Pound (GBP) Plummets as Supply Chain Woes Grow
The Pound (GBP) slumped yesterday, hitting a two-month low against the Euro (EUR) and an eight-month low against the US Dollar (USD), as the UK’s supply chain crisis spooked GBP investors.
Worries are growing that the supply chain crisis, which has caused the current fuel shortages, will continue to significantly disrupt different parts of the UK economy and contribute to soaring inflation.
Turning to today, if the latest consumer credit figures meet expectations of a £0.3bn increase then Sterling may find some support. However, GBP may be primarily driven by the fuel crisis and whether or not it shows signs of stabilising.
Euro (EUR) Climbs on German Consumer Confidence
The Euro dipped against the US Dollar yesterday but gained against its other rivals after German consumer confidence beat expectations.
Germany’s GfK consumer climate indicator for October climbed from -1.1 to 0.3 – its best score since the start of the pandemic – beating expectations of a drop to -1.6, as economic and income expectations improved.
Looking ahead, economic sentiment in the Eurozone is forecast to fall slightly today, however the expected reading is still strong. Any surprise results could likely cause some movement.
US Dollar (USD) Gains as Market Sentiment Sours
The US Dollar (USD) strengthened yesterday as a bearish market mood boosted demand for the safe-haven currency.
The gloomy market mood came amid warnings that the energy crisis affecting Europe could hit the rest of the world, with a power crunch in China curbing production and causing anxiety among investors.
Risk appetite may remain a key factor in USD exchange rates today, while some speeches from Federal Reserve officials in the afternoon could also influence the ‘Greenback’.
Canadian Dollar (CAD) Muted as Oil Prices Fall
The Canadian Dollar (CAD) had a mixed session yesterday, softening against EUR an USD but rising against its other peers as oil prices retreated from their recent highs.
The commodity-linked ‘Loonie’ may weaken further today as oil prices are continuing to fall this morning.
Australian Dollar (AUD) Trends Higher amid Risk-On Trade
The Australian Dollar (AUD) made a modest recovery overnight as a slight improvement in risk appetite boosted the appeal of the riskier ‘Aussie’.
New Zealand Dollar (NZD) Undermined by Covid Cases
The New Zealand Dollar (NZD) dipped in overnight trade as the country recorded its highest number of daily coronavirus cases in weeks, which undermined the ‘Kiwi’ despite a modest rise in risk appetite.