CurrencyIndex.co.uk

Foreign Currency Exchange Specialists

Monday, 30 August 2010

Currency data this week

Major currency data released this week around the world is as follows. To discuss the possible implications on exchagne rates for your own transaction, please contact us at Currency Index.

Tuesday 31st
0130 – Australian current account balance
0855 – German unemployment rate
0930 – UK consumer lending and money supply
1000 – Eurozone unemployment rate
1330 – Canadian GDP
1900 – US FOMC minutes

Wednesday 1st
0400 – New Zealand commodity prices
0900 – Eurozone manufacturing
0930 – UK manufacturing

Thursday 2nd
0230 – Australian trade balance
0645 – Swiss GDP
1000 – Eurozone GDP & PPI inflation
1245 – Eurozone interest rate decision
1330 – US jobless claims
1500 – US factory orders & pending home sales

Friday 3rd
1000 – Eurozone retail sales
1330 – US non-farm payrolls & unemployment rate

Tuesday, 24 August 2010

Bloomberg analysts warn of falling Pound

Sterling rose to an eight-week high against the euro yesterday despite fears the pound's rally is coming to an end. Currency traders warned sterling will soon go into reverse as spending cuts and tax rises outlined in the Budget curb economic growth in the UK.

Foreign exchange forecasters are the most pessimistic they have been about the pound since May 2009 when rating agency Standard & Poor's said the UK was at risk of losing its AAA status, according to Bloomberg.

Sunday, 22 August 2010

This week's economic releases

Week commencing August 23rd 2010; this week's data releases which are likely to have an effect on exchange rates are shown below.

For valuable opinions on what could happen to rates this week, contact Currency Index.

Monday 23rd
0830 - German manufacturing PMI
1500 - Eurozone consumer confidence

Tuesday 24th
0400 - New Zealand inflation expectations
0700 - German GDP
1330 - Canadian retail sales

Wednesday 25th
0900 - German business climate survey
1200 - US mortgage applications
1330 - US durable goods orders
1500 - US new home sales

Thursday 26th
0900 - Eurozone money supply
1330 - US jobless claims

Friday 27th
0930 - UK GDP revision
1330 - US GDP & personal consumption

Thursday, 19 August 2010

Retail sales up - Pound gains strength

Most exchange rates have improved this morning, after UK retail sales figures released at 9.30am showed a much better performance in the sector than analysts had expected.

Retail sales in July were up 1.1%.

The Pound has gained 1c against the US Dollar and nearly 1c against the Euro in morning trading.

Wednesday, 18 August 2010

Bank of England minutes reveal no surprises

This morning's minutes from the Bank of England's interest rate setting committee showed that 8 of the 9 members voted to keep interest rates on hold.

UK interest rates have now been at 0.5% for 17 months.

Currencies are linked strongly to interest rate rises, so anybody hoping for better exchange rates for sending money abroad, will want interest rates to go up sooner rather than later.

Following the Bank's assessment last week that inflation is likely to fall, and that we are in for a "choppy" recovery, we are unfortunately unlikely to see an interest rate rise in the short to medium term.

Tuesday, 17 August 2010

Pound falls on UK inflation drop

This morning's inflation figures were lower than expected - which, although good news for the economy, is not positive for the Pound. We have lost a cent against the Euro and more against the US Dollar in trading today.

The single currency was boosted by solid demand at an Irish bond auction.

Monday, 16 August 2010

This week's currency data

This week's news releases, likely to affect exchange rates, are as follows:

Monday 16th
1000 - Eurozone CPI inflation
1800 - US housing market index

Tuesday 17th
0230 - Reserve Bank of Australia minutes
0930 - UK inflation
1000 - Eurozone economic sentiment survey
1330 - US housing starts & PPI inflation

Wednesday 18th
0130 - Australian wage price index
0930 - Bank of England minutes

Thursday 19th
0930 - UK money supply, public borrowing & retail sales

Friday 20th
1200 - Canadian CPI inflation

For the latest live rates, please call Currency Index on 0800 043 2623.

