
The FTSE found buyers at Friday’s open, as the Bank of England meeting temporarily dented the appetite in the pound market
Where’s the love for sterling?
A snap election call has currency pundits revising their forecasts for the pound, but can it really go to $1.35?
Europe set to take centre stage today
Build up to this weekend's first round of the French Presidential election, the release of the Eurozone Manufacturing and Services PMI and UK's Retail Sales are all in today's mix
UK Election parliamentary vote to dominate proceedings
With two thirds of MPs required to approve a general election and the Labour party backing the move, it will likely be confirmed after Prime Minister’s Questions at midday
Sterling and the US Dollar set to be in focus today
The services sector steps into focus this Wednesday, providing investors with another chance to assess the state of the UK economy
GBPUSD threatens to fall below $1.24 ahead of UK construction PMI
The main focus for both the FTSE 100 index and the Pound this morning will be the construction PMI data
European economic data to set the tone
The UK’s final fourth quarter GDP reading, German employment data and Eurozone inflation figures are due out later
Markets lacking any real momentum
Following yesterday's triggering of Article 50, there's little in the diary to give the markets real focus this morning
The UK all set to trigger Article 50
In focus today will be the UK’s triggering of Article 50 to commence divorce proceedings from the European Union
Attention set to focus on the triggering of Article 50
A light economic calendar today suggests investors focus will turn to the UK's triggering of Article 50
Buying a property abroad and facing the prospect of a weakening pound
Buying a property abroad this year will be much more expensive than it has been historically
UK to focus on this morning’s inflation figures
Inflation is the name of the game today with the UK markets keen to see what level the metric crept to last month
Markets continue to digest last week’s events
An empty economic calendar this morning has left the door open for last week’s trading trends to creep in
FTSE takes a breather having hit another record high
Having closed above 7400 for the first time in its history last night, the FTSE took a justified breather after the bell, starting the day relatively flat at yesterday’s highs
Federal Reserve meeting set to dominate
This evening’s Fed rate decision will claim top billing where markets are already factoring in another hike
Sterling gives back yesterday’s gains
A relatively empty economic calendar kept the UK market’s eyes firmly on macro concerns this Tuesday morning.
A busy week ahead for markets as Fed ponders rate rise
Dutch elections and Brexit will also be helping to churn up the markets as short positions reach 10 year low.
The Chancellor’s Spring Budget set to take centre stage
Things are off to an inauspicious start this Wednesday, investors perhaps not willing to show their hand until after the Spring Budget later today.
A quieter start as investors focus on the latter part of the week
Investors are going to have to wait a bit longer for all the juicy stuff in the back end of the week
Deutsche Bank-led banking sector slide drags on FTSE et al
Despite a flurry of M&A action the European indices weren’t indulging in any excitement this Monday
Markets focused on the weekend’s corporate news
Given the light macro calendar for data, the fallout from a busy weekend for corporate news will be on the agenda today
UK services slump drags sterling lower, Eurozone reading nears 6 year high
Most of the morning’s services data was absorbed by the forex markets this Friday, which didn’t do much for the red-tinged indices
PMI Services and Fed speakers to set the tone for the day
PMI Services readings will be the order of the day alongside this afternoon’s raft of Federal Reserve speakers
Markets take a breather after yesterday’s gains
Yesterday saw another Trump-inspired record finish on Wall Street but a calmer start to trading seen this morning
Markets flat ahead of US GDP and Trump Congress address
Investors simply weren’t interested in the European markets this Tuesday, saving their energy for a US-dominated afternoon
Pound hit by Scottish Referendum speculation
GBP dropped following a report over the weekend that claimed that Prime Minister May is preparing for Scotland to call for a new referendum in light of the Brexit decision
Banking sector in focus as Barclays announces £3.2bn annual profit
The main focus this Thursday morning was on the banking sector again. This time, it's Barclays, the latest to reveal its annual results
GDP data fails to ignite sterling despite Q4 revision
There was a lot to unpack in this morning’s 2nd estimate fourth quarter GDP report, something that has helped dampen the market’s good vibes
