EUR/GBP Rate & Comments for 20th July 2010

EUR/GBP - 1.177

Sterling fell yesterday against the euro to hit a 7 week low against the euro as higher demand for the single currency saw investors cut short positions in the currency – particularly against the pound. Sterling hit a low of 1.1724/ £1, as a quiet day for UK data releases left investors trading on European news. Rumours circulated over the weekend that China is looking to bolster its foreign currency reserves with large amounts of euros and a large buy order in early trading saw many investors jump on the euro band wagon. Despite comments over the weekend from Andrew Sentance (a Bank of England policymaker) in which he reiterated his comments that the UK needed to raise interest rates sooner rather than later, traders preferred to wait until the Bank of England’s minutes from this month’s meeting are released on Wednesday. That release, alongside the GDP first estimate on Friday, forms the only significant data this week. Get in touch now to avoid missing out.

In the Euro zone, despite trade balance data unexpectedly showing a widening in the trade deficit, the euro had a bumper day. Initially, the euro weakened after rating agency Moody’s cut Ireland’s credit rating by one level citing a ‘significant loss of financial strength’. However, optimism over the results of European bank stress testing (the results of which are released on Friday) helped drive the euro forward. Out today there is purchasing manager’s data for Germany. Call in now for a live price and to ensure that you don’t miss out.

Exchange rates change every second - call Smart Currency Exchange for a live up-to-the-minute quote. For individual requirements, visit the SmartCurrencyExchange.com website and for companies visit the SmartCurrencyBusiness.com website.