Despite a sharp fall by the pound against the euro at the end of trade on Friday, the pair still managed to gain across the previous week. The pound euro euro get rate gained 0.9% across the course of the week, its second straight week of gains. It reached a weekly high of €1.1481 before ending the week at €1.1440.
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When measuring the value of a pair of currencies, one set equals 1 unit and the other shows the current equivalent. As the market moves, the amount will vary from minute to minute. For example, it could be written: 1 GBP = 1.13990 EUR Here, £1 is equivalent to approximately €1.14. This specifically measures the pound’s worth against the euro. If the euro amount increases in this pairing, it’s positive for the pound. Or, if you were looking at it the other way around: 1 EUR = 0.87271 GBP In this example, €1 is equivalent to approximately £0.87. This measures the euro’s worth versus the British pound. If the sterling number gets larger, it’s good news for the euro. |
With U.K. economic data in short supply since the middle of last week, investors have been increasingly focusing on Brexit and political uncertainty. Last week the Scottish Parliament voted against the Brexit Bill in a symbolic showing against the government. Whilst the UK government can override the vote, it has put UK Prime Minister in a very difficult situation. If she overrides it will fuel the Scottish opinion that the Government pays no or little attention to the desires and wishes of Scotland, giving more ammunition to Nicola Sturgeon and her Scottish SNP party who are still in search of independence from the rest of the UK.
This weekend Nicola Sturgeon has said that once there is more clarity over Brexit, Scotland will look again at independence and another referendum. This level of political instability is weighing on demand for the pound.
| How does political risk have impact on a currency? |
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| Political risk drags on the confidence of consumers and businesses alike, which means both corporations and regular households are then less inclined to spend money. The drop in spending, in turn, slows the economy. Foreign investors prefer to invest their money in politically stable countries as well as those with strong economies. Signs that a country is politically or economically less stable will result in foreign investors pulling their money out of the country. This means selling out of the local currency, which then increases its supply and, in turn, devalues the money. |
The start of the week is quiet once again on the UK economic calendar. The first high impact release is on Wednesday, when investors will be looking for inflation figures. Inflation in March fell to 2.5%, analysts are predicting a slight decrease in core April. If this is the case, the pound could move lower.
Fears Over New Italian Government Send Euro Lower
The euro has been under growing pressure as more details emerge over the new populist coalition formed in Italy. The 5 Star and the League are renowned for being eurosceptic and anti establishment. Whilst there were initially hopes that they could tone policies aimed at these aims down, the reality is starting to look different. Initial aims of this government look likely to include a renegotiation of Italian treaties, creation of a euro opt out mechanism and a reduction in Italy’s contribution to the EU Budget. This government looks headstrong and unpredictable which doesn’t bode well for European Union or the euro.
Political risk.
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This article was initially published on TransferWise.com from the same author. The content at Currency Live is the sole opinion of the authors and in no way reflects the views of TransferWise Inc. |
