Please call the FX Department at 626-279-3235 for the most current rate.
June 18, 2026
A report released by the Labor Department on Thursday showed a modest pullback in first-time claims for U.S. unemployment benefits in the week ended June 13th. The Labor Department said initial jobless claims dipped to 226,000, a decrease of 4,000 from the previous week's 230,000. The modest decrease in jobless claims came a week after they reached their highest level since hitting a matching figure in the week ended February 7th.
Meanwhile, the report said the less volatile four-week moving average crept up to 223,250, an increase of 4,000 from the previous week's revised average of 219,250. The Labor Department said continuing claims, a reading on the number of people receiving ongoing unemployment assistance, also climbed by 24,000 to 1.810 million in the week ended June 6th. The four-week moving average of continuing claims also rose to 1,788,000, an increase of 9,750 from the previous week's average of 1,778,250. 06/18/2026 - 09:39:00 (RTTNews)
British Pound traded at 1.3230 against USD at 9:00 AM PST
The Bank of England left its key interest rate unchanged on Thursday as inflation slowed and unemployment declined, and US-Iran peace deal eased inflation fears. The Monetary Policy Committee, led by Governor Andrew Bailey, voted 7-2 to hold the bank rate at 3.75%, which is the lowest rate since June 2023. Previously, the central bank had reduced the rate by 25 basis points each in August and November last year.
The announcement came a day after the U.S. Federal Reserve left its interest rate unchanged citing its dual goals of maximum employment and inflation at the rate of 2% over the longer run. Earlier on Thursday, the Swiss National Bank kept its interest rate unchanged at 0% as inflation remained within the target.
Last week, the European Central Bank became the first major central bank to raise rates in response to the rising inflationary pressures due to the war in Iran as it delivered a 25-basis point hike to 2.25%, which was the first tightening in nearly three years. The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to 1% this week to the highest level since 1995. 06/18/2026 - 09:49:00 (RTTNews)
The Swiss National Bank (SNB) left its policy rate unchanged on Thursday as inflation continues to remain well within the target. The central bank left its policy rate at 0%. The SNB had lowered the key rate by 175 basis points since March 2024. The bank exited its negative rate in 2022 after holding it steady for over seven years.
"If necessary, the SNB has an increased willingness to intervene in the foreign exchange market," the bank said in a statement. "The SNB thereby counters a rapid and excessive appreciation of the Swiss franc, which would jeopardize price stability in Switzerland," the bank added. 06/18/2026 - 08:25:00 (RTTNews)
This market update is prepared by Cathay Bank for informational purposes only and does not constitute any form of legal, tax or investment advice, nor should it be considered an assurance or guarantee of future exchange rate movements or trends. This information is provided without regard to the specific objectives, financial situations or needs of any recipient. Cathay Bank does not make any representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of this market update.
Our specialists are happy to assist you with all your International Banking needs. Please reach out to our team for more information.
