We continue our daily look at factors affecting currencies allowing some insight into market conditions affecting exchange rates. Cash and income timing for UK Pensions and QROPS should be considered to maximise the Pension, QROPS and investment income and benefits taken.
Investment market volatility and currency exchange remains a challenge. Things are still very volatile and we are in unique global influencing territory. In conjunction with investment returns, currency exchange continues to concern many expats with UK Pensions, QROPS and now QNUPS.

Sterling gained back some of its previously lost ground yesterday after high CPI figures prompted investors to hedge bets that the UK may increase interest rates sooner than expected to tackle rising inflation figures. A 1.4% rise in UK share prices also aided sterling.
Sterling’s gains were mainly evident against the US dollar which saw it rise to a 2 day high of $1.5189. Overall the pound was 1% up from the day low $1.4963 which was caused by the previous days comments from credit ratings agency S&P, which suggested that the UK’s Triple A rating was still at risk.
CPI data excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco was up 3.1% Year on year which was a 0.2% gain from May’s 2.9% and still way above the Bank of England’s inflation target which stands at 2.0%.
The figures will give strength to people like Andrew Sentance, who would argue that the UK is running the risk that inflation expectations will be de-anchored and will become a problem in the medium term.
Bank of England policy maker Andrew Sentence voted for a 25 basis point interest rate increase last month, and has been thought to have done so again this month.
An increase in interest rates would appeal to investors as it would increase the yield on sterling investment.
Against the euro sterling started the session around €1.1940 but gained ground shortly after, as CPI data was released and Moody’s ratings agency downgraded Portugal by two notches from AA2 to A1. By midday GBP/EUR briefly jumped back above €1.20 to reach a day high of €1.2020.
However these gains were short-lived, as Greece managed to sell six-month Treasury bills to the market in its first debt offer since securing emergency loans in May. This pulled GBP/EUR back down to around €1.1970. The positive news helped the euro to reach $1.2737 a two month high.
Other data showed that UK retail sales rose 1.2% in June from the previous month, their best showing since March.
Although the UK is showing positive data release in various sectors, some investors do worry that the economy may suffer if interest rates were to rise earlier than expected and Bank of England policymaker Adam Posen stated on Monday that the UK may slip back into recession due to looming fiscal issues and problems in the EuroZone.
Gerard Associates Ltd advises expats and people considering living abroad on the technical and currency options available for Pensions, QROPS, QNUPS and investments in a clear format allowing all customers to make an informed choice. Our service encompasses Pensions, investments, currency exchange and guidance on taxation in most popular ‘sunnier’ climates. This with the re-assurance and security of UK authorised and regulated advice – essential tools to avoid the offshore casino.