The British pound experienced downward pressure, nearing its lowest level since April at $1.310. This decline followed Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ speech indicating future tax increases and ahead of the Bank of England’s upcoming meeting. Market sentiment suggests a growing possibility of a rate cut this week.
- The British pound fell toward $1.310, its weakest level since April.
- Chancellor Rachel Reeves signaled upcoming tax hikes in a speech.
- Investors awaited Thursday’s Bank of England meeting.
- Markets now see about a near-50/50 chance of a 25-basis-point rate cut this week.
- Reeves pledged an “iron-clad” commitment to fiscal rules.
- Her comments reinforced expectations of tighter fiscal policy.
- Monetary policy may soon ease, weighing further on the pound ahead of the BoE’s closely watched rate decision.
The combination of anticipated tighter fiscal policy and the potential for easing monetary policy creates a challenging environment for the British pound. The commitment to fiscal discipline, while intended to reassure investors, seems to be contributing to the currency’s weakness in the short term, especially as the central bank considers its next move on interest rates.