Thursday, 12 August 2010

Downbeat inflation report

Yesterday's quarterly Bank of England inflation report predicted a "choppy" recovery ahead for the UK, with interest rates low for some time, and the possibility of more quantitative easing in the future.

Coming after an increase in long-term unemployment was announced, the Pound fell yesterday against most currencies, although curiously the weakening Euro has actually provided an improvement in rates for buying Euros over the last 24 hours.

Tuesday, 10 August 2010

House prices fall, but trade balance improves

Mixed news this morning, as UK house prices have fallen slightly over the last 2 months according to the main 3 UK housing market surveys, casting further doubt on the UK's economic recovery. On the other hand, Britain's trade balance figures out this morning showed something of an improvement.

The Pound has fallen slightly but is continuing to trade in tight ranges, ahead of tomorrow's Bank of England quarterly inflation report.

For the latest live rates for your transfer of money to the UK or overseas, please call us on 0800 043 2623.

Monday, 9 August 2010

This week's FX news

This week sees a number of important data releases likely to affect exchange rates, notably the Bank of England's key quarterly inflation report, released on Wednesday morning. There are also important monthly reports from the European and US central banks, along with GDP and inflation figures from other economies.

If you are sending money abroad, speak to Currency Index this week as there is likely to be volatility in rates which could provide opportunities to buy your currency at preferential rates.

Monday 9th
0230 - Australian home loand
0930 - Eurozone investor confidence

Tuesday 10th
0700 - German CPI inflation
0930 - UK trade balance
1915 - US interest rate decision

Wednesday 11th
0930 - UK unemployment rate
1030 - Bank of England quarterly inflation report
1330 - US trade balance
1900 - US monthly budget statement

Thursday 12th
0230 - Australian unemployment rate
0900 - European Central Bank monthly report
2345 - New Zealand retail sales

Friday 13th
0700 - German GDP
1000 - Eurozone GDP
1330 - US CPI inflation & retail sales

Thursday, 5 August 2010

Interest Rates Held

As expected today, both the Bank of England and European Central Bank have kept interest rates on hold at their monthly meetings today.

The ECB are currently giving their monthly press conference, which may have an effect on Euro rates, while there are no further clues due from the Bank of England until next week's quarterly inflation report.

The Pound is steady against the Euro in trading today, and up against the US Dollar following yesterday's decline.

Monday, 2 August 2010

Currency data released this week

This week's main economic data releases (likely to cause volatility in exchange rates) are as follows. As in the first week of any month, there are a lot of key figures out from around the world. Contact Currency Index for the latest live rates and information.

Monday 2nd
0200 - Australian new home sales
0900 - Eurozone PMI manufacturing data
0930 - UK PMI manufacturing data
1330 - US personal consumption expenditure

Tuesday 3rd
0530 - Australian interest rate decision
0815 - Swiss CPI inflation
1330 - US core personal consumption & income
1500 - US pending home sales
2200 - US consumer confidence

Wednesday 4th
0130 - Australian house price index
0230 - Australian trade balance
1000 - Eurozone retail sales
2345 - New Zealand unemployment rate

Thursday 5th
1200 - UK interest rate decision
1330 - Canadian building permits

Friday 6th
0230 - Australian interest rate minutes
0645 - Swiss unemployment rate
0930 - UK industrial & manufacturing production & inflation
1200 - Canadian unemployment rate
1330 - US non-farm payrolls & unemployment rate

Wednesday, 28 July 2010

Bank of England voice concerns over recovery

Mervyn King, the Governor of the Bank of England, has suggested this morning that UK interest rates will stay low for the foreseeable future, given concerns about the strength of the UK recovery.

Low interest rates usually translate to a weak currency, so it is perhaps unlikely that we will see any significant gains for the Pound in the coming months.

Current exchange rates for sending money overseas are still around the best levels we have seen in 2010.

Monday, 26 July 2010

Best US Dollar rates since February

A weaker US Dollar has resulted in the best Dollar exchange rates against the Pound since February.

With the Pound still exposed to any further bad news in the UK economy, if you need to send money to the States in the coming weeks or months it might be a good time to consider fixing your exchange rate now.

