UK Snap Election sends Pound into volatile trading pattern

Theresa May

The following is based on research from IG.com Market Analyst Oliver Morrison, written for DailyFX.com.


Brexit Briefing: British Pound Soars As Theresa May Announces Early Election

Talking Points

  • Sterling sinks then recovers and gains as British PM announces general election.
  • Snap election planned for June 8; parliament to vote on the election Wednesday.

GBPUSD 24 hour chart. Source: IG.com.

The British Pound reversed its gains then recovered and hit fresh highs Tuesday after Prime Minister Theresa May unexpectedly announced a snap election to be held on June 8.

Speaking in Downing Street, May said her government has delivered its mandate after the Brexit referendum, saying “there can be no turning back” and the government has a plan in place for negotiations on the UK’s departure from the EU.

There will be a Commons vote on the proposed election on Wednesday – May will need Parliament’s backing to hold a vote before 2020.

May’s move was a surprise – but it’s understandable. Her ruling Conservative party has moved into a 21-point lead over the main Labour opposition party for the first time in nine years, according to a YouGov survey for the Times at the weekend. She thus has an opportunity to increase her majority in the House of Commons, which may boost her hand as the UK embarks on a difficult two-year negotiating period with the European Union.

May said if a general election is not called now, it would occur during the most difficult period of negotiations with the EU. “We need a general election and we need one now,” she said.

Sterling went on a roller coaster ride amid the announcement. Sterling had already touched an eight-week high against the Dollar in early Tuesday trading as it took advantage of the general disappointment over the Trump trade, coupled with geopolitical concerns.

GBP/USD then dropped violently as May said she would make an announcement outside Downing Street at 11.15 BST, offering no further explanation. When she eventually announced an early election, a few minutes before 11.15, the Pound recovered back to 1.2597. By 11.40 BST it had hit another fresh high of 1.2638 and is looking to test the next resistance levels around 1.27.

It was a similar story for the Pound verus the Euro and Yen.Before May’s surprise move, the markets had been more concerned with another election – namely the one taking place on the other side of the English Channel, with all eyes on the first round of the French election on Sunday April 23. But May’s move has clearly inspired Pound bulls.

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