FTSE dips back under 7300 thanks to Unilever slide
With little in the way of economic news, and no US open on the horizon, the European markets were a mixed bag this Monday
A bright start for the major European indexes
It's been a productive start to the new trading week after US bourses closed positive on Friday and despite a mixed session in Asia overnight
A mixed end to the week for the markets
It's another light one for macro data today while day two of the G20 meeting of Foreign Ministers may provide some direction
Commodities lead FTSE lower despite World Index fresh peak
For a morning that has seen the MSCI’s World Index hit a fresh all-time high, it hasn’t been very exciting
G20 meeting in Berlin likely to provide today’s focus
After the data drama of the past two days things look a bit quieter today. The focus is likely to be speakers at the meeting of G20 Foreign Ministers in Berlin
UK wage growth falls as inflation continues to climb
Following yesterday’s inflation increase the focus of this morning’s UK jobs report was rightly on wage growth – and the news wasn’t good
Inflation set to remain the key focus today
Inflation data in focus on both sides of the pond as growth improves against a backdrop of accommodative monetary policy
Inflation disappoints pound despite hitting 32 month high
Inflation was the name of the game this morning, the latest figure out of the UK surging to its highest level since June 2014
A wealth of data to provide direction for the markets
After a pretty quiet week in the markets last week, investors will today get to grips with some key data releases that will offer some momentum
Dow Jones eyes 20400 as Trump rally returns
The US open only increased the swell in positive trading this Monday, the Dow Jones surging to yet another record peak
Trump tax promises continued to buoy markets
The markets are still being buoyed by the ‘phenomenal’ tax promises floated by Donald Trump last week, promises that helped send the Dow Jones to yet another record high
FTSE eyes 7300 following Thursday’s last minute surge
The market seems keen to build on yesterday’s last minute growth, investors’ interest piqued by Donald Trump’s promise of ‘something phenomenal in terms of tax’
FTSE struggles with 7200, pound eyes $1.26
The markets remained where they were just after the bell this Thursday, with little to shake things up as the morning progressed
Thomas Cook falls 7% on ‘cautious’ outlook
Thursday morning continued the week’s string of data-less, largely news-less European sessions forcing investors to focus on the political issues buzzing around the continent
Pound and euro suffer on Brexit and Draghi/Le Pen respectively
The forex markets dominated things this morning, with both the pound and euro having a rough time of it
Another sluggish start as Eurozone processes Le Pen threat
By the looks of things Tuesday could rival Monday in the dullness stakes, with precious little new for the European markets to grapple with this morning
FTSE creeps above 7200 on lifeless Monday morning
It’s hard to know what to say about the markets this morning, with Monday so far devoid of anything noteworthy
FTSE rises on weak pound and strong banking sector
After a slow start there was a lot in play this Friday, and that’s before this afternoon’s non-farm jobs report from the US
Sluggish start from FTSE and pound ahead of US non-farm
You’d be forgiven for thinking the UK markets hadn’t opened this morning, as was the sluggishness of the FTSE and pound
Bank of England too dovish for expectant pound
Sterling suffered through the Bank of England’s ‘Super Thursday’ this afternoon, the currency displeased with what Carney and co. dished up
Pound nervy ahead of Bank of England forecasts
The pound became far more jittery as the morning progressed, much to the benefit of the FTSE
FTSE and pound jittery ahead of BoE ‘Super Thursday’
The UK markets started this morning in a jittery mood, investors waiting for the Bank of England’s latest ‘Super Thursday’
FTSE rises ahead of manufacturing PMI
Decent manufacturing figures from China and Japan lifted the European indices ahead of their own PMIs this Wednesday morning
FTSE fails to piggy back on Tesco growth
Despite a weaker pound AND a huge increase from Tesco the FTSE barely budged this Friday morning
Tesco buys Booker for £3.7 billion
With little on the economic agenda until this afternoon the pound saw little reason not to give back some of its earlier growth
FTSE and pound await UK’s Q4 GDP
The FTSE is still struggling to join in with the Trump rally this Thursday, the index floundering as it awaits the first glimpse at the UK’s fourth quarter GDP figure
Sterling growth prevents FTSE from joining Trump rally