Please contact Currency Index on 0800 043 2623 (+44 1923 777562 from abroad) if you would like to chat through your options.

Currency markets this week

As we enter the last week of the month, most major data releases have already been published, so there is no important news due out of the UK likely to have a huge effect on the Pound. Elsewhere around the world, the week's data is as follows; contact Currency Index for the latest news and rates.

Monday 26th
0230 - Australian PPI inflation
1500 - USA new home sales

Tuesday 27th
0700 - German retail sales
1500 - US consumer confidence

Wednesday 28th
0230 - Australian CPI inflation
0400 - New Zealand business confidence
2200 - New Zealand interest rate decision
2345 - New Zealand trade balance

Thursday 29th
0855 - German unemployment
0930 - UK mortgage approvals

Friday 30th
1000 - Eurozone unemployment rate
1330 - Candian & US GDP

Friday, 23 July 2010

GDP figures send Pound higher

This morning's GDP figures, estimating growth in the UK economy from March to June, have been released and are much better than expected. The figures showed a growth of 1.1%, compared to expectations of 0.6%.

Sterling has pushed higher on the news, so anyone considering fixing an exchange rate may like to request a quote from Currency Index today.

Thursday, 22 July 2010

Retail Sales fall

This morning's UK retail sales figures showed a decline of 1.3% in the previous 12 months, compared to expectations of an increase 2.4%. This is worrying news for the UK economy and the Pound's prospects.

Don't forget you can secure an exchange rate up to 2 years ahead, using a Forward Contract from Currency Index.

Wednesday, 21 July 2010

Euro rate outlook worsens

This morning's Bank of England minutes have done the Pound few favours, as only one of the MPC's members voted for an interest rate rise this month. Higher interest rates are widely seen as a pre-requisite for further sterling strength.

"The euro is generally weaker so euro/sterling is down but overall I think the outlook for the pound is negative after the MPC questioned the UK's growth outlook," said Ian Stannard, senior currency analyst at BNP Paribas.

The euro slipped broadly after a Portuguese treasury-bill auction showed yields more than doubling from the previous sale

This week's economic data

Major economic news due out in the next 3 days, all likely to affect exchange rates, is as follows:

Today
0930 - Bank of England minutes
1900 - Federal Reserve chairman's speech

Thursday 22nd
0930 - UK retail sales
1330 - Canadian retail sales
1500 - Eurozone consumer confidence & US home sales

Friday 23rd
0930 - UK GDP
1200 - Canadian CPI inflation

Monday, 5 July 2010

This week in currency news

Most of this week's data releases come from the Eurozone, so those of you who are looking at sending payments in Euros should keep a close eye on exchange rates. The only major UK data is Friday's trade balance and PPI figures, while in the States we have a bank holiday today and very little of interest later in the week.

Monday 5th
0815 Swiss retail sales
0930 Eurozone investor confidence
1000 Eurozone retail sales

Tuesday 6th
0815 Swiss CPI inflation

Wednesday 7th
1000 Eurozone GDP

Thursday 8th
0230 Australian unemployment rate
0645 Swiss unemployment rate
0700 German trade balance

Friday 9th
0700 German CPI inflation
0930 UK goods trade balance & PPI inflation
1200 Canadian unemployment

Tuesday, 29 June 2010

GDP Release Delayed

The release of key UK GDP data, due out tomorrow, has been delayed to July 12th.

The Pound is currently enjoying a positive run, giving us the best Euro rates for over 18 months. Contact us to discuss your requirements if you are considering locking into an exchange rate now.

Monday, 28 June 2010

This week's currency news

After the bustle of last week's budget and Bank of England Minutes, this week is relatively quiet in terms of economic data likely to affect exchange rates. However, look out for UK GDP on Wednesday and Eurozone inflation figures on the same day, both of which could give some volatility to rates. In the USA, Friday's key monthly employment figures often cause movement in USD rates.

Do contact Currency Index for the latest rates and news.

