Economic Update 16 Sep 2024 8 minute read
Two major Central Bank Meetings this week
The European Central Bank met last week and cut interest rates by 0.25%, bringing the headline rate down to 3.5%. This move was widely anticipated in markets due to lukewarm economic growth and lower rates of inflation...
Economic Update 09 Sep 2024 5 minute read
ECB poised for second rate cut this year
This week marks the beginning of the latest round of interest rate decisions, with the European Central Bank (ECB) poised to cut rates for the second time on Thursday. The Bloc’s central bank is expected to cut its refinancing rate from 4.25% to 4%, likely making it the most significant market event of the week. After cutting rates in June for the first time since...
Economic Update 02 Sep 2024 6 minute read
Sterling continues to strengthen against major currencies
GBP continues to maintain its strength following the recent surge compared to other major currencies, most notably USD and EUR. With the US dollar under intense pressure due to upcoming interest rate cuts in mid-September, the pound has been the currency of choice for many investors. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's meeting with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz last week signalled the new...
Economic Update 27 Aug 2024 7 minute read
Sterling starts the week on the front foot
The release of the UK's latest PMI data last week seems to have continued to benefit the pound today, despite comments from Keir Starmer this morning that the government's first budget in October is "going to be painful". This followed last week's higher-than-expected UK government borrowing for July, which stoked fears that Chancellor Rachel Reeves may need to...
Economic Update 12 Aug 2024 7 minute read
Sterling strengthens on positive GDP data
Sterling saw a strong recovery last week amidst confirmation that the UK economy is recovering well after both its brief and shallow recession at the end of last year. Following the release of the UK’s GDP growth data for the second quarter last week, which came in at 0.6% and following a similar trend to Q1 (0.7%), the pound rallied against a basket of currencies, including the dollar...