Daily currency report

The sterling rose by more than a cent against the US dollar to a three-week high and also rallied versus the Euro. In the US The Fed will conclude its two-day monetary policy meeting with interest rates expected to be left unchanged.

GBP

The pound posted significant gains against both the US dollar and the euro. In the month on month figure, consumer prices rose 0.3 per cent and reversed a 0.8 per cent decline in the previous month. Early indications of the probability of a rate hike next month will come with the publication of the minutes from the last MPC meeting.

USD

The housing data released was overshadowed by a slight lull as markets anticipate the Federal Reserve's interest rate decision. Investors are alert to the possibility that the Fed may have to ease monetary policy later in the year. Separately, the dollar was sold off in early trading yesterday, after a magazine reported that China would stop stock piling foreign exchange reserves.

EUR

The euro suffered during the London session, throwing into question the necessity of this month's interest rate hike by the ECB. Elsewhere, the single currency may receive a boost should the proposed merger of Barclays and ABN Amro banks take place.

JPY

The Bank of Japan left rates at the current 0.5 per cent standing, helping to boost the rebuilding of carry trades. In subsequent comments, BOJ Governor stated that the unchanged nature of consumer prices make it hard in justifying further rate hikes in the short term.