The focus this week will continue to be on whether the economic recovery from the global lockdown will be sharp or slow.
Despite evidence from the World Health Organization that cases are rising faster than before, with nearly a quarter of a million in the past 24 hours alone, and that previous Covid sufferers lose immunity within months, the stock markets have been racing ahead this morning as signs emerge that spending is recovering and economies are fighting back.
There were also signs that the public is taking a more forensic, less panicky attitude to the virus, with masks being worn indoors but activity increasing outdoors. This week in the UK many more activities and businesses can open, as diverse as outdoor swimming pools, beauty salons and National Trust properties. At the same time, as the furlough scheme starts to taper we can expect news of more job losses, especially on the high streets and travel industry.
This week we have a huge amount of vital data releases. Most are bound to show significant monthly increases from early in the lockdown but massive decreases year-on-year. V-shape or L-shape is still the question, and analysts will be looking for more innovative data resources for that.
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