What are the opening hours?

Monday 9am - 5pm Tuesday 9am - 5pm Wednesday 9am - 5pm Thursday 9am - 5pm Friday 9am - 5pm

Lansmith Global Partners

Home
United Kingdom
Stevenage
Lansmith Global Partners

Lansmith Global Partners is a specialist foreign exchange company

22/06/2026

MARKET UPDATE

Westminster in Flux: What the Starmer-Burnham Shift Means for Markets

This week, the UK economic calendar remains relatively quiet regarding major scheduled data releases. However, the financial landscape is dominated by political developments from the weekend. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to announce a formal timetable for his resignation today, clearing the path for Andy Burnham to step in as his successor.

This political transition is set to keep markets in a state of watchful observation, as investors assess the implications for future UK policy and the stability of the government. The uncertainty surrounding this leadership change may introduce increased volatility for the Pound throughout the coming trading sessions.

Moving to the continent, European markets turn their focus toward sentiment data. Consumer confidence figures are scheduled for release this afternoon, which will provide a clearer picture of regional health before the focus shifts to tomorrow’s highly anticipated PMI data across the Euro area.

Across the Atlantic, the United States remains the primary driver for global volatility. Investors are looking ahead to Thursday, which marks the peak of the week’s data releases, featuring critical updates on employment figures and the latest GDP estimates.

In the currency markets, the Pound has maintained stability against the South African Rand, with rates currently sitting at 21.68. Similarly, the USD/ZAR pair is exhibiting a steady performance, trading at approximately 16.42.

15/06/2026

MARKET UPDATE

Trump agrees deal with Iran, as policy announcements take over

A big week for the UK ahead, kicking things off on Wednesday with CPI data a rise in inflation is expected. Which will be crucial reading ahead of Thursdays interest rate announcement, at the moment a hold is expected, intense debate continues regarding how monetary policy will shift throughout the remainder of the year.

Over in Europe, a handful of speeches across the ECB board and bundled into the middle of that is the EUs latest inflation report, coming off the back of last week’s refinancing rate hike.

Across the Atlantic the big news indicates that a new agreement has been reached between Iran and the United States, could this bring some form of stability from the nations? Probably not. Back on the financial calendar, the Federal Reserve's latest policy decision is scheduled for Wednesday, with the market consensus strongly predicting another interest rate hold.

Finally, looking at the currency markets in South Africa, the local currency has strengthened. The week on week exchange rate has dropped down to 21.72 for GBP/ZAR, and a similar downward trend is visible for USD/ZAR, which has dipped to 16.17

09/06/2026

DID YOU KNOW?

The foreign exchange market never closes completely during the workweek because trading sessions overlap across Sydney, Tokyo, London, and New York.

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

Thinking about buying property abroad?
Don't let currency fluctuation eat into your investment.

When purchasing overseas property, exchange rates can move significantly between the time you agree on a price and when you have to make payment. A small shift in the FX market can cost - or save - you thousands.

Lansmith Global Partners understands the in's and out's of international property transactions and can help you time your transfers and minimise costs.

Contact your broker for further information on how we can help you.

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.

Address

King's Court, London Road
Stevenage
SG12NG

Opening Hours

Monday	9am - 5pm
Tuesday	9am - 5pm
Wednesday	9am - 5pm
Thursday	9am - 5pm
Friday	9am - 5pm

Website

http://www.lansmith.co.uk/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Lansmith Global Partners posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Lansmith Global Partners:

Shortcuts

Want your business to be the top-listed Finance Company in Stevenage?