US dollar stronger; sterling declines on rate decision

The US dollar strengthened on Thursday. The greenback added 0.6 percent to SFr1.2235 versus the Swiss franc, while it added 0.3 percent against both the euro and the yen, standing at $1.3465 in relation to the euro and at ¥121.40 versus the yen at midday in New York.

The New Zealand dollar was stronger after the Reserve Bank of New Zealand raised interest rates there to 8 percent. The kiwi added 0.7 percent versus the US dollar to $0.7555, a 22-year high. The New Zealand currency was also higher against the yen, gaining 0.9 percent to ¥91.63.

The Australian dollar was also stronger on new data showing that the unemployment rate in Australia fell to a 33-year low in May. The Aussie added 0.5 percent to $0.8444 versus the greenback and gained 0.6 percent in relation to the yen to ¥102.46.

Sterling, on the other hand declined after the Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee held interest rates at 5.5 percent for another month. The pound dropped 0.3 percent to £0.6793 in relation to the euro and also fell 0.3 percent to ¥240.30 versus the yen. It was down 0.5 percent against the greenback, to $1.9815.

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