While Trump pushes the global indices higher, the pound has been benefiting from the increasingly Brexit clarity following yesterday’s Supreme Court ruling
FTSE and pound post growth but Restaurant Group drops
Following on from a late rally in the US last night, thanks to the second round of Trump executive orders, the markets looked a lot perkier this Wednesday morning
Pound falls following Supreme Court Article 50 ruling
The Supreme Court’s Article 50 ruling failed to massively move the markets this Tuesday, with BT’s scandalous struggles drawing a lot of focus
Sterling awaits Article 50 ruling while BT sinks on Italian scandal
It’s another big day for sterling, with the UK’s Supreme Court set to rule whether or not Theresa May and her Brexiteers can trigger Article 50 without first seeking parliamentary approval
Pound hits 1 month high against dollar
The pound broke through the $1.24 ceiling this morning, climbing more than half a percent against the dollar to hit a one month high
Weak UK retail sales reading weighs on pound
Not a lot happened this morning beyond the pound gradually chipping away at the gains it has made since the start of the week
FTSE subdued on Inauguration Day
There isn’t much economic news on offer this Friday, as the world turns to watch America make a huge mistake and inaugurate Donald Trump
Mixed reports from Royal Mail, Halfords and Pets At Home
The markets got off to a familiarly flaccid start this Thursday, the main draw being this afternoon’s ECB meeting
Solid jobs data fails to spark change from FTSE or pound
Despite a couple of positive surprises the UK jobs report failed to change much this morning, the market’s continuing to trade in the shadow of yesterday’s Brexit speech from Theresa May
Pound loses post-May speech shine ahead of UK jobs report
Continuing its topsy-turvy week the pound took a turn south this Wednesday ahead of the latest UK jobs report
Pound storms ahead as May promises parliamentary vote on Brexit deal
As some expected the pound had worked out most of its negative feelings about Theresa May’s Brexit-intensions already
UK inflation surge bolsters sterling ahead of May’s Brexit speech
Despite Theresa May’s looming Brexit speech the pound has continued to perform fairly well this Tuesday, bolstered by a greater than forecast inflation increase
Pound rebounds ahead of UK inflation and May Brexit speech
It’s another big day for the pound, with Tuesday’s economic calendar centred on sterling
US-less afternoon leaves Brexit-fearing pound as dominant force
There wasn’t much change this afternoon, the markets lacking the enlivening spark of a US open
GBP takes another beating ahead of more Brexit talks
Market News Focus remains on GBP at the start of this week after GBPUSD dropped 1% on the open yesterday…
Hard Brexit haunts sterling
Monday kicked off with a sterling bloodbath, the currency suffering from a severe case of the hard Brexits
Markets await comments from Carney and Trump
Once again the FTSE managed to hit a fresh high in the least interesting way possible this Wednesday, creeping near 7300 off the back of a fresh bout of sterling-weakness
Weak pound and buoyant supermarkets fuel latest FTSE rise
Given the lack of economic news it is no surprise that Monday’s Brexity trading has leaked into Tuesday, with a weak pound continuing to fuel a high-hitting FTSE
GBP underperforming due to Brexit
Market appears cautious in the early New Year
FTSE chasing two records while Morrisons reports on positive Xmas
The FTSE can create a new record for the number of consecutive days it has ended a session at a new all-time high today
Pound continues to plunge as Brexit fears re-emerge
Be it Theresa May’s weekend interview or more general fears about the omnishambles of Britain’s ‘negotiating’ position with the EU, Brexit continued to drive sterling lower this morning
GBP kicks off the week with a softer tone …
Friday’s US Non Farm Payroll report was slightly softer than expected but provided no big surprises
FTSE 100 continues to be hampered by Retail Sector
The FTSE failed to find any momentum this morning, hampered by a bloody retail sector and an increasingly sour set of commodity stocks
Pound boosted by UK Manufacturing PMI
In the aftermath of the PMI release sterling jumped 0.6% against the euro, taking it back above 1.18 for the first time in a week and a half
Monte dei Paschi in trouble; Dow Jones edges ever closer to 20000
A dearth of positive news has prevented the European indices from posting any growth this Wednesday
FTSE100 barely budges at open; Monte dei Paschi warns of liquidity issues
The European markets endured another slow start this Wednesday, continuing the week’s distinctly Santa-less trading
Sluggish trading continues for FTSE, while GBP losses widen against USD
The European indices maintained a sluggish pace this Tuesday, with little to disturb the quiet pre-Christmas trading
