November has been an interesting time for the Euro, as the Eurozone’s economic leaders have been dominating the headline news throughout November and December.
Unlike the economic landscape of the United States or Britain, home to the Euro’s major currency pair rivals, the member states within the European Union that are the most economically important to the Eurozone have been subjected to clear and defined sets of restrictions which have in some cases excluded entire demographics from conducting business.
A few days ago, the Euro plunged to a new four-week low, however it had begun to rebuild its position against the Pound, with many traders appearing to show a bearish perspective for the immediate future value of the Pound, largely because of the general consensus that there could be a lockdown implemented in the United Kingdom within the next few days.
This morning, however, the talks which were set to be held by the British government were postponed until after the holiday period, meaning that it is very likely that there will be no lockdown in the United Kingdom, and businesses will be able to operate as usual. Given that this particular period of the year is usually a time during which many people take time out from work and spend on two things; entertainment and shopping.
Traditionally, the British High Street is the place of choice for many people on the day after Christmas Day, when bargains are to be had and millions of Pounds are spent in retail shops.
Had they been forced to close, that would have put a large percentage of British business in a no-revenue situation.
Prior to the shopping comes the reveling. On Christmas Eve, many people head out to town centres to enjoy food and drink, and with the hospitality sector in full swing and no Christmas lockdown looming, the cash will likely flow freely.
Meanwhile in Europe, some experienced analysts and traders are considering the likelihood of an extensive shutdown, which many see as a catalyst which could drive markets down, therefore are looking to hedge their assets and cover themselves.
For that reason, The Euro is now quite volatile against the British Pound, with the GBPEUR pair rising back up to 1.17 from its dip earlier this week, and having gone out of its 4-week low at the end of last week.
Whilst the lockdowns and restrictions in Europe may not have yet traveled across the English Channel, there is still a cautious sentiment among traders of the Pound and FTSE 100 stock in case there is a reintroduction of restrictions before New Year’s Day.
Hospitality and airline stocks are definitely ones to watch, but the main interest here will likely be currencies as the difference between the ability to spend the holiday period doing retail therapy and socializing in bars and restaurants may differ between Europe and the United Kingdom, therefore leading to less potential revenues for retail and hospitality businesses and an economy even more bruised compared to one that may be able to recouperate some of its losses.
Either way, volatility in the GBPEUR pair is a rarity, and perhaps one to keep an eye on over the next few days.
Be the first to comment