The US Dollar hit multi-year lows in 2025, with trade-weighted indices falling to levels not seen since 2022. The Euro surged 14% against the dollar this year, marking the greenback's sharpest reversal since its post-2020 rally began.
The British Pound gained 7% in 2025 but weakened recently to $1.3086, dropping 0.5% against the dollar and 0.4% to €1.13—its lowest level since April 2023. UK 30-year gilt yields climbed 4 basis points to 5.21%, the highest since 1998, putting pressure on sterling. An inflation-linked bond auction drew record demand of £69 billion in bids for £4.25 billion in debt, surpassing March's £67.5 billion.
"GBP under pressure" as borrowing costs surge, said Simon Phillips, Managing Director at No1 Currency. Jordan Rochester at Mizuho Bank projects the pound could fall below $1.30 as market dynamics shift. UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves faces scrutiny ahead of her November 26 budget, where tax increases are expected to address public finance gaps.
The Swiss Franc emerged as traders' preferred safe-haven currency during recent volatility. Emerging markets suffered sharp declines, with the Turkish Lira plunging 17% and the Japanese Yen tumbling after US intervention signals rattled currency markets.
The dollar's weakness reflects diverging monetary policies across major economies. Approximately 25% of UK gilts are inflation-linked, compared to 10% in the US and France, making sterling more sensitive to rate movements. Neil Wilson at Saxo Markets warned fiscal instability risks are driving currency swings.
Forex positioning data shows currency managers rotating away from dollar exposure and increasing hedges. The FTSE 100 reached a record 9,911, up 0.1%, despite currency headwinds. Volatility is expected through year-end as traders adjust to the dollar's new weakness regime after its dominant 2020-2024 run.
Sources:
1 Yahoo Finance, "Pound hits two-year low against euro as Starmer under fire" (November 12, 2025)
2 Yahoo Finance, "Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq post double-digit gains in 2025 as AI trade powers mark" (December 31, 2025)
3 Yahoo Finance, "Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500, Nasdaq waver in volatile trading as AI anxiety lingers" (February 17, 2026)