Economic news

Sterling Dips as Stock Rout, Stronger Dollar Offset Hike

LONDON, Nov 6 (Reuters) - The pound fell against the dollar on Friday, as a stock market selloff hit currencies more geared ​towards global growth, while holding broadly steady against ‌the euro around a 19-month high.

"The market impact of yesterday's BoE policy update was overshadowed by the deepening selloff for AI-related investments," ​said Lee Hardman, senior currency analyst at MUFG.

The ​major domestic event of the week was Thursday's Bank of ⁠England meeting, which saw a rate rise and strong ​hints that at least one further increase will be needed, ​barring a sudden de-escalation in the Gulf and a fall in oil prices.

Tech stocks tumbled on Wall Street on Thursday, and Asia on ​Friday, before broadening out in European trading, giving a ​boost to the dollar.

The pound was last at $1.3399, down 0.4%, though roughly ‌flat ⁠on the week due to gains in earlier sessions.

It was at 83.41 pence per euro, steady on the day and week, and close to its highest since March 2025 ​which it ​hit Thursday in ⁠the aftermath of the BoE meeting.

"The pound has recently been supported by growing optimism ​over stronger UK growth, higher UK yields and ​fiscal ⁠concerns becoming a bigger market issue in the euro area than in the UK," said Hardman.

The BoE policy update should ⁠reinforce ​sterling's bullish momentum heading into year-end, ​but one risk for the currency would be a deeper selloff for AI ​stocks, he added.

Reporting by Alun John; Editing by Alexander Smith

Source: Reuters


To leave a comment you must or Join us


More news


Back to economic news list

By visiting our website and services, you agree to the conditions of use of cookies. Learn more
I agree