The Canadian Press - ONLINE EDITION

Pound drops amid concerns about strength of UK economy

The pound has hit a two-and-a-half-year low against the dollar on fears that weak manufacturing data would push Britain's central bank to inject further stimulus into the country's economy.

Sterling had fallen 1.13 per cent Friday to be worth $1.4997 — its first foray below $1.50 since the summer of 2010.

Samuel Tombs of Capital Economics says the pound is being hit by weak manufacturing data, which might prompt a key bank committee to order quantitative easing to rev up the economy.

Britain's currency has been under pressure since Moody's Investor Service downgraded the U.K.'s cherished triple-A credit rating. Moody's said sluggish economic growth would hinder the government's ability to control rising debt levels and deal with new financial shocks.

You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments. All you need to do is register and/or login and you can join the conversation and give your feedback.

Have Your Say

New to commenting? Check out our Frequently Asked Questions.

The Winnipeg Free Press does not necessarily endorse any of the views posted. By submitting your comment, you agree to our Terms and Conditions. These terms were revised effective April 16, 2010.

letters

Make text: Larger | Smaller

LATEST VIDEO

Claude Noel on the Jets' disappointing last game of the season

View more like this

Photo Store Gallery

  • Marc Gallant/Winnipeg Free Press. Local/Standup- BABY BISON. Fort Whyte Centre's newest mother gently nudges her 50 pound, female bull calf awake. Calf born yesterday. 25 now in herd. Four more calfs are expected over the next four weeks. It is the bison's second calf. June 7, 2002.
  • Geese fight as a male defends his nesting site at the duck pond at St Vital Park Thursday morning- See Bryksa’s Goose a Day Photo- Day 08- May 10, 2012   (JOE BRYKSA / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS)

View More Gallery Photos

Poll

Will you go see the kangaroos at the Australian Outback zoo exhibit?

View Results

View Related Story

Ads by Google