GBP/USD has dropped below 1.2250. Economists at Commerzbank note that the dire overall situation the UK is currently in justifies a weak Sterling.
“Whereas the most urgent real economic factors putting pressure on the economy seem transitional on the Continent (the threat of a gas crisis and the resulting high energy prices) the urgent British woes seem to be more permanent. It is therefore not implausible to assume a long-term growth disadvantage for the British economy as compared with Europe.”
“As long-term growth is relevant for real exchange rates the prospect of that plays a role for today’s exchange rates. And that is why this accumulation of bad news from the island constitutes a sufficient justification for Sterling to be weak.”