GBP: GDP figures less than expected
EUR: Lagarde calls it “recalibration” not tapering
USD: Biden on big Covid-19 vaccine push
Sterling
The UK economy grew by just 0.1% in July as the last Covid restrictions were lifted in England. It was the sixth consecutive month of growth but much lower than in the previous month and below the 0.6% expectations. The ONS said there had been a boost from outdoor events following the easing of restrictions on the 19th July.
Yesterday the pound gained 0.75% against the euro following the ECB’s September policy meeting, saying it would slow down the rate of Bond purchases in the PEPP (Pandemic Emergency Purchase Programme).
BoE Governor Andrew Bailey stated that 4 out 8 members of the MPC believe that the minimum conditions for an interest rate raise have now been met, leading to markets now fully pricing in expectations of the first UK interest rate rise to be in the first half of 2022. Were that to be the case, it would mean that the BoE will move sooner than the Federal Reserve and the ECB which seems highly unlikely in the case of the Fed
Euro
With Lagarde stating the QE easing, this would typically be supportive of a currency, but the market has been expecting this decision for some time now, therefore the fall in the euro has allowed sterling to move higher. Until the ECB signals the medium term inflation targets are met at 2%, conditions for a rate raise will not have been achieved. The 2023 inflation forecast was lowered from 1.5% to 1.4% and this suggests that there is little chance of the ECB raising rates in the next 2 years.
USD
US President Joe Biden is pushing for an increase in vaccinations against Covid-19 after a rise in the Delta variant has triggered fresh concerns around the pandemic.
Recent warnings from major investment banks that equity gains in the US are vulnerable to shocks from Covid-19 has dented sentiment, and with producer price inflation soaring, one wonders how long it will be before these price increases are passed onto the US consumer.
Market rates
Today’s Interbank Rates at 11:05 against sterling. Movement vs yesterday.
| Euro | €1.172 ↑ |
| US dollar | $1.387 ↑ |
| Australian dollar | $1.876 ↑ |
| South African rand | R19.57 ↑ |
| Japanese yen | ¥152.5 ↑ |
Have a great day.
