EURO/GBP - 1.223
US$/GBP – 1.553
CHF/GBP – 1.599
CAN$/GBP - 1.640
AUS$/GBP – 1.751
NZD/GBP – 2.209
EURO/US$ - 1.270

Sterling had a fairly quiet day yesterday and remains range bound against the euro and US dollar. With trading volumes still low due to the holiday season any negative surprises could hit confidence in sterling and lead to larger movements than normal. Today sees the release of the CBI Distributive Trade Survey which gives an indication of how retailing activity has faired in August. Get in touch now to speak to our traders so you can plan ahead accordingly.

The euro was initially well supported on Wednesday after the German IFO business climate (survey for German business sentiment) unexpectedly rose in August. Germany are clearly benefitting from a weaker euro as they are an export driven economy. The euro had been under pressure due to risk aversion as Ireland’s sovereign credit rating was downgraded by Standard and Poor. Today sees the release of economic data which should confirm that the pace of contraction in loans to non-financial corporations are continuing to ease. Call in now for a live exchange rate.

The US dollar continues to benefit against the euro and sterling as investors pile into safe haven assets due to the uncertainty surrounding the future for the global economy. Today is a relatively quiet day for the US dollar so ensure you are taking advantage of any movements in your favour by speaking to a trader today.

Elsewhere the Canadian dollar rebounded from the weakest level in almost two months as equities rallied and crude oil rose. The Canadian dollar is strongly correlated to the price of crude oil as it is its biggest export.

Exchange rates change every second - call Smart Currency Exchange for a live up-to-the-minute quote on our Freephone number: 0808 163 0102 (+44 (0)207 898 0541 from outside the UK) or fill out our online quote form at: SmartCurrencyExchange.com/quote.aspx