The unemployment rate in the UK dropped from 8.1% to 7.9% in August, while no changed was expected. Jobless claims for September also exceeded expectations with a drop of 4K, while no change was predicted.
GBP/USD is climbing to 1.6150, extending gains seen earlier in the week.
The drop in jobless claims (Claimant Count Change) is the third drop in a row. The previous drop of 15K was a very good surprise and was well received. The figure was now revised to a drop of 14.2K. The Average Earnings Index rose by 1.7%, a bit better than expected.
In addition, meeting minutes from the latest rate decision showed that members of the Monetary Policy Committee voted unanimously for no change in policy. It also provides hope that the UK is truly exiting its current recession.
These good figures lower the chance of more QE in the upcoming MPC meeting in September. For more on the pound, see the GBPUSD forecast.
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