July’s UK industrial production figure, released earlier today, showed that Britain’s industrial output is in contraction and that this contraction is picking up pace. UK manufacturing data, also released this morning, showed that the UK’s manufacturing output is slowing. With investors fearing that a double dip recession may be on the way for the UK, the Pound remains at risk. NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK – NEUTRAL TO NEGATIVE.
US DOLLAR – The Pound Dollar exchange rate (GBP/USD) is 1.5998
The Greenback has given up some of yesterday’s gains against the Pound and the Euro so far today as global stocks improve, thanks in part to last night’s encouraging Australian GDP growth figure. With investors recovering their composure after yesterday’s shock announcement by Switzerland’s central bank that it was setting a lower limit on the EUR CHF exchange rate and global appetite for risk apparently on the up, there could be further downside to come for the Dollar. NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK – NEUTRAL TO NEGATIVE.
EURO – The Pound Euro exchange rate (GBP/EUR) is 1.1380
This morning’s German industrial production figure provided a stark contrast to its UK counterpart figure, when it was released this morning. The number showed that the growth German industrial output is accelerating – good news for investors holding Euro-denominated assets. NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK – NEUTRAL TO POSITIVE.
AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR – The Pound Australian Dollar exchange rate (GBP/AUD) is 1.5062
With last night’s quarter two Australian GDP figure beating analysts’ expectations, the Australian Dollar has continued to make gains against the other majors during today’s session. The Australian growth figure has helped global stock markets move forward since its release, providing further assistance for the Aussie. NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK – NEUTRAL TO POSITIVE.
CANADIAN DOLLAR– The Pound Canadian Dollar exchange rate (GBP/CAD) is 1.5801
The Canadian Dollar began today’s session on the front foot as investors regained their appetite for risk following the shock of last Friday’s zero reading for August’s US Non-Farm Payrolls. However, this afternoon’s Bank of Canada interest rate decision may have put paid to CAD gains for the time being. The BoC elected to keep interest rates on hold at 1.00% as expected, but noted that, ‘the need to raise rates has diminished’. NEAR-TERM OUTLOOK – NEUTRAL TO NEGATIVE.