- Sputnik International
World
Get the latest news from around the world, live coverage, off-beat stories, features and analysis.

UK Pound Rallies as Polls Predict 'Stay' Vote in Brexit Referendum

© Flickr / Images MoneyBritish pounds
British pounds - Sputnik International
Subscribe
The UK pound has rallied against the dollar, reaching its highest mark since January, amid the ongoing Brexit referendum, with some polls predicting a dominant "stay" vote.

Pound sterling - Sputnik International
British Pound Continues to Strengthen Amid Ongoing Brexit Referendum
MOSCOW (Sputnik) — UK voters are currently voting in a referendum to determine whether or not the United Kingdom should leave the European Union.

The pound appreciated over 1 percent against the US dollar on Thursday, rising from around $1.48 per pound to over $1.49 per pound and reaching $1.485 per pound by 14:00 GMT. The rally took the UK currency out of its slump that started in mid-2014 and saw the pound fall from a multiyear peak of over $1.7 per pound to less than $1.4 per pound by early 2016.

The pound also rallied against the euro, increasing almost 1 percent before somewhat sliding to an overall increase of 0.25 percent, to settle on 1.3 euros per pound.

The rally came about after public surveys showed prevailing support for the United Kingdom staying in the European Union. The latest poll by Ipsos MORI indicated that 52 percent of UK nationals support remaining within the European bloc, while 48 percent are against such a scenario. A Populus poll said that 55 percent of respondents intended voting to stay, while the Financial Times poll tracker, which aggregates a range of surveys, on Thursday, showed a 2-percentage-point lead for EU membership supporters.

A two Euro coin is pictured next to a one Pound coin on top of a portrait of Britain's Queen Elizabeth in this file photo illustration shot March 16, 2016. - Sputnik International
British Pound Showing Growth Amid Expectations of UK Staying in EU
Earlier, the "Remain" vote has overtaken by by the "Leave" campaign by several percentage points, according to polls, before falling back down this week.

Polling stations across the United Kingdom stay open from 7:00 a.m. (06:00 GMT) through 10:00 p.m. (21:00 GMT) local time. There is no threshold for turnout, and there will be no exit polls.

Brexit supporters argue that EU membership has diminished the country’s independence to legislate, direct its economy and control its borders. Opponents warn that leaving the bloc could severely harm the UK economy.

Newsfeed
0
To participate in the discussion
log in or register
loader
Chats
Заголовок открываемого материала