UK shutdown shows up in data – Sterling runs out of puff
BlogsPound runs out of puff due to a jump in public sector borrowing, a January slump in consumer confidence and weaker than forecast retail sales data. Absence of European Central Bank decisiveness has left the Euro a little adrift...
Relief permeates the markets
BlogsWeaker USD and stronger commodity currencies with relief in the financial markets now the US election is finally over. Roll-out of vaccines in the UK is lifting investors' mood with Sterling having had a good day against the Euro ahead of today’s European Central Bank meeting...
GBP bounces back
BlogsRelief in the markets that the US election was finally over gives way to concern over the state of the COVID-19 pandemic in the US. Sterling is showing similar strength against other currencies with the release of improved UK inflation data...
4 million receive first dose of COVID-19 vaccine
BlogsUK says COVID-19 vaccine rollout is hampered by ‘lumpy’ manufacturing processes. EU tells members they must vaccine min 70% of their population by summer and US Senate returns from recess to set timetable for President Trump’s second impeachment trial.
Safe haven buying boosts USD
BlogsSafe haven buying boosts USD but US public holiday will mean afternoon markets are quiet. China GDP on the mend as data released this morning shows annual GDP growth at 2.3%
US jobless numbers worse than forecast
BlogsUS jobless claims rise, Sterling’s strong despite UK GDP contraction of 2.6% in December and GBPAUD, and GBPNZD both mount a recovery
US president impeached but Dollar awaits stimulus package
BlogsUS President Donald Trump has been impeached for the 2nd time as USD largely ignored the news. USD traders are more interested in just how big the stimulus package will be when the new President...
Democrats vote to charge Trump with inciting insurrection
BlogsThe Democrats charge Trump with “incitement of insurrection”, GBPUSD remains in an uptrend. UK PM Johnson is getting a bit of flak for his 7-mile bicycle ride and BoE is looking at further stimulus measures...
US employment drops 140,000
BlogsThe US Dollar is the strongest it has been so far in 2021. Overnight we saw a bounce back in Chinese consumer inflation and a healthy rebound in Australian retail sales. US inflation and retail sales will be closely watched...
When is the best time to make a currency transfer
BlogsHalo Financial’s Chief Analyst, David Johnson, explains why timing your currency transfer is so important when migrating or purchasing overseas property. Since exchange rates are volatile, you need...
Dollar wobbles on Washington invasion
BlogsUS tears itself apart as professed Trump supporters invaded US government buildings. US Dollar was volatile in the overnight markets but within recent ranges and boost for the Australian Dollar, with better than forecast building approvals growth...
NZD boosted by 3.9% jump in dairy prices
Blogs3.9% rise in global Dairy Prices caused a solid gain in the New Zealand Dollar value, a return to optimism in the US ISM manufacturing sector and Sterling traders will be paused ahead of a speech by the Governor of the Bank of England at 2 pm UK time...
UK National Lockdown knocks Sterling
BlogsPrime Minister announces nationwide UK lockdown to combat the new strain of COVID-19, UK lenders approved the largest number of mortgages in 13 years and US Dollar is hanging on the Georgia senate election outcome...
UK rollout Oxford/AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
BlogsThe UK will begin the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine rollout today. The Pound held up against the USD overnight. Data to look out for this week includes EU manufacturing data, UK mortgage approvals, Canadian and US manufacturing data...