UK inflation data inline; Pound remains near 2-year low

The latest UK inflation figures have matched expectations with both the headline and core CPI readings in year-on-year terms coming in inline with consensus forecasts. This means the inflation metric remains at the Bank of England's threshold of 2.0%, but Governor Carney and his fellow rate-setters are unlikely to place too great a weight on this with economic data still very much of secondary importance given that Brexit uncertainty continues to loom large.

The pound earlier dropped to its lowest level since March 2017 as it dipped below the $1.24 handle against the US dollar and the currency continues to be pressured by Brexit-related concerns. Remarks that Boris Johnson, the clear favourite to be announced as the next PM within a week, is willing to use unorthodox strategies in an attempt to bypass parliament and force through a no-deal by October 31st have done little to help the pound's plight and while this scenario remains unlikely, its represents a significant tail-risk for sterling.

With so much pessimism around at present there is a feeling that we may be getting a little extreme on the negative side and it would not be at all surprising if there's a bounce in the not too distant future. A kind of sell-the-rumour-buy-the-fact move may well play out, possibly coinciding with the new PM moving into number 10 and creating a Boris-bottom for the pound!