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Pound eyes 2-year lows as race for next British Prime Minister heats up
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LONDON (Reuters) – The British pound held near a two-year low on Monday as traders held their breath before a leadership contest kicks off to determine the successor of Boris Johnson as Britain’s next Prime Minister.
LONDON (Reuters) – The British pound held near a two-year low on Monday as traders held their breath before a leadership contest kicks off to determine the successor of Boris Johnson as Britain’s next Prime Minister.
Johnson’s resignation deepens the uncertainty hanging over Britain’s economy, already under strain from an inflation rate heading for double digits, the risk of a recession and Brexit.
Whoever succeeds Johnson must take big decisions on tax and spending that could reduce the risk of a recession but might also add to the inflationary heat in the economy. nL8N2YN5FE]
Against the U.S. dollar, the pound was trading at $1.1964, down 0.6% on the day and not far from a March 2020 low of just below $1.19 hit last week. Versus the euro, the pound was broadly steady at 84.59 pence.
The leadership debate comes during a busy week in terms of economic data for Britain’s economy with monthly GDP data due.
Economists expect May GDP data to show no growth, reinforcing expectations of an economic contraction in the second quarter.
“Although pound investors will be hoping for a government less distracted by scandal and more focussed on providing coherence around the post Brexit economy, the jury is still out,” Rabobank strategists said.
“The pound may suffer a lack of fresh direction until the new Prime Minister is in place.”
(Reporting by Saikat Chatterjee; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
The British pound, also known as pound sterling, is the official currency of the United Kingdom and its territories. It is one of the oldest currencies still in use today.
Inflation is the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services rises, eroding purchasing power. It is typically measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
A recession is a significant decline in economic activity across the economy that lasts for an extended period, typically visible in GDP, income, employment, manufacturing, and retail sales.
Brexit refers to the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union, which has significant implications for trade, immigration, and economic policies.
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