By Greg Smith on Tuesday, August 31st, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Services PMI shows surprising drop The data calendar is light in this shorter bank holiday week. The Lloyds Business Barometer will give an update on business sentiment. Confidence reached a three-year high in May. Since then it has not changed much as firms weigh up their own situation and the broader economic outlook. […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, August 23rd, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Sterling falls on weaker data The pound has been on the back foot over the last week, following some weaker data. Against the US dollar, there has also been demand for the US currency as a safe haven. The fall in inflation back to the 2% target level was not entirely unexpected and […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, August 16th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Inflation to fall before a push higher One of the most anticipated pieces of data this week will be the inflation figures. CPI inflation increased from 0.4% in February to 2.5% in June. We expect it to move higher over the coming months. The Bank of England’s recent update forecast inflation moving up […]
By Vatsal Trivedi on Thursday, August 12th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights, Podcasts
Trade Finance In The Current Environment The Covid-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc on trade finance for businesses. Barry Rogers discusses the issues and options available to businesses in these challenging times. International Business Experts, Greg Smith and Barry Rogers from ABL Advisory discuss trade finance in the current environment. To listen to it, click […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, August 9th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – BoE hold but increase inflation forecasts As expected, last week, the Bank of England held interest rates at 0.1% and asset purchases at £895bn to be completed this year. There was a single dissenter, Michael Saunders, who favoured an early end to QE. The BoE did revise its inflation forecasts, with inflation expected […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, August 2nd, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Bank of England may give advanced guidance This week the Bank of England will provide an update though no change in policy is expected. There may well be debate over the QE programme. Recent speeches have highlighted concerns about the recent inflation rises. We may see one or two votes to reduce the […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, July 26th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights, Podcasts
Are You Prepared For Big Swings In The Currency Market Recent events such as Brexit, the US trade war with China and now the potential of a trade war with the EU (after the US imposed tariffs of $7.5 billion on imports of European goods), may leave you thinking whether your business is prepared for […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, July 26th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Volatile market moves reflect economic uncertainty Markets fluctuated sharply in a volatile period last week. Equities sold off, but then regained most of the losses. Bond markets saw a sharp fall in yields. Currency markets have generally been less volatile but the US dollar is still close to its highest since April against […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, July 19th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Inflation questions and Freedom Day Last week, we saw UK inflation rise more than expected, with an increase of 2.5%, above market expectations for 2.2%. The markets are now concerned about an earlier withdrawal of monetary policy stimulus. Much of the recent rise in inflation is due to factors resulting from the pandemic. […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, July 12th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Weaker UK GDP with Covid concerns Last week saw much weaker-than-expected GDP data for May. It rose by only 0.8% compared to an expected 2.5% while April growth was also revised down. Some bond markets including UK gilts, have also seen sizeable declines in yields. The market is reassessing growth and inflation trends. […]
