Back

Election could presage UK departure from EU - ING Election could presage UK departur

FXStreet (Guatemala) - Analysts at JP Morgan explained the UK’s future relationship with Europe will be a key issue at the May 7 General Election.

Key Quotes:

"David Cameron has promised to hold a referendum on the UK’s membership of the European Union (EU) by the end of 2017 if he remains Prime Minister."

"If a referendum is called there will be two years of uncertainty ahead of the actual vote that may unsettle businesses and households. The economy will likely lose some momentum and the BoE may raise interest rates more cautiously."

"As we saw with last year’s Scottish Independence vote, foreign investors may take fright with UK asset prices and sterling likely to come under downward pressure. UK GDP growth in 2017 could be half a point lower, irrespective of the outcome of the vote."

"Should the UK negotiate a stronger deal with the EU and vote to stay, there could be a substantial bounce back in growth (3.5%+ in 2018) as delayed investment projects are finally implemented and confidence returns. UK asset prices will rebound."

"Should the UK vote to leave, Brexit raises clear risks for trade and investment and, by implication, growth and jobs. 2018 GDP growth could be sub 1.5%, GBP/USD would likely drop below 1.40 and the Bank of England may loosen monetary policy. This outcome could also reignite the campaign for Scottish Independence."

"A trade deal will need to be agreed very quickly and bi-lateral deals agreed with non-EU countries. This should be relatively straightforward, but foreign investors will remain nervous. As the situation stabilises in 2018, growth prospects should improve, helped by weaker currency and low interest rates. The UK’s longer term prospects will be driven by what it can do with its new found “freedoms”.

"The loss of the UK – a relatively fast growing economy that is on course to be larger than Germany in the next 20-30 years – would negatively impact the EU’s own economic outlook and global influence. The loss of the UK’s more laissez faire influence could also upset the political balance within Europe."

United States 3-Month Bill Auction increased to 0.02% from previous 0.015%

Read more Previous

USD/CAD consolidates in a lower range

USD/CAD is trading in a lower range on Monday, after falling nearly 100 pips on the back of oil’s rise, with the crude topping $54 a barrel.
Read more Next