Monday 28th
0400 - New Zealand business confidence
1330 - US personal consumption

Tuesday 29th
1000 - Eurozone consumer confidence
Overnight - UK consumer confidence

Wednesday 30th
0930 - UK Q1 GDP
1000 - Eurozone CPI inflation

Thursday 1st
No major data

Friday 2nd
1330 - US non-farm payrolls and unemployment rate

Monday, 21 June 2010

Budget tomorrow

Tomorrow we have the new UK government's emergency budget - and who knows what the effects might be on the currency markets. There is bound to be some reaction from the Pound, depending on how George Osborne's new policies and cuts go down in the City.

Meanwhile, we also have the following data out around the world:

Monday 21st
No major data

Tuesday 22nd
0715 - Swiss trade balance
0900 - German business climate survey
1130 - UK emergency budget
1200 - Canadian CPI inflation

Wednesday 23rd
0930 - Bank of England policy minutes
1330 - Canadian retail sales
1500 - US new home sales
1915 - US interest rate decision
2345 - New Zealand GDP

Thursday 24th
1330 - US durable good orders
2345 - New Zealand trade balance

Friday 25th
1330 - US GDP

Thursday, 17 June 2010

Retail Sales Up

The Pound has had a boost this morning as May's UK retail sales came out better than expected. Overnight losses, following George Osborne's speech last night regarding banking regulation, have nearly been recouped for most exchange rates.

The Budget next Tuesday will now be the next area of focus; speak to us at Currency Index before the big day if you would like an informal discussion around your requirements.

Wednesday, 16 June 2010

Unemployment fails to rally Pound

This morning's UK unemployment figres up to 7.9% in the 3 months to April, up from 7.8% in the previous quarter.

Although the number of people claiming benefit fell slightly in May, the overall figures made for mixed reading and following a short boost there was little impact for the Pound.

Tomorrow's public borrowing numbers are the next major UK economic figres, and the last before Tuesday's emergency budget.

Tuesday, 15 June 2010

UK inflation falls

This morning's UK CPI inflation figure for May showed the headline inflation rate fell to 0.2%, from April's 0.6% figure. Although this is good news for the economy as the Bank of England is keen to keep inflation under control, the effect on sterling is the opposite, since lower inflation means that interest rates may not need to rise as had been feared.

The Pound gave back its overnight gains against both the Euro and US Dollar, and particularly against the Euro, where exchange rates for buying Euros have been falling throughout the day.

Monday, 14 June 2010

Currency news this week

This week's economic releases likely to affect exchange rates:

Monday 14th
0815 - Swiss producer & import prices
1000 - Eurozone industrial production

Tuesday 15th
0230 - Australian interest rate minutes
0930 - UK inflation
1000 - Eurozone employment & trade balance
1000 - German ZEW survey
1330 - US import price index
1330 - Canadian manufacturing figures

Wednesday 16th
0930 - UK earnings & unemployment rate
1000 - Eurozone inflation
1200 - US mortgage applications
2245 - US Federal Reserve Chairman's speech

Thursday 17th
0830 - Swiss interest rate decision
0900 - European Central Bank monthly report
0930 - UK retail sales
1330 - US CPI inflation & jobless claims

Friday 18th
0700 - German PPI inflation
0930 - UK public sector borrowing & mortgage approvals

Wednesday, 9 June 2010

Trade balance worse than expected

Figures this morning show the UK's trade balance has worsened slightly, to £3.3bn. This is only slightly worse than expected, so has not weighed too heavily on sterling on the money markets this morning.

Tomorrow's interest rate decision is unlikely to cause any surprises, so rates for sending money abroad could be influenced more by local events in each economy for the rest of the week. For the latest news, contact Currency Index.

