No Confidence In UK PM May? Cable Rollercoaster Continues

 | Nov 16, 2018 04:45AM ET

h2 Market Drivers November 16, 2018
  • May projects confidence on radio
  • Dollarweaker across the board
  • Nikkei -0.57% Dax 0.59%
  • Oil $57/bbl
  • Gold $1217/oz.
  • Bitcoin $5600

Europe and Asia
EUR: EU CPI

North America
USD: Industrial Production 9:15

Another whipsaw night in cable as the battle for Brexit continues with PM May struggling to stay afloat amidst rumors of a no-confidence letter in the offing.

Pound first saw a rally to 1.2835 after PM May projected a tone of confidence during an early morning radio appearance assuring the audience that her deal was the absolute best Brexit compromise that UK could achieve. She talked confidently of moving the agenda forward and shepherding the deal through Parliament.

However, as soon as she finished her remarks rumors began to surface that Tory MPs may have enough votes – 48 are needed – for a letter of no confidence that would force a vote in Parliament. If the rebels within her ranks really do have the votes to force a no-confidence motion UK politics will be thrown into an even greater existential crisis. Even if PM May were to survive the vote, it would almost certainly suggest that a general election will be called as Ms. May’s minority coalition partner the DUP vehemently opposes the current deal and will likely leave the government.

The prospect of a general election ahead of the Brexit deadline in March would only create more chaos in what is already a highly volatile situation. The initial reaction in the market would likely send cable towards the 1.2500 level. Still, even total pandemonium in UK politics may not prove deadly to sterling if it ultimately results in a call for a 2nd referendum. For now, that appears to be a very long shot as the current deal or some variant of it is still the most likely outcome of negotiations, but headlines changing by the hour, the trade in sterling remains turbulent.

Meanwhile elsewhere, the action is placid with dollar notably weaker across the board. Today the North American calendar is barren, but any weakness in equities could see USD/JPY test 113.00 support as the day proceeds.

/h2
Get The News You Want
Read market moving news with a personalized feed of stocks you care about.
Get The App

Trading in financial instruments and/or cryptocurrencies involves high risks including the risk of losing some, or all, of your investment amount, and may not be suitable for all investors. Prices of cryptocurrencies are extremely volatile and may be affected by external factors such as financial, regulatory or political events. Trading on margin increases the financial risks.
Before deciding to trade in financial instrument or cryptocurrencies you should be fully informed of the risks and costs associated with trading the financial markets, carefully consider your investment objectives, level of experience, and risk appetite, and seek professional advice where needed.
Fusion Media would like to remind you that the data contained in this website is not necessarily real-time nor accurate. The data and prices on the website are not necessarily provided by any market or exchange, but may be provided by market makers, and so prices may not be accurate and may differ from the actual price at any given market, meaning prices are indicative and not appropriate for trading purposes. Fusion Media and any provider of the data contained in this website will not accept liability for any loss or damage as a result of your trading, or your reliance on the information contained within this website.
It is prohibited to use, store, reproduce, display, modify, transmit or distribute the data contained in this website without the explicit prior written permission of Fusion Media and/or the data provider. All intellectual property rights are reserved by the providers and/or the exchange providing the data contained in this website.
Fusion Media may be compensated by the advertisers that appear on the website, based on your interaction with the advertisements or advertisers.

Sign out
Are you sure you want to sign out?
NoYes
CancelYes
Saving Changes