By Greg Smith on Tuesday, October 8th, 2019
in Blog, News, Uncategorised
Deal, no deal or extension? How to trade the three possible Brexit outcomes. The Brexit day is fast approaching, and after the hiatus of a prorogued Parliament and then a Supreme Court intervention and now a frosty reception from EU stakeholders about the Government’s Brexit deal proposals, a certain outcome for the 31st of October […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, October 7th, 2019
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Brexit negotiations continue Last week, Boris Johnson submitted to the EU ‘fair and reasonable’ Brexit proposals aimed at replacing the contentious Irish backstop. Parliament appears to be more positive about the changes, though the EU has said more work is needed. Intensive negotiations are expected over the course of this week, and a […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, September 30th, 2019
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Parliament sits following Court Ruling Developments in UK politics continue to dominate market moves. We saw the Supreme Court decision that the prorogation of parliament was illegal on Tuesday. This led to a swift return to Westminster on Wednesday. Prime Minister Johnson has been seeking a general election and there is talk that […]
By Greg Smith on Tuesday, September 24th, 2019
in Blog, News, Uncategorised
How prepared is your Business for Brexit? The UKs departure from the Europen Union will bring change directly and indirectly for businesses of every size and sector. Many are not as prepared as they think. Business Brexit Checklist While most companies that are directly and immediately affected are already planning for the challenges and opportunities […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, September 23rd, 2019
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Supreme Court to decide on Prorogation Another bout of Brexit optimism boosted the pound last week. Comments from European Commission President Juncker about being open to alternative arrangements suggest that a deal could happen by the end of October. Boris Johnson is expected to meet EU Council President Tusk at the UN this […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, September 16th, 2019
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Bank of England to hold The Bank of England is unlikely to cut rates this week. We expect a unanimous vote for no change to policy. There is no Inflation Report or press conference so there will be little new information. Governor Carney recently noted that the downside risks for UK economic growth […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, September 9th, 2019
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Election coming up? Parliament returned from recess last week and MPs inflicted defeats on the government Brexit strategy. The Hilary Benn bill received backing from the House of Commons and Lords. Royal assent is expected today. This bill forces the Prime Minister to ask the EU for a delay to the 31 October […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, September 2nd, 2019
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Emergency Brexit debate expected The House of Commons returns from the summer recess tomorrow, with markets focusing on Brexit debates and developments. The Government’s announcement that parliament will be prorogued from 10th September until the 14th October means action is expected from those MPs that want to block a ‘no deal’ Brexit. The […]
By Greg Smith on Tuesday, August 27th, 2019
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Pound rises with Brexit hopes Over the last week, the pound mostly gained ground on hopes that a no-deal Brexit can be averted. There were positive meetings with Merkel and Macron, though there appeared to be no major shifts in the official positions on the Irish backstop issue. However, both sides are looking […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, August 19th, 2019
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Market turmoil continues The markets have been in continual turmoil over the past week. Equity markets have slid further, while government bond yields have hit new lows. Inversions of the US and UK yield curves are said to signal a strong likelihood of recession. Comments from both US and China sources added to […]