Monday, 7 June 2010

Currency news this week

This week's main economic data releases around the world:

Monday 7th
No major data

Tuesday 8th
0645 - Swiss unemployment rate
0700 - German trade balance
0815 - Swiss CPI inflation
Overnight - UK consumer confidence

Wednesday 9th
0130 - Australian consumer confidence
0930 - UK trade balance
2200 - New Zealand interest rate decision

Thursday 10th
0230 - Australian unemployment rate
1200 - Bank of England interest rate decision
1245 - European Central Bank interest rate decision
1330 - US jobless claims & trade balance
1900 - US monthly budget statement

Friday 11th
0930 - UK industrial production & PPI inflation
1330 - US retail sales

Wednesday, 2 June 2010

Euro rate flirts with €1.20

Problems in the Eurozone have contributed to a cheaper Euro, with rates now at their best since the financial crisis. If you are buying Euros to send overseas, consider fixing your rate now for at least part of your requirements.

Tuesday, 1 June 2010

This week's economic releases

There are a lot of important figures due out around the world this week likely to affect commercial exchange rates. For the latest updates, please contact Currency Index.

Tuesday 1st
0530 - Australian interest rate decision
0645 - Swiss GDP
0855 - German unemployment
0930 - UK manufacturing inflation
1000 - Eurozone unemployment rate
1400 - Canadian interest rate decision

Wednesday 2nd
0230 - Australian GDP
0930 - UK consumer lending & mortgage approvals

Thursday 3rd
0230 - Australian trade balance
1000 - Eurozone retail sales
1330 - US jobless claims
1500 - US factory orders

Friday 4th
1000 - European GDP
1200 - Canadian unemployment rate
1330 - US non-farm payrolls & unemployment rate

Tuesday, 25 May 2010

GDP figures as expected

UK GDP figures released this morning show a 0.3% growth in the UK economy, for the first quarter of 2010 compared to 2009.

The figures were exactly as expected by analysts, so there has been little effect on the Pound. Exchange rates for buying Euros remain at around the best levels since last summer.

Monday, 24 May 2010

Economic releases this week

This week's data likely to affect exchange rates is as follows; notably UK GDP on Tuesday morning will give an indication of the growth rate in the economy and is very likely to have a strong effect on sterling.

Monday 24th
1500 - US home sales

Tuesday 25th
0400 - New Zealand Reserve Bank inflation report
0930 - UK GDP
1500 - US consumer confidence

Wednesday 26th
0700 - German GfK consumer confidence
1330 - US durable goods orders
1500 - US new home sales
2345 - New Zealand trade balance

Thursday 27th
0815 - Swiss employment level
1330 - US GDP & initial jobless claims

Friday 28th
Overnight - UK GfK consumer confidence
1330 - US personal consumption

Friday, 21 May 2010

Sterling falls

This week has seen a huge flow on the money markets away from AUD and NDZ, which has strengthened both the US Dollar and Euro significantly. The Pound is now trading below €1.15 and $1.45, with no help from economic data showing UK mortgage approvals lower then expected in April.

One piece of good news was that UK public borrowing was £10bn in April, less than the £11.2bn forecast, which has given the Pound a small boost this morning.

For the latest live trading rates for overseas transfers, contact Currency Index on 0800 043 2623.

Wednesday, 19 May 2010

Australian Dollar rates up 5c

Rates for sending money to Australia have improved dramatically today, after the Reserve Bank of Australia indicated that there will be no further interest rate rises for the time being.

Interest rate rises tend to keep currencies expensive, so when interest rates stop going up, a currency can become cheaper accordingly.

Those of you looking to move down under or transfer funds to Australia in the coming weeks and months should follow the rate closely for opportunities to buy.

Tuesday, 18 May 2010

Inflation hits 17-month high

This morning's UK inflation figures showed a rise to 3.7%, higher than analysts expected and the highest UK inflation for over a year.

Although this means the Bank of England might need to raise interest rates sooner than might have been the case, which would normally give the Pound a boost, the news has not been taken well, because it puts the Bank's predictions of inflation to come back down to its target levels in the shade.

Sterling has therefore actually fallen slightly on the news.

Tomorrow morning's interest rate minutes from the Bank of England will now be of increased interest for the Pound's fortunes.

Monday, 17 May 2010

This week's economic data

A very busy week ahead with key inflation data out in the UK, Europe and the USA, all likely to affect exchange rates this week.

Keep in touch with Currency Index for the latest news affecting your currency purchase.

