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Lansmith Global Partners

Lansmith Global Partners is a specialist foreign exchange company

08/06/2026

MARKET UPDATE

Weekly market outlook: GDP, inflation, central banks and FX

The UK calendar is relatively quiet this week, with the main release arriving on Friday in the form of GDP. Consensus forecasts point to a monthly reading of -0.1%, which would mark a 0.4 percentage point drop from the previous figure. Even so, the number is likely to be watched closely for signs of how resilient the domestic economy remains in a period of weaker confidence and uneven growth.

In the euro area, attention will turn to Thursday’s interest rate decision. Markets have been leaning towards a quarter-point increase as policymakers respond to renewed inflation pressure, much of it linked to higher energy costs stemming from conflict in the Middle East. The challenge for the ECB will be balancing inflation control against an already fragile growth backdrop.

In the US, the latest inflation report will be another major focus. Expectations are for the annual rate to come in around 4.1% to 4.2%, a level that could revive discussion around further Federal Reserve tightening. If inflation proves stickier than hoped, markets may have to reassess the outlook for rates and risk assets over the coming weeks.

In currency markets, the South African rand has weakened enough for GBP/ZAR to recover last week’s losses and trade near 22.1, while USD/ZAR is holding around 16.56.

04/06/2026

This morning's forex rates:

£/USD 1.34
£/EUR 1.15
£/ZAR 21.87
£/HKD 10.52

*Rates are for indicative purposes only & are based on deliverable fx. Rates are subject to change without notice. Contact your broker for an up-to-date rate.

01/06/2026

MARKET UPDATE

Half a year of geopolitical tension and turmoil

As we reach the midpoint of 2026, the year has been defined by a relentless sequence of geopolitical crises and domestic political upheavals. From widespread government instability to escalating global conflicts, the first six months have tested the resilience of the world economy. Given the current trajectory, the second half of the year promises further turbulence and uncertainty for both policymakers and investors alike.

The United Kingdom finds itself in a particularly quiet spot this week, with PMI data releases and a few scheduled speeches from Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey serving as the only highlights.

Across the channel, the Eurozone is similarly focused on PMI and inflation reporting, with market attention also centered on several key addresses from ECB President Christine Lagarde.

In the United States, the schedule begins with today’s PMI data, but all eyes are firmly locked on Friday’s release of the monthly Non-Farm Payrolls report, a critical barometer for the health of the American labour market.

Finally, within the currency markets, the South African Rand has faced a minor sell-off against the British pound over the past week, now trading at 21.80. Conversely, the Rand has remained relatively flat against the US dollar, maintaining a steady position at 16.20 as global volatility persists.

26/05/2026

MARKET UPDATE

Political Uncertainty and Geopolitical Tension

The political landscape for Prime Minister Keir Starmer remains exceptionally precarious. Recent polling suggests widespread public disillusionment and significant internal party pressure, creating a climate of domestic instability that continues to weigh on investor confidence.

The UK economic calendar is particularly quiet this week, with no major data releases scheduled to provide direction. This vacuum of information leaves the focus squarely on the government’s ability to navigate ongoing political scrutiny.

Across the channel, the Eurozone is similarly restrained, though market participants will monitor a speech from ECB President Christine Lagarde on Thursday alongside fresh inflation data from the region’s largest economies.

Meanwhile, global market sentiment remains cautious as the United States persists with military activities in Iran. While recent reports indicate that peace negotiations are "largely negotiated," the situation remains fluid and continues to inject volatility into risk-sensitive assets. In the United States, the economic agenda is relatively light; major focus will rest on Thursday’s releases of GDP and employment figures.

In the currency markets, the South African Rand has faced a minor sell-off since this time last week. Currently, the GBP/ZAR pair is trading at approximately 22.03, while the USD/ZAR rate sits at 16.34.

21/05/2026

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18/05/2026

MARKET UDPATE

The countdown is well and truly on for Starmer to resign.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues to navigate a tremendously challenging political landscape, and this persistent domestic turbulence is now visibly manifesting within global currency rates.

Investors are keeping a close watch on a highly consequential UK economic data calendar this week. The data rollout begins on Tuesday with the latest employment figures, followed by critical inflation reports on Wednesday, before wrapping up on Friday with the release of fresh Retail Sales data.

Across the channel, the Eurozone is preparing for a pivotal week of its own. European inflation updates stand out as the primary market catalyst, though Thursday’s upcoming PMI data releases will also heavily influence investor sentiment and monetary policy expectations.

In sharp contrast, it is a relatively quiet week across the pond in the United States. Outside of Thursday’s routine employment data, macroeconomic releases are quite sparse; consequently, global market attention remains firmly fixed on President Trump and the volatile geopolitical developments surrounding his war in Iran.

Finally, in the foreign exchange markets, the South African Rand has experienced a slight week on week decline against the pound, slipping to 22.20. However, the ZAR has managed to maintain a stable position against the dollar, holding remarkably steady around 16.60.

11/05/2026

MARKET UPDATE

Embarrassment for Starmer as local elections paint bleak picture.

It has been a bruising week for the UK’s Labour government following a significant setback in local elections. The Prime Minister now faces a precarious political landscape as internal party unrest threatens his leadership stability.

Economically, the domestic spotlight falls squarely on Thursday’s GDP release, where markets anticipate a modest quarter-on-quarter uptick to provide a rare silver lining for the administration.

Meanwhile, the US dominates the global calendar with a flurry of market moving catalysts. The action begins Tuesday with the latest inflation report, followed closely by Wednesday’s PPI figures. Thursday maintains the high octane momentum with a dual release of Retail Sales and employment data, ensuring a volatile week for the Greenback.

European markets remain comparatively sedate, with the schedule largely limited to fresh GDP data and a few strategic speeches.

Down in South Africa, the Rand continues to trade within its established yearly ranges, showing remarkable resilience. Currently, the GBP/ZAR pair is holding steady at 22.30, while the USD/ZAR rate sits near 16.48. This equilibrium will likely be tested by the impending, US economic data cycle.

07/05/2026

This morning's forex rates:

£/USD 1.36
£/EUR 1.17
£/ZAR 22.21
£/HKD 10.66

*Rates are for indicative purposes only & are based on deliverable fx. Rates are subject to change without notice. Contact your broker for an up-to-date rate.

05/05/2026

MARKET UPDATE

Focus on local election for the UK, Non-Farm Payrolls the focus in the States

It is a pleasantly brief working week for those in the UK, a sentiment largely mirrored by the financial markets, as the domestic economic calendar remains notably sparse. With no heavyweight UK data scheduled to move the needle this week, investor focus is expected to shift from the trading floor toward the ballot boxes for Thursday’s local elections.

In sharp contrast, the United States is preparing for a high stakes week dominated by intensive economic reporting. Market participants are bracing for a deluge of crucial employment figures, culminating in the always volatile Non-Farm Payrolls report, which will likely dictate the dollar’s immediate trajectory and overall market sentiment.

Across the channel, the European Union is finding its own rhythm. We expect a series of key addresses from ECB President Christine Lagarde, strategically interspersed with fresh PMI data releases. These updates should provide essential insights into the Eurozone’s industrial resilience and future monetary policy direction.

Finally, looking toward South Africa, the currency market displays surprising stability. The Rand is currently holding firm against its major peers, with rates hovering near their yearly averages, specifically 16.75 against the USD and 22.68 against the GBP.

30/04/2026

When transferring funds you often hear the terms value date and settlement date ... but what do they actually mean?

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Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

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