The pound pared earlier losses to trade slightly higher above $1.34, as investors weighed developments in Middle East diplomacy alongside shifting expectations for UK interest rates. According to Axios, US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed on a 60-day memorandum of understanding to extend a ceasefire and begin negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, though final approval from President Trump remains pending. Despite the tentative progress, geopolitical tensions persist, with continued US–Iran exchanges and renewed Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire. The resulting decline in oil prices helped ease inflation concerns, prompting investors to slightly scale back expectations for further Bank of England rate hikes. Sentiment was also influenced by recent UK data pointing to a cooling labor market, softer-than-expected inflation, and signs of moderating economic activity.

The GBP/USD exchange rate rose to 1.3442 on May 28, 2026, up 0.11% from the previous session. Over the past month, the British Pound has weakened 0.24%, and is down by 0.36% over the last 12 months. Historically, the British Pound reached an all time high of 2.86 in December of 1957. British Pound - data, forecasts, historical chart - was last updated on May 28 of 2026.

The GBP/USD exchange rate rose to 1.3442 on May 28, 2026, up 0.11% from the previous session. Over the past month, the British Pound has weakened 0.24%, and is down by 0.36% over the last 12 months. The British Pound is expected to trade at 1.35 by the end of this quarter, according to Trading Economics global macro models and analysts expectations. Looking forward, we estimate it to trade at 1.37 in 12 months time.



Crosses Price Day Year Date
GBPUSD 1.3447 0.0020 0.15% -0.33% May/28
EURGBP 0.8669 0.0010 0.12% 2.91% May/28
GBPAUD 1.8759 -0.0046 -0.25% -10.43% May/28
GBPNZD 2.2663 -0.0112 -0.49% 0.47% May/28
GBPJPY 214.0150 -0.1694 -0.08% 10.01% May/28
GBPCNY 9.1056 0.0040 0.04% -6.10% May/28
GBPCHF 1.0536 -0.0032 -0.30% -5.07% May/28
GBPCAD 1.8541 -0.0041 -0.22% -0.46% May/28
GBPMXN 23.2769 -0.0320 -0.14% -10.73% May/28
GBPINR 128.5392 -0.0775 -0.06% 11.78% May/28
GBPBRL 6.7700 -0.0431 -0.63% -11.63% May/28
GBPRUB 95.5605 0.3616 0.38% -7.89% May/28
GBPKRW 2,007.9926 -9.2428 -0.46% 8.53% May/28
GBPIDR 23,936.4781 -36.4448 -0.15% 8.85% May/28
GBPSEK 12.4871 0.0057 0.05% -3.95% May/28
GBPPLN 4.8757 -0.0140 -0.29% -3.15% May/28
GBPARS 1,895.5401 -0.7129 -0.04% 18.63% May/28
GBPCZK 28.0009 -0.0565 -0.20% -5.31% May/28
GBPDKK 8.6201 -0.0099 -0.11% -2.61% May/28
GBPHUF 408.2841 -1.0139 -0.25% -14.76% May/28
GBPNOK 12.4557 -0.0007 -0.01% -9.21% May/28



Related Last Previous Unit Reference
United Kingdom Inflation Rate 2.80 3.30 percent Apr 2026
United States Inflation Rate 3.80 3.30 percent Apr 2026
United Kingdom Interest Rate 3.75 3.75 percent Apr 2026
United States Fed Funds Interest Rate 3.75 3.75 percent Apr 2026
United States Unemployment Rate 4.30 4.30 percent Apr 2026
United Kingdom Unemployment Rate 5.00 4.90 percent Mar 2026

British Pound
The GBPUSD spot exchange rate specifies how much one currency, the GBP, is currently worth in terms of the other, the USD. While the GBPUSD spot exchange rate is quoted and exchanged in the same day, the GBPUSD forward rate is quoted today but for delivery.
Actual Previous Highest Lowest Dates Unit Frequency
1.34 1.34 2.86 1.03 1957 - 2026 Daily

News Stream
Pound Edges Higher Amid US-Iran Deal Hopes
The pound pared earlier losses to trade slightly higher above $1.34, as investors weighed developments in Middle East diplomacy alongside shifting expectations for UK interest rates. According to Axios, US and Iranian negotiators have reportedly agreed on a 60-day memorandum of understanding to extend a ceasefire and begin negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program, though final approval from President Trump remains pending. Despite the tentative progress, geopolitical tensions persist, with continued US–Iran exchanges and renewed Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon despite a fragile ceasefire. The resulting decline in oil prices helped ease inflation concerns, prompting investors to slightly scale back expectations for further Bank of England rate hikes. Sentiment was also influenced by recent UK data pointing to a cooling labor market, softer-than-expected inflation, and signs of moderating economic activity.
2026-05-28
Pound Slips After US Strikes on Iran
The pound slipped to $1.34 as Middle East tensions flared, with renewed US-Iran conflict driving oil prices up and exposing the fragility of recent peace efforts. Brent crude rose to nearly $97 a barrel after the US conducted airstrikes on an Iranian military site and imposed sanctions to block Iran’s revenue from ships in the Strait of Hormuz. A US official described the strikes as defensive and reaffirmed the country’s commitment to the month-old ceasefire. At the same time, Kuwait reported countering hostile drone and missile threats. The heightened tensions in the region prompted traders to boost bets on Bank of England rate hikes, despite a series of recent weak data releases pointing to sluggish economic activity in the UK.
2026-05-28
Pound Little-Changed Amid Middle East Optimism
The pound held steady at $1.344 as investors awaited Middle East developments amid optimism over a potential US-Iran peace deal and diminishing expectations for Bank of England rate hikes. Investors remain focused on the region, heartened by the recent lack of negative signals from both sides and lingering hopes that an agreement to ease tensions and reopen the Strait of Hormuz remains possible despite recent strikes. Traders have trimmed their bets on BoE rate hikes, now expecting about 40 basis points of tightening by year-end, with a roughly 50% chance of a hike next month. Attention now turns to upcoming BoE policymaker speeches for monetary policy signals and political developments around Prime Minister Keir Starmer following Labour’s regional election setbacks.
2026-05-27