Good US data undermines sterling | Smart Daily Currency Note

Sterling

Sterling had a steady day through much of yesterday before losing ground rapidly towards the end of the day on the release of better than expected US retail sales data. Sterling fell to a two week low against the US dollar. Sterling’s weakness came in spite of the Confederation of British Industry releasing a statement confirming economic sentiment in the UK had improved - adding to hope that growth is expected to pick up over the next two years. As the Bank of England refrained last week from boosting their asset-purchasing programme and with CPI inflation figures also released midweek expected to be relatively constant, sterling could well stabilise but call in now for feedback from your trader on whether it can resist pressure from across the Atlantic.

Euro

The euro largely proceeded on an even keel yesterday as Eurogroup meetings took place and the Greek Prime Minister declared that Greece would not require any further bailouts as the economy in his country looks to be steadying. The single currency performed staunchly in most of it's major pairings save for a US dollar that has been enjoying significant gains across the board on the back of strong retail figures. Europe's governments are in the middle of a policy rethink following years of tight budgets as the recession in the region deepens and the G7 meetings signalled its intentions to scale back austerity. Focus now will be on important economic sentiment data today whilst the release of growth figures midweek are expected to highlight the gloomy economic situation. Call in now to see how emerging political decisions affect euro trading levels.

US dollar

The US dollar enjoyed a strong day on the currency markets yesterday following better than expected monthly retail sales data from the world's largest economy – making gains against most of it's major counterparts. This followed on from reports that Federal Reserve officials had sorted out a strategy to wind down the US bond-buying programme. This is in an effort to preserve flexibility and manage highly unpredictable market expectations, where the first steps in scaling back could be in the next few months depending on emerging data. Today sees the release of monthly import price figures, whilst later in the week inflation indices as well as unemployment claims and consumer confidence reports are published. Call in now for up to date information on whether the dollar continues it's momentum.

Worldwide

Yesterday we saw the Australian dollar slide to an 11-month low against the US dollar, whilst falling against the majority of it's major trading peers in response to low business confidence amid rumours that their Reserve Bank will cut interest rates further. The Yen continued to weaken over the weekend and through yesterday; falling to five year lows beyond the 102.00 level against the US dollar as the G7 meetings confirmed expectation of further consolidation for the Japanese yen following the government's ground-breaking monetary policy programme. The Canadian dollar had a strong day yesterday as better-than-expected sales data in the US had an immediate impact on Canadian markets, with the currency performing well against most if it's major currency pairs. Much focus will be on the Australian annual budget figures emerging mid-morning today as Australian dollar price levels continue to be susceptible to unfavourable data releases. Speak to your trader now for current prices and reaction from world markets.