The British pound had its worst day in years on Monday as the odds of Britain leaving the EU rose after the popular mayor of London said he would join the campaign to leave the bloc.
The pound fell more than two per cent against the U.S. dollar, touching a seven-year low of $1.4058 US before rebounding slightly to just over $1.41 US.
The pound also fell more than two per cent against Canada's currency. In Monday trading, the British pound was quoted at $1.9386 Cdn. The pound closed Friday at $1.9771, according to the Bank of Canada. It averaged around $2.05 in both December 2015 and in January 2016.
London Mayor Boris Johnson's announcement on Sunday that he supports "Brexit" — Britain exiting the EU bloc — was seen as a major boost to the "out" campaign.
"Boris has upset the apple cart in going against his party leader," said ETX Capital currency trader Richard Wiltshire, in London. "Everyone is now thinking it's going to be a much closer-run thing than we previously thought."
Odds still favour a vote to remain in the EU
British bookmakers now put the odds of a "leave" vote in the June 23 referendum as high as 36 per cent.
British Prime Minister David Cameron told the House of Commons on Monday that the referendum "is a straight democratic decision: staying in or leaving."
He warned fellow parliamentarians, including many doubters in his own caucus and cabinet, that leaving the EU would be "a great leap into the unknown" that could harm Britain's economy and security.
"Leaving the EU may briefly make us feel more sovereign," he said, but argued: "We're better off fighting from the inside."
With the referendum still four months off, traders say the pound could weaken further amid the uncertainty. Several banks say sterling could slide to as low as $1.30 US.
0 nhận xét:
Đăng nhận xét