Who are the Market Participants ?

Exporters

This group consists of many of the UK's largest companies. Within this group, you find a diverse range of companies exporting goods and services from the UK to the rest of the world. The UK's export volumes give an excellent indication of the volumes of foreign exchange transacted by the sub-sets of this group, with resource sector companies taking centre stage. In general exporters have a positive impact on the value of the British Pound.

Importers

This group of companies and individuals uses the foreign exchange markets to purchase foreign currency to make payments for the goods and services they have bought in other countries. In general they have a negative impact on the value of the British Pound.

British Fund Managers

This industry has burgeoned over the last two decades, underpinned by a regulatory environment that encourages private household saving. The net effect of the group depends on the investment decisions they make, but in general, as the industry grows they have been investing heavily offshore which generates a negative impact on the British Pound. However they can hedge these investments which often sees them enter the market as buyers of forwards contracts and options.

Global Fund Managers

This group's influence changes depending on their interest in UK asset markets. During periods where UK stocks and bonds are attractive, the UK gets substantial allocations of global capital which drives up the value of the British Pound. However when they wish to hedge existing investments in the UK, this can generate selling flows.

Central Banks

In the UK, the Bank of England generally lets the market determine the value of the British Pound; however there are a few exceptions to this policy. Firstly the Bank of England will intervene to buy or sell British Pound if they believe it is substantially under- or over-valued and that it is having a negative effect on the economy.

Other Government Agencies

Many government agencies have foreign exchange risk either as exporters, importers or borrowers.

Make an enquiry
* Denotes a mandatory field.
(Country code/Area code/Number)

Currency Converter

Rate: 1.5788
=
Rate: 0.6334
=
Go
See My FX Dashboard for more info

Register Free

Registration is quick and easy. Access live customer rates, free tools and make international payments.

Register today
Already registered? Login
Get our free commentary
Stay on top of the news with updates from our expert dealers on the latest currency movements. You can unsubscribe any time and your email address is safe – see our >Privacy Policy.


Keep me up to date:
Get free rate alerts
Choose ccy pair and enter the exchange rate. An alert will be triggered when the exchange rate is reached and an email will be sent to you. You can unsubscribe any time and your email address is safe – see our Privacy Policy.
select
/
 


Mobile Forex trading tools

Make money transfers or currency conversions on the go via our mobile site, iPhone or Android apps. Learn more here

Banners

Sitemap

You're in good hands:

IMPORTANT: Use of this website is subject to the Website Terms. Use of the Services of the UKForex Limited is subject to the Client Agreement. Nothing on this website constitutes or should be construed as financial advice. This information has been prepared for distribution over the internet and without taking into account the investment objectives, financial situation and particular needs of any particular person. UKForex Limited makes no recommendations as to the merits of any financial product referred to in this website, emails or its related websites.

DISCLAIMER: UKForex makes no warranty, express or implied, concerning the suitability, completeness, quality or exactness of the information and models provided in this web site. Read full disclaimer.

UKForex provides international money transfer services to private clients and business customers. Use our free currency converter, exchange rate charts, economic calendar, in-depth currency news and updates and benefit from competitive exchange rates and outstanding customer service.

UKForex is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FRN: 521566) for the provision of payment services.

Money Laundering Regulation Number (MSB): 12219180. Issued by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
Read our Money Laundering Statement