The pound reached a two-week high versus the euro just 21 days before Scotland votes on whether to become independent from the U.K., showing investors are disregarding concern the decision will harm Britain’s currency.
A measure of anticipated volatility in the pound fell during the past month even as the currency figured at the center of debate over Scotland remaining in its 307-year-old union with England. All three main U.K. political parties have said a newly independent nation wouldn’t be able to use sterling. Scottish nationalists dismiss that as bluff.
“I would not put the referendum out there as an issue that’s going to break the upward move in the pound,” said Steve Barrow, head of G-10 strategy at Standard Bank Plc in London. “Sterling will get stronger against the euro and yen.”
Recommended Content
Editors’ Picks
EUR/USD edges lower toward 1.0700 post-US PCE
EUR/USD stays under modest bearish pressure but manages to hold above 1.0700 in the American session on Friday. The US Dollar (USD) gathers strength against its rivals after the stronger-than-forecast PCE inflation data, not allowing the pair to gain traction.
GBP/USD retreats to 1.2500 on renewed USD strength
GBP/USD lost its traction and turned negative on the day near 1.2500. Following the stronger-than-expected PCE inflation readings from the US, the USD stays resilient and makes it difficult for the pair to gather recovery momentum.
Gold struggles to hold above $2,350 following US inflation
Gold turned south and declined toward $2,340, erasing a large portion of its daily gains, as the USD benefited from PCE inflation data. The benchmark 10-year US yield, however, stays in negative territory and helps XAU/USD limit its losses.
Bitcoin Weekly Forecast: BTC’s next breakout could propel it to $80,000 Premium
Bitcoin’s recent price consolidation could be nearing its end as technical indicators and on-chain metrics suggest a potential upward breakout. However, this move would not be straightforward and could punish impatient investors.
Week ahead – Hawkish risk as Fed and NFP on tap, Eurozone data eyed too
Fed meets on Wednesday as US inflation stays elevated. Will Friday’s jobs report bring relief or more angst for the markets? Eurozone flash GDP and CPI numbers in focus for the Euro.