Sterling has soared with the pound at an almost two-year high on the euro in a boost for holidaymakers.
One pound equals $1.30, a high not seen in more than a year, and €1.1915, a near two-year high.
This is good for those travelling to Europe and the USA, with higher rates and more expensive borrowing creating favourable exchange rates for Brits.
The FTSE 250 index of valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange was down 0.45 percent following stubborn inflation figures.
Similarly, the index of more international firms, the FTSE 100 index of most valuable companies on the London Stock Exchange, fell 0.09 percent.