When should you buy and sell US dollars? 

The British pound sterling has been fluctuating in value against the US dollar recently, so when is the best time to buy or sell dollars in the UK? Here we look at the factors that affect exchange rates and provide some tips on when to make your transactions. 

When to buy dollars? 

The best time to buy dollars in the UK is when the pound sterling is weak against the dollar, which means that you will get more dollars for your pounds. The pound has been weak against the dollar since the Brexit vote in 2016. Many factors have contributed to this, including uncertainty over the future of trade relations between the UK and the EU and the possibility of a ‘no-deal Brexit. 

If you need to buy dollars for a trip to the States or make an overseas purchase, it’s worth keeping an eye on exchange rates and buying when the pound is weak against the dollar. You can do this by checking online currency converters or by monitoring the news for any developments that might affect the pound’s value. 

When to sell dollars? 

If you have dollars that you need to convert back into pounds, you should wait until the pound is strong against the dollar, giving you more pounds for your dollars. The pound has been slowly strengthening against the dollar since 2019, as concerns over a ‘no-deal Brexit have receded, and the UK economy has shown signs of improvement. 

The best time to sell your dollars will depend on how much movement there is in exchange rates. If rates are fluctuating rapidly, it might be worth waiting for a period of stability before selling. You can monitor exchange rates online or via news sources and look out for any political or economic developments that might impact the pound’s value. 

Factors to consider when buying and selling dollars 

Many factors can affect the exchange rate between the pound and the dollar, so it’s worth considering these when deciding. 

The value of the pound is affected by many political and economic factors, including: 

• The UK’s trade relations with the EU and other countries 

• Interest rates in the UK and US 

• The performance of the UK economy compared to other major economies 

• Political stability in the UK 

You should also consider the fees charged by currency exchange companies, as these can eat into your profits if you’re not careful. Look for a company that offers competitive rates and doesn’t charge a commission on transactions. 

Tips for buying and selling dollars 

Here are a few tips to help you get the best deal when buying or selling dollars in the UK: 

Shop around for the best exchange rate. Currency exchange rates can vary significantly from one company to another, so it’s worth shopping around to find the best deal. Check for commission and fees. Many currency exchange companies charge commission on transactions, so be sure to check for these before deciding. 

Consider using a broker. If you’re unsure when the best time to buy or sell is, you could consider using a currency broker. These companies can help you time your transaction, get the best possible rate and monitor political and economic developments. Keep an eye on any developments that might impact the pound’s value. It includes Brexit negotiations, interest rate changes and economic data releases. 

Pros and cons of buying and selling dollars 

There are both pros and cons to buying and selling dollars in the UK. 

Pros: 

You can take advantage of changes in the exchange rate to get more pounds for your dollars, or vice versa. Currency brokers can help you time your transaction and get the best possible rate. 

You can monitor political and economic developments to help you decide on when to buy or sell. Many factors can affect the exchange rate, so you can research these before deciding. 

Cons: 

The pound’s value can fluctuate rapidly, so you might not get the best deal if you don’t time your transaction carefully. Currency exchange companies often charge commission on transactions, eating into your profits. 

You might need to wait for a period of stability in the exchange rate before selling your dollars, and this could take some time if the pound is volatile. Monitor any political or economic developments that might impact the pound’s value. These can include Brexit negotiations, interest rate changes and economic data releases.