The pound dived versus the dollar to a 20 month low of US$1.2486 on Tuesday. As Brussels kept repeating that there was no room for further negotiation over Brexit, UK Prime Minister Theresa May was also fighting off rumors on a vote of no confidence. The pound was edging higher in early trade on Wednesday.
| What do these figures mean? |
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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 = 1.28934 USDHere, £1 is equivalent to approximately $1.29. This specifically measures the pound’s worth against the dollar. If the US dollar amount increases in this pairing, it’s positive for the pound. Or, if you were looking at it the other way around:1 USD = 0.77786 GBPIn this example, $1 is equivalent to approximately £0.78. This measures the US dollar’s worth versus the British pound. If the sterling number gets larger, it’s good news for the dollar. |
Reports have been circulating that the number of letters received for a vote of no confidence against the Prime Minister have been increasing rapidly. 48 letters are needed for a vote and reports in the media say that that this number could now have been reached and a vote could be called as soon as this evening.
This is not the first time that Theresa May has fought off threats to her leadership. However, her position is looking increasingly more desperate. Theresa May is currently touring Europe to try to get some support from European leaders as Brussels repeatedly say that there is no more negotiating the Brexit deal. So far the reception from European leaders has also been cold.
The pound is under heavy pressure as Brexit uncertainty increases. If Theresa May is unable to get any further concessions from the EU, it is more likely that her deal will not make it through Parliament and she may not even make it as Prime Minister to the Christmas break. Pound traders fear that a hard-line Brexit supporter could take the keys to No.10 Downing Street. This would increase the chances of a no deal Brexit.
| Why is a “soft” Brexit better for sterling than a “hard” Brexit? |
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| A soft Brexit implies anything less than UK’s complete withdrawal from the EU. For example, it could mean the UK retains some form of membership to the European Union single market in exchange for some free movement of people, i.e. immigration. This is considered more positive than a “hard” Brexit, which is a full severance from the EU. The reason “soft” is considered more pound-friendly is because the economic impact would be lower. If there is less negative impact on the economy, foreign investors will continue to invest in the UK. As investment requires local currency, this increased demand for the pound then boosts its value. |
US CPI In Focus
The dollar was showing signs of resilience in the previous session, charging higher despite easing trade tensions with China. When trade tensions have increased, the dollar usually increases as investors look towards the dollar for its safe haven qualities. On Tuesday, China announced that it was looking to reduce tariffs on US car imports and Trump sounded upbeat about the prospects of a trade deal. This might indicate a de-escalation of tensions in the trade war.
Dollar investors will look towards US inflation data due today. Analysts expect US CPI (Consumer Price Index) to drop to 2.2% down from 2.5%. Weaker inflation could drag the dollar lower, as it would reduce the chances of the Fed hiking interest rates next year.
| Why do raised interest rates boost a currency’s value? |
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| Interest rates are key to understanding exchange rate movements. Those who have large sums of money to invest want the highest return on their investments. Higher interest rate environments tend to offer higher yields. So, if the interest rate or at least the interest rate expectation of a country is relatively higher compared to another, then it attracts more foreign capital investment. Large corporations and investors need local currency to invest. More local currency used then boosts the demand of that currency, pushing the value higher. |
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