Tuesday, during early European deals the UK sterling crept lower against its key counterparts as UK GDP increased by less than expected in the fourth quarter of 2009. The pound fell to near a 6-week low against the yen.

The British economy expanded only 0.1% sequentially in the fourth quarter of 2009, following the prior quarter's 0.2% contraction, the Office for National Statistics said. Economists were expecting an increase of 0.4%. The fourth quarter growth follows six quarters of contraction. Annual GDP was down 3.2%, while the consensus forecast was for 3% decline in the fourth quarter.

Against the US dollar, the pound touched a low of 1.6143 at 4:30 am ET. At present, cable is trading at 1.6139, compared to previous day's close of 1.6247.

At 4:35 am ET, the pound plunged to 16852 against the Swiss currency. Presently, GBP/CHF pair is worth 1.6842, down from previous day's close of 1.6897.

The pound plunged to 0.8742 against the euro at 4:45 am ET. The present quote for EUR/GBP is 0.8743 and the pair was worth 0.8713 at Monday's New York session close.

The pound plummeted to near a 6-week low against the Japanese yen. At 4:45 am ET, the pound fell to 144.29 against the Japanese currency. As of now, the pound is worth 144.67 against the yen. GB/JPY pair closed Monday's New York session at 146.68.