2021 GBP to USD Historical Review
A comprehensive breakdown of exchange rate performance throughout the year 2021.
2021 GBP to USD Performance & Market Timing Review
Analysis of key historical highlights and timing insights for 2021
During 2021, the GBP to USD exchange rate experienced significant fluctuation. The market reached its absolute peak on May 31, valuing the pair at 1.4226. Conversely, the yearly low was recorded on December 20, dropping to 1.3208.
This high-to-low spread represents a total annual volatility of 0.1018 USD. From a start-to-finish perspective, comparing the January average rate of 1.3643 to the December average rate of 1.3309, the exchange rate registered a net change of -2.45% (reflecting a weakening trend).
Looking at year-over-year peak valuations, the 2021 high of 1.4226 was up 4.05% compared to the 2020 peak of 1.3672, 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 2021.
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 1.3883, compared to 1.3632 in the second half (H2: Jul–Dec). This shows that the rate was stronger in the first half (Jan–Jun) by a margin of 0.0252 points.
Volatility Range Comparison
VolatilityThe most volatile month in 2021 was February, with a trading range of 0.0497 USD (High: 1.4147 / Low: 1.3650). On the other end, January was the most stable month, with a tight range of 0.0221 USD (High: 1.3740 / Low: 1.3519).
Growth Streaks & Declines
TrendsNo sustained consecutive month-over-month growth streak of 2+ months occurred in 2021. Conversely, the sharpest month-over-month decline occurred between October and November, when the average rate fell by 0.0242 points.
Same-Month Historical Baseline
YoY BaselineComparing the current year's strongest month average (May 2021: 1.4077) against the same month in 2020 (average: 1.2297), the exchange rate shifted by +0.1780 (+14.48%).
Monthly Breakdown
Statistical summary for each calendar month.
| Month | High | Low | Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 1.3740 | 1.3519 | 1.3643 |
| February | 1.4147 | 1.3650 | 1.3874 |
| March | 1.3988 | 1.3688 | 1.3858 |
| April | 1.3992 | 1.3706 | 1.3836 |
| May | 1.4226 | 1.3817 | 1.4077 |
| June | 1.4176 | 1.3801 | 1.4013 |
| July | 1.3964 | 1.3633 | 1.3816 |
| August | 1.3927 | 1.3622 | 1.3795 |
| September | 1.3865 | 1.3428 | 1.3742 |
| October | 1.3822 | 1.3545 | 1.3685 |
| November | 1.3694 | 1.3295 | 1.3443 |
| December | 1.3532 | 1.3208 | 1.3309 |