By Alex Ellis

U.K. Retail Sales figures for December were released at 09:30 today and although historically December is seen as a good month for retail figures the weather that was experienced throughout the month in the U.k. meant that these figures were released much lower than expected, at 0.3%. This means that Sterling exchange rates could be especially volatile today and therefore for anyone with a currency purchase to perform it is worth contacting an experienced currency broker in order to ensure you are properly informed before committing to anything.

 Yesterday saw the release of the ECB monthly report and during this it was announced that interest rates are expected to remain at 1% until at least the fourth quarter of 2010. The Eurozone is beginning to show signs of a positive recovery; however Greece and Spain are restricting the overall growth as these two countries appear to be really struggling.

Currently Sterling exchange rates remain fairly positive and therefore in order to maximise your currency it may be wise to conduct your currency purchases sooner rather than later.