Sterling has strengthened against the euro as expectations of higher UK interest rates collide with growing uncertainty across European financial markets. On October 20, the pound reached its strongest level against the single currency since May 2025, with the exchange rate trading around 83.95 pence per euro (after a low at around 83.89). The currency was mostly supported by UK labour-market data that reinforced expectations of a Bank of England (BoE) rate increase on November 5.EUR/GBP Daily Chart - Source: TradingViewHowever, the pound's advance is not simply a reflection of improving UK economic fundamentals. Political unrest in France, rising European sovereign borrowing costs and surging energy prices are also shaping currency markets. With money markets almost fully pricing in a 25-basis-point BoE rate hike, the key question is whether sterling can extend its gains or whether expectations have already gone too far.BoE Rate-Hike Expectations Support Sterling, but the Labour Market Sends Mixed SignalsThe latest UK employment figures have strengthened the case for monetary tightening, although they do not provide an unequivocal signal that the economy can withstand a prolonged cycle of rate increases.Annual growth in regular wages reached 3.7% in the three months to August, exceeding economists' expectations of 3.6%. The unemployment rate also edged down to 4.7%, its lowest level since mid-2025, while preliminary payroll estimates suggested that employment conditions may be stabilising. These developments followed a run of stronger-than-expected UK economic data.Employment Rate and Wage Growth in the UK - Source: ReutersFor the BoE, the combination matters because persistent wage growth can contribute to domestic inflation, particularly if labour costs remain elevated. If policymakers believe that inflation will stay above their 2% target for longer than expected, tighter monetary policy may be necessary.Markets have responded accordingly. Money-market futures were almost fully pricing in a 25-basis-point increase at the November 5 meeting, which would lift the Bank Rate from 3.75% to 4%. Investors were also anticipating further increases into 2027, although expectations for a sustained tightening cycle remain less certain. Higher expected UK interest rates can support sterling by improving the relative return available on pound-denominated assets. However, the latest employment report contains an important counterpoint.The number of vacancies fell to 691,000 in the July-to-September period, its lowest level outside the pandemic era since 2014. The decline suggests that businesses, particularly smaller firms facing higher employment costs, remain reluctant to recruit. The Office for National Statistics also reported that payroll employment remained weaker than a year earlier. This creates a gap between market expectations and the underlying economic picture. Wage growth and falling unemployment strengthen the argument for a November rate increase, but declining vacancies point to fragile labour demand.The data therefore provide a stronger case for a possible near-term hike than for assuming that several additional increases will necessarily follow. If the BoE raises rates as expected but signals caution about subsequent decisions, some of sterling's monetary-policy support could fade.European Political Turmoil Adds to the Euro's VulnerabilitySterling is also benefiting from pressure on the euro, as investors reassess the political and fiscal outlook across Europe.France has become a particular source of concern. Renewed demonstrations and unrest have added to uncertainty surrounding the government's ability to pass its 2027 budget and address the country's sizeable deficit. At the same time, French government bond yields have approached levels last seen in 2002, while the spread between French and German 10-year yields has widened significantly. These developments matter for the single currency because persistent sovereign bond-market stress can undermine confidence in the eurozone's economic and financial stability. If investors begin to demand higher risk premiums across several member states, concerns about financial fragmentation could intensify. Of course, France's difficulties should not be treated as an automatic signal of a wider eurozone crisis. The implications for the single currency will depend on whether political and fiscal pressures remain concentrated in France or spread to other European markets.For the GBP/EUR, the distinction is important. Sterling can appreciate because investors become more confident in the UK outlook, because they become less confident in the eurozone, or through a combination of both.The Oil Shock Could Complicate the BoE's Next MoveThe Middle East conflict introduces another variable that could reshape the outlook for sterling and the euro: energy prices.Brent crude climbed above $111 per barrel on October 20, reaching its highest level since May, amid persistent disruption risks around the Strait of Hormuz and limited progress towards ending the conflict. The prospect of further interruptions to energy shipments has kept markets concerned about supply and inflation.Daily UK Oil Chart - Source: ActivTradesFor the UK, higher oil and gas prices could push inflation higher through transport, household energy bills and business costs. If these pressures persist, the BoE may face greater difficulty bringing inflation back towards its 2% target, strengthening the argument for higher interest rates.That could initially support sterling, particularly if investors expect the BoE to tighten policy more aggressively than the European Central Bank (ECB). Yet the relationship between energy prices, interest rates and currencies is not straightforward.Higher energy costs also reduce households' disposable income, squeeze corporate margins and potentially weaken economic growth. If the shock becomes sufficiently severe, markets could begin to question whether further monetary tightening would damage the UK economy rather than simply contain inflation.The BoE has already warned that prolonged energy-price volatility could make inflation more persistent and increase the likelihood of further tightening. Its September decision left Bank Rate at 3.75%, while acknowledging the risks arising from the conflict. The ECB faces a similar dilemma, although the consequences differ according to each economy's exposure to energy imports, inflation dynamics and fiscal position.The key risk for sterling is therefore that the energy shock initially supports rate-hike expectations but eventually undermines the growth outlook. If markets begin to focus more heavily on the economic damage, the pound could lose some of its current advantage.Can GBP/EUR Extend Its Rally?The outlook for the GBP/EUR will depend on whether the BoE delivers the expected rate increase and how policymakers assess the risks beyond November. Three scenarios stand out.Sterling could extend its gains if UK inflation remains persistent, the BoE raises rates and French political uncertainty continues to weigh on the euro. A further widening in expected UK-eurozone interest-rate differentials could provide additional support, although much will depend on how much tightening is already reflected in market prices.The currency pair could consolidate if the November hike is delivered but the BoE signals that subsequent decisions will depend on incoming data. With vacancies falling and hiring demand remaining weak, policymakers may be reluctant to validate expectations of a prolonged series of increases. If European market tensions also ease, sterling's relative advantage could diminish.The euro could recover if energy prices retreat, political risks in Europe subside or markets reassess the expected pace of UK monetary tightening. A deterioration in British growth prospects could also undermine sterling, particularly if higher energy costs squeeze household spending and corporate profitability.For traders, the distinction between the expected November decision and the outlook for rates in 2027 is important. A widely anticipated rate increase may provide limited additional support if it is already priced into the GBP/EUR evolution. Future price movements could depend more on the BoE's guidance, inflation data and developments in the Middle East.Sources: Reuters, The Wall Street Journal, ONS, Bank of England, Yahoo Finance The information provided does not constitute investment research. The material has not been prepared in accordance with the legal requirements designed to promote the independence of investment research and as such is to be considered to be a marketing communication. All information has been prepared by ActivTrades (“AT”). The information does not contain a record of AT’s prices, or an offer of or solicitation for a transaction in any financial instrument. No representation or warranty is given as to the accuracy or completeness of this information. Any material provided does not have regard to the specific investment objective and financial situation of any person who may receive it. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. AT provides an execution-only service. Consequently, any person acting on the information provided does so at their own risk. Forecasts are not guarantees. Rates may change. Political risk is unpredictable. Central bank actions may vary. Platforms’ tools do not guarantee success. This article was written by IL Contributors at investinglive.com.
