Currency news

Russia and Ukraine to negotiate end of war?

Head of FX Analysis at Equals Money
-
3
min read
Published:
May 20, 2025
  • Markets mixed despite headlines
  • AUD weaker on dovish RBA meeting


Yesterday's currency recap

In the aftermath of Moody’s downgrading US debt, the dollar remained lower all throughout yesterday. 30-year treasury yields rose to 5.03% - the highest since 2023; but equities managed to claw back losses and finished the day higher. The EUR had a solid day on a combination of USD selling, as well as comments by European Cental Bank (ECB) President Lagarde that the recent rise of the euro is a consequence of Trump policies and is viewed as an opportunity rather than a concern for Europe.

Today's GBP rates

Currency pair Daily move* Indicative rate**
GBPAUD -0.20% 2.0731
GBPCAD -0.15% 1.8542
GBPCHF 0.09% 1.1131
GBPDKK -0.08% 8.8657
GBPEUR -0.08% 1.1884
GBPJPY -0.10% 193.626
GBPNOK -0.28% 13.8153
GBPNZD -0.35% 2.2561
GBPSEK 0.36% 12.9854
GBPUSD -0.27% 1.3268


*Daily move - against
G10 rates at 7:00 am, 20.05.25

** Indicative rates - interbank rates at 7:00 am, 20.05.25

Key data points

Currency Event Period Consensus Previous
USD PPI MoM Mar 0.20% 0.00%
USD Core PPI MoM Mar 0.30% 0.20%
USD PPI YoY Mar 3.30% 3.20%
USD Core PPI YoY Mar 3.60% 3.40%

Today's speeches

  • GBP: BoE Pill
  • USD: Fed Bostic and Barkin

What we think

Markets are a bit mixed this morning, despite Trump stating that Russia and Ukraine will immediately start truce talks on ending the war. The dollar is slightly off this morning, despite 30-year treasury yields easing off of yesterday's high.

The Australian dollar is weaker this morning after the RBA interest rate decision was to cut rates by 25bps to 3.85%. The accompanying statement was taken as slightly more dovish than expected, with the Bank lowering GDP forecasts from 2.4% to 2.1%, and trimmed their CPI expectations from 2.7% to 2.6%.

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