FTSE and DAX off to slow start, GBP sits at month low against USD
The European markets got off to another slow start this Tuesday, investors struggling to find a reason to send the region’s indices any higher
Pound suffers after Deutsche Bank comments
The general lack of excitement continued this Monday afternoon, the US open bringing little fresh to the table
USD dominates with Bank of England rate vote on the horizon
There was little change from the tone set at the start of the day, with the post-Fed rate hike reaction still dominating proceedings
FTSE and pound unimpressed by UK employment data
Despite some strong figures there were a few things to fret over in the UK’s latest jobs report this Wednesday
FTSE falls and pound steady ahead of UK jobs report
Though this evening’s Federal Reserve meeting is Wednesday’s main draw, there is still a decent chunk of UK data to deal with this morning
Dow teases 19900 while DAX and FTSE benefit from banking sector lift
There were some distant sleigh bells heard on the markets this Tuesday, the major indices all climbing higher as the day progressed
Sterling rises as inflation increase points to potential BoE rate hike
As expected October’s dip in UK inflation was proven to be an anomaly, with November’s reading coming in at a weak pound-inspired 2 year high of 1.2%
Sterling gains ahead of policy meetings and a busy week of UK data
Sterling gained yesterday against the USD, recovering some of the ground lost last week as investors focus on a busy week of UK economic releases and the BoE policy meeting
Fresh Monte dei Paschi/ECB drama weighs on European banking sector
Some more Monte dei Paschi drama brought bit of much-needed excitement to proceedings this afternoon, even if the wider market didn’t pay too much attention to the news
Eurozone indices jittery as markets await Draghi press conference
Things have become increasingly jittery this Thursday as investors await the result of this month’s ECB meeting
Euro falls as Renzi resigns following Italian referendum ‘No’ vote
The Eurozone leapt into the spotlight this Monday morning, with Italy’s decision to vote ‘No’ to historic constitutional reforms creating a fresh headache for the euro
Sterling takes advantage of Thanksgiving quiet to rise against dollar and euro
After a slow start the pound has begun to stretch its legs this Thursday, making the most of a quiet Thanksgiving for the dollar
FTSE 100 gathers momentum while Dow Jones eyes 19000
The FTSE continued to barrel ahead this Tuesday as the pound began to shed some of the surprise growth it produced before yesterday’s close
Looking ahead to the UK’s Autumn Statement
This Wednesday the UK’s new Chancellor of the Exchequer, Phillip Hammond, delivers his first Autumn Statement
Investors’ focus fixed on the forex markets
Tug of war between pound and euro following strong UK retail sales and Eurozone inflation growth
Unexpected rise in UK claimant count spooks FTSE and pound
While the headline figures suggested strength, the FTSE and pound weren’t too happy with parts of what this morning’s UK jobs report implied
FTSE100 making headway but held back by Miners
London’s FTSE-100 is making some headway in early trade but upside is being constrained as a result of some heavy losses amongst mining stocks
DAX grazes 2016 peak as Germany businesses brush off Brexit
While the markets remained relatively placid there was still some big news from Europe this Tuesday morning
Mild morning for GBP, and Pearson plunge, leads to heavier losses for FTSE
Compared to the recent drama the market has been treated (or should that be subjected) to this Monday has been…
[London] GBP maintains gains despite negative comments from BoE deputy governor
The pound’s May-inspired rebound has continued this morning, rendering the European indices inert. Still dining out on the news that…
Why did the pound flash crash?
Several theories have emerged about why the British pound tumbled from about $1.26 against the US dollar to about $1.18 in just two minutes on Friday morning
[London] GBP bloodied by flash crash-inspired fear and bleak assessment from HSBC
The way trading has been this week it honestly seems like the market had collective amnesia between the end of…
FTSE and pound both fall as UK services PMI beats expectations but slips month-on-month
The European markets haven’t really moved from the stalls they set out early in the session, with weariness from the FTSE joined by despair from the pound.
FTSE and pound grow further apart
The divergence between FTSE and pound became even starker this Tuesday morning, each instrument lurching towards fresh highs and lows…
Traders and brokers brace for Brexit vote
With less than two days to go until the results of the Brexit vote are released, the markets seem a bit calmer at time of writing
