2018 GBP to USD Historical Review
A comprehensive breakdown of exchange rate performance throughout the year 2018.
2018 GBP to USD Performance & Market Timing Review
Analysis of key historical highlights and timing insights for 2018
During 2018, the GBP to USD exchange rate experienced significant fluctuation. The market reached its absolute peak on April 16, valuing the pair at 1.4341. Conversely, the yearly low was recorded on December 11, dropping to 1.2492.
This high-to-low spread represents a total annual volatility of 0.1848 USD. From a start-to-finish perspective, comparing the January average rate of 1.3820 to the December average rate of 1.2669, the exchange rate registered a net change of -8.33% (reflecting a weakening trend).
Looking at year-over-year peak valuations, the 2018 high of 1.4341 was up 5.53% compared to the 2017 peak of 1.3590, indicating shifts in long-term support levels.
Comparing the value generated converting 5,000 GBP based on timing:
Trend Visualization
Monthly average fluctuations over the course of 2018.
GBP to USD Seasonal Trends & Volatility Analysis
A structured review of seasonal halves, trading extremes, consecutive streaks, and historical baselines.
Seasonal Halves (H1 vs H2)
SeasonalThe average exchange rate in the first half of the year (H1: Jan–Jun) was 1.3763, compared to 1.2945 in the second half (H2: Jul–Dec). This shows that the rate was stronger in the first half (Jan–Jun) by a margin of 0.0818 points.
Volatility Range Comparison
VolatilityThe most volatile month in 2018 was January, with a trading range of 0.0710 USD (High: 1.4220 / Low: 1.3510). On the other end, July was the most stable month, with a tight range of 0.0271 USD (High: 1.3294 / Low: 1.3023).
Growth Streaks & Declines
TrendsBetween January and April, the exchange rate recorded its longest consecutive growth streak of the year, climbing for 3 straight months. Conversely, the sharpest month-over-month decline occurred between April and May, when the average rate fell by 0.0596 points.
Same-Month Historical Baseline
YoY BaselineComparing the current year's strongest month average (April 2018: 1.4061) against the same month in 2017 (average: 1.2641), the exchange rate shifted by +0.1419 (+11.23%).
Monthly Breakdown
Statistical summary for each calendar month.
| Month | High | Low | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.4220 | 1.3510 | 1.3820 |
| February | 1.4266 | 1.3755 | 1.3970 |
| March | 1.4238 | 1.3775 | 1.3970 |
| April | 1.4341 | 1.3769 | 1.4061 |
| May | 1.3609 | 1.3254 | 1.3465 |
| June | 1.3422 | 1.3075 | 1.3294 |
| July | 1.3294 | 1.3023 | 1.3175 |
| August | 1.3125 | 1.2693 | 1.2869 |
| September | 1.3270 | 1.2858 | 1.3040 |
| October | 1.3234 | 1.2708 | 1.3018 |
| November | 1.3128 | 1.2742 | 1.2900 |
| December | 1.2780 | 1.2492 | 1.2669 |