The British Pound Sterling is used as a reserve currency around the world and is presently ranked third in amount held as reserves. The percentage which pounds make up of total reserves has increased over recent years, due in part to the stability of the British economy and government, gradual increase in value against many currencies and relatively high interest rates compared to other major currencies such as the dollar, euro and yen. The Pound is the third most widely held reserve currency worldwide, having seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years. Analysts say this resurgence is caused by carry-trade investors considering the pound as a stable high-yield proxy to the euro. The British Pound is one of the most popular currencies for trading.