GBP/USD vs FTSE 100: Correlation Analysis
Pearson correlation of daily returns for GBP/USD and FTSE 100. Rolling windows, yearly breakdown, regression beta, and divergence analysis. Data window spans to (1,113 aligned observations).
What the Number Means
With a correlation of 0.14, GBP/USD and FTSE 100 are essentially uncorrelated at daily frequency. Either the relationship operates at a different time horizon or the shared driver has been dominated by idiosyncratic noise during the observation window.
Recent vs Long-Run Behavior
Recent correlation tracks the long-run relationship closely. No meaningful divergence. The historical pattern between GBP/USD and FTSE 100 is intact and should continue to serve as a reasonable baseline for positioning.
Statistical Details (1-Year Window)
| Pearson Correlation (r) | +0.355 |
| R-Squared (r²) | 0.126 |
| Beta (GBP/USD vs FTSE 100) | 0.189 |
| Daily Volatility σ(GBP/USD) | 0.50% |
| Daily Volatility σ(FTSE 100) | 0.95% |
| Observations | 252 |
Correlation measures directional co-movement; R² quantifies the fraction of variance explained by the linear relationship. Beta is the slope coefficient from regressing GBP/USD returns on FTSE 100 returns. A beta above 1 means the first asset amplifies moves of the second.
Year-by-Year Correlation
| Year | Correlation | Strength | Observations |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | +0.142 | Essentially uncorrelated | 81 |
| 2025 | +0.367 | Weak positive | 223 |
| 2024 | -0.003 | Essentially uncorrelated | 224 |
| 2023 | -0.047 | Essentially uncorrelated | 221 |
| 2022 | +0.159 | Essentially uncorrelated | 221 |
| 2021 | +0.177 | Essentially uncorrelated | 143 |
Year-by-year correlation reveals how the relationship has held up across different macro regimes. Sharp year-over-year swings in correlation often mark the transition between stress and calm periods.
Rolling 90-Day Extremes
Extremes in rolling 90-day correlation often coincide with regime changes, forced deleveraging, or the arrival of a dominant new macro theme that overwhelms normal relationships.
Methodology
Correlations are computed on daily log-adjacent returns for GBP/USD and FTSE 100, aligned on shared trading dates. We use the Pearson product-moment coefficient, which measures the linear relationship between two return series.
Windows are the most recent N observations for 30D, 90D, and 1Y (252 trading days); the 5Y figure uses all aligned data up to 1,260 observations. Beta is the OLS slope from regressing the first series on the second. Data updates daily with a 24-hour revalidation cadence.
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Get daily macro analysis on shifting correlations, regime transitions, and cross-asset signals.
Correlation is not causation and backward-looking statistics can fail when regimes shift. Positions sized on historical correlation assumptions should be stress-tested against scenarios where the relationship breaks. For informational purposes only.