Monday 17th
No major data

Tuesday 18th
0230 - Australian interest rate minutes
0930 - UK CPI & RPI inflation
1000 - Eurozone CPI inflation & trade balance; German economic sentiment
1330 - US housing starts & PPI inflation

Wednesday 19th
0030 - Australian consumer confidence
0930 - Bank of England policy minutes
1330 - US CPI inflation
1700 - European Central Bank speech
1900 - US interest rate minutes

Thursday 20th
0700 - German PPI inflation
0930 - UK retail sales
1330 - US jobless claims

Friday 21st
0700 - German GDP
0900 - German IFO business survey
1200 - Canadian CPI inflation
1330 - Canadian retail sales

Friday, 14 May 2010

UK Trade Balance worsens

Yesterday's UK trade balance figures have hurt the Pound, as data showed a £3.6bn defecit for March, against analysts' expectations of £2.4bn.

Sterling remains vulnerable to further losses as the dust settles after the election and the new government faces up to the economic challenges ahead. There is no major data due out in the UK today.

Wednesday, 12 May 2010

David Cameron is Prime Minister

The political events of last night, confirming David Cameron as Prime Minister at the head of a Conservative-Liberal coalition, have given the Pound a boost. We now have the best rate for buying Euros since June 2009.

Today's Bank of England Inflation Report, published at 10.30, will give some insight into the UK economy and the Bank's forecasts for inflation for the rest of the year. It is a potential 'banana skin' for the Pound - any downbeat news could bring exchange rates down in the current volatile environment.

Tuesday, 11 May 2010

Quarterly inflation report tomorrow

Tomorrow sees the Bank of England's quarterly inflation report published - a major insight into the strength (or otherwise) of the UK's economic recovery, and prospects for inflation and interest rates in the coming months.

The Pound is certainly vulnerable to poor economic figures at the moment, with the continuing uncertainty around who will be in government. At the same time, the European Central Bank is propping up the Euro with a comprehensive rescue package for Greece.

If you are concerned about the current volatility in the foreign exchange markets, speak to Currency Index about your options.

Monday, 10 May 2010

Election, Greece and this week's currency news

A week is a long time in the currency markets - on Thursday we saw fluctuations of 5c for the Euro and Dollar exchange rates as the election results came in, and the economic crisis in Greece worsened.

This week, much will depend on whether there is a deal between the Conservatives and Liberal Democrats, as well as the Greek bailout, particularly if you are buying Euros to transfer abroad.

We also have the following data due out around the world:

Monday 10th
0700 - German trade balance
1200 - UK interest rate decision

Tuesday 11th
0700 - German CPI inflation
0930 - UK industrial production

Wednesday 12th
0700 - German GDP
0930 - UK jobless claims change
1000 - Eurozone GDP
1030 - Bank of England quarterly inflation report
1330 - US trade balance
1900 - US monthly budget statement

Thursday 13th
0230 - Australian unemployment rate
0930 - UK trade balance
1330 - US jobless claims
2345 - New Zealand retail sales

Friday 14th
1330 - Canadian manufacturing data
1330 - US retail sales

Friday, 7 May 2010

Pound slumps on hung parliament

The Pound's recent gains have been wiped out this morning as the UK election produced a hung parliament.

Those of you buying Euros or US Dollars have seen rates fluctuating up to 5c since the early hours of the morning.

This could spell the end of sterling's recent rise, depending on how quickly a government is formed and how stable the markets perceive the resultant deal.

Wednesday, 5 May 2010

Best Euro rate since August, but election looms

Further worries on the economic problems in Greece and Spain have weakened the Euro, which is now trading at the best rate for sending Euros abroad since August last year.

With the UK election looking tomorrow and the uncertainty around the result, today may be a good time to look at securing your rate. Don't forget you can fix a rate up to 2 years in advance with Currency Index.

