When George Soros, the head of the hedge fund, Quantum Fund, decided to systematically and repeatedly short the pound (sell, then buy again at a lower price), he was able to do what within the space of less than two months?

a. Quantum Fund forced the pound to fall below the lower bound of the target zone, but with no further consequences to the Bank of England.

b. Quantum Fund pushed the pound above the upper limit of the target zone, creating inflation in the United Kingdom.

c. Quantum Fund forced the pound to fall below the lower bound of the target zone, requiring the United Kingdom to leave the European exchange rate mechanism (ERM).

d. Quantum Fund forced the pound to fall below the lower bound of the target zone, setting off a period of deflation and unemployment in the United Kingdom.