Sterling slipped against the US dollar yesterday as concerns over the UK economy and worries over the Japanese nuclear crisis dented the pound. The OECD also cut its expectations for UK growth citing falling house prices, weak domestic consumption and uncertain global demand. There was some positive data in the form of the unemployment claimant figures that unexpectedly showed that 10,000 fewer people claimed unemployment benefits in the last month which was nearly 12,000 better than was expected. Out later today, we have consumer inflation expectations which could see some volatility so call in now for a live exchange rate.

In the euro zone, the euro fell against sterling and the US dollar as Portugal’s credit rating was downgraded late on Tuesday night by rating agency Moody’s. In addition, a cooling of rate expectations nudged the euro downwards as ECB policymaker Christian Noyer cast doubts on expectations by stating that the bank would take stock of events in Japan before making a decision. It is a quiet day for data tomorrow, but the volatility in the market means that anything could happen so call in now for a live price.

In the USA, the US dollar sank to a 16 year low against the Japanese yen driven by ongoing concerns over the damaged nuclear reactor in the earthquake and tsunami stricken country. However, markets expect that the Japanese central bank will intervene to prevent any further appreciation in order to keep Japanese exports at competitive prices. There is a wide array of data released today in the USA, so call in to ensure you don’t lose out.

Elsewhere, the Swiss franc moved towards record levels against the US dollar as investors scrambled for refuge amid turmoil in the Middle East and Japan. Concern over violence spreading to Saudi Arabia sparked fresh concern yesterday. Call in now for a live exchange rate.

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