Tuesday, 4 May 2010

Currency news from around the world

The UK election will be the main point of interest this week - will a hung parliament cause the Pound to drop? There is also news due out from around the world as follows:

Tuesday 4th
0530 – Australian interest rate decision
0930 – UK individual lending & purchasing inflation
1500 – US pending home sales

Wednesday 5th
1000 – Eurozone retail sales
1315 – US employment change
2345 – New Zealand unemployment rate

Thursday 6th
UK general election
0230 – Australian trade balance & retail sales
1245 – Eurozone interest rate decision
1330 – US initial jobless claims

Friday 7th
0230 – Australian monetary policy statement
0930 – UK PPI inflation
1200 – Canadian unemployment rate
1330 – US non-farm payrolls & unemployment rate

Thursday, 29 April 2010

House prices up 10% in last year

This morning's Nationwide house price survey shows a 10.5% increase in prices in the year to April. This is an encouraging sign of economic growth in the UK and as such the Pound is performing relatively well this morning.

The Greek bailout continues to weigh on the Euro, although the rate for buying Euros seems to have peaked for now having increased over the last 10 days.

With the final leaders' debate before the election tonight, there could be a limited window to buy your currency before the uncertainty of the election takes over for the next 7 days.

Monday, 26 April 2010

International foreign exchange news out this week

This week is quiet in terms of UK data, but there are other releases around the world likely to affect exchange rates. Contact Currency Index for the latest news and live rates for your transfer.

Monday 26th
ECB President Trichet's speech

Tuesday 27th
0930 - UK mortgage approvals
1500 - US consumer confidence

Wednesday 28th
0230 - Australian CPI inflation
0400 - New Zealand business confidence
1915 - US interest rate decision
2200 - New Zealand interest rate decision
2345 - New Zealand trade balance

Thursday 29th
0700 - UK Nationwide house prices
1330 - US jobless claims

Friday 30th
Overnight - UK GfK consumer confidence survey
1000 - Eurozone unemployment & CPI inflation
1330 - Canadian & US GDP

Thursday, 22 April 2010

More good news as sterling rises

This morning's mortgage approvals and public borrowng data came out better then expected - and even slightly worse retail sales could not dampen the Pound's momentum.

Against the Euro, US Dollar, Australian Dollar and South African Rand we have seen improvements in exchange rates for anyone sending money abroad.

Contact Currency Index for the latest commercial rates available.

Wednesday, 21 April 2010

Mixed figures but Pound is up

This morning's headline unemployment figure showed an increase to 8% - the highest since 1994 - but behind the figures there was a lower than expected number of UK citizens claiming unemployment benefit in March.

At the same time, average UK earnings figures were better than expected, so overall this morning there has been some support for sterling, with the mixed numbers being taken as positive overall for the UK economy.

With retail sales and public borrowing figures out tomorrow morning, today could present an opportunity for buying Euros, Dollars or whichever currency you need to send abroad, at a relatively good rate. Contact Currency Index for the latest live rates.

Tuesday, 20 April 2010

UK inflation rises - as does the Pound

In a data release seen as positive for sterling, UK inflation has come out higher than expected this morning, making sending money abroad slightly cheaper across the board.

The retail price index for March was up 0.7%, and up 4.4% for the year, compared with expectations of 0.4% and 4.1% respectively.

Monday, 19 April 2010

Currency news this week

This week focus for the Pound is likely to be fixed to the unfolding election news, as investors decide whether a surge in Lib Dem popularity is likely to be good for the economy.

We also have the following scheduled data releases:

Monday 19th
1000 - Eurozone construction data
1330 - Canadian foreign investments
2345 - New Zealand CPI inflation

Tuesday 20th
0230 - Australian interest rate minutes
0700 - German PPI inflation
0930 - UK CPI inflation & retail sales figures
1000 - German ZEW consumer confidence survey
1400 - Canadian interest rate decision

Wednesday 21st
0930 - Bank of England minutes, UK unemployment rate & UK earnings figures

Thursday 22nd
0715 - Swiss trade balance
0930 - UK net public borrowing
1330 - US jobless claims & PPI inflation
1500 - US house price index

Friday 23rd
0900 - German IFO business climate survey
0930 - UK Q1 GDP
1200 - Canadian CPI inflation
1330 - US durable goods orders & Canadian retail sales