EUR/GBP Rate & Comments for 30th July 2010

EUR/GBP - 1.198

Sterling hit a further 5 month high of $1.5660/£1 yesterday on speculation over month end ‘rebalancing’ after strong performances on the US stock market. Strong earnings from many US firms over the last week has left many analysts expecting investors to sell their US dollar share holdings, putting pressure on the US dollar. Sterling also broke through a key technical barrier on the graph this week, breaking through the 200 day ‘moving average’, which is a strong positive signal for sterling. In terms of data, house prices and lending data in the UK disappointed, which serves as a reminder that the UK is not quite out of the woods yet. There is little or no data out today for the UK – call in now for a live exchange rate.

In the Euro zone, German unemployment data came in better than expected, as the level of unemployment dropped by 20,000 – 2,000 more than expected. The euro maintained its relative strength against the pound, keeping sterling from breaking above the 1.20/ £1 barrier. In terms of data, there is German retail sales data and European inflation data alongside Italian unemployment figures. The Euro has had a relatively good week, but many are confused as to why the euro has performed so well, given the issues with sovereign debt in the region. Call in now for a live exchange rate.

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