Pound Strengthens Before Scottish Vote

The Federal Reserve has increased its forecast for the target rate on overnight loans, predicting a rise to 1.375% by the end of next year, up from a previous forecast of 1.125%. This adjustment is influenced by strong UK job numbers and the significant Scottish independence vote. Meanwhile, the yen has reacted to recent trade data, with exports slightly outperforming expectations despite a 1.2% drop, marking the first decline in two months. Imports fell by 1.5%, but the trade deficit improved for the 26th consecutive month.

What is the new forecasted Fed funds rate by the end of next year?

• 1.125%

• 1.375%

• 1.250%

• 1.500%

What was the key driver for the pound trading above the 153 mark?

• Scottish vote

• Japanese trade data

• UK job numbers

• US job numbers

What is the significance of the Scottish vote mentioned in the transcript?

• It is a vote on independence

• It affects the US economy

• It impacts Japanese trade

• It is related to UK job numbers

How did Japan's exports perform according to the latest data?

• Decreased by 1.5%

• Decreased by 1.2%

• Increased by 1.2%

• Increased by 1.5%

For how many consecutive months has Japan experienced a trade deficit?

• 30 months

• 12 months

• 18 months

• 26 months