UK
Well signposted that interests rates would rise by 25bps yesterday which they duly did. However it was the year end inflation forecast that was raised from 4% to 5% that furrowed many brows. The previous promise admittedly from the Government rather than the Bank of England was to halve inflation from 10 to 5 by the end of Q3. The BoE professed itself surprised in particular by persistent food inflation. Now THAT was no surprise to anyone who shops for food in the UK. The market duly marked down British Pound on the BoE once again being found lacking on its inflation fighting front.
GBP/USD 1.2505.
Oil
In case anyone was in any doubt US Treasury Secretary Yellen spelt it out: if the US defaults on its debts, it will be very bad for the USA economy, the global economy and for trust in the US, its markets and its currency. Astonishing that that needs to be said. The oil market was in no doubt and despite cuts in supply by OPEC+ together with China demand growing, oil sold off by 1% yesterday to USD 79.30.
Wind Power
For the first time ever, more electricity was generated by wind power than by gas. In Q12023 wind was responsible for a third of electricity generated in the UK out of a total of 42% from renewable energy versus 33% from fossil fuel.
GBP/EUR 1.1470.
Eurovision
FX markets and a tip for Saturday’s Grand Final: money going on Swedish songstress Lorene to repeat her 2012 success with Euphoria and to win Eurovision for a second time with Tattoo. Yes really.
USD/SEK 10.3170.
Hello!
This day in 1984 Lionel Richie, he of Windsor Castle Concert fame for younger readers, had his 6th Billboard 100 Hit with this number that has become an evergreen hit for the US singer songwriter.
EUR/USD 1.0900.
Hello?
I’ve been alone with you inside my mind
And in my dreams I’ve kissed your lips a thousand times
I sometimes see you pass outside my door
Hello, is it me you’re looking for?
I can see it in your eyes, I can see it in your smile
You’re all I’ve ever wanted and my arms are open wide
‘Cause you know just what to say, and you know just what to do
And I want to tell you so much, I love you
I long to see the sunlight in your hair
And tell you time and time again how much I care
Sometimes I feel my heart will overflow
Hello, I’ve just got to let you know
‘Cause I wonder where you are and I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart, for I haven’t got a clue
But let me start by saying, I love you
Hello, is it me you’re looking for?
‘Cause I wonder where you are and I wonder what you do
Are you somewhere feeling lonely or is someone loving you?
Tell me how to win your heart, for I haven’t got a clue
But let me start by saying, I love you
Discussion and Analysis by Humphrey Percy, Chairman and Founder
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