Markets

Breakdown of the latest developments on the global exchanges
May 22, 2019, 12:00 PM GMT
#Brexit

The Immediate Backlash from May’s Bid in May Rattles the Markets

In what was immediately perceived to be a last-ditch effort by the British PM to salvage her trade deal, Theresa May made an enormous gamble, and it looks almost as if she is destined to be defeated yet again.

Yesterday the Prime Minister announced that she would allow the MPs in Parliament to deliberate on a second referendum vote, provided that they support her fourth attempt to pass a bill on trade and future partnership with the EU after the divorce officially takes place. Theresa May is desperate to get her trade deal passed in what would be a fourth such vote in the House of Commons, which is scheduled for early June; however, her sudden change of heart on the topic of holding a second referendum vote is now seen as a too-little-too-late effort on her part.

Despite her previous attempts to consolidate her cabinet and secure some support from Jeremy Corbyn and the Labour party, the negotiation talks between the two leaders broke down last week seemingly because of Theresa May’s apparent reluctance to compromise on some key issues, which are professed by Corbyn and his fellow party members. Moreover, the PM later stated that she was willing to make those compromises now, just so that she can secure the passing of her trade deal and allowing for a second referendum is seen as one of those compromises. However, Corbyn has now responded to her pleas and claimed that he is no longer willing to cooperate with her, which is perceived as yet another blow to the PM’s credibility.

Overall, amidst Theresa May’s most desperate hours, her opposition is now pressing on their advantage, and it appears that even her own Tory party is distancing itself from May. Analysts are not weighing on the likelihood of Theresa May’s departure from office before the final Brexit deadline in October, and the expectations are now for a new leader to be elected to finish the deal.

The most widely circulated name is currently that of Boris Johnson, who is also one of the most vocal supporters of a Hard Brexit, and securing a trade deal is not one of his priorities. Conversely, as the market weighs in on the possibility of Boris Johnson replacing Theresa May as the next British Prime Minister, due to his renowned Euroscepticism investors are now becoming increasingly concerned that the UK would leave the EU without any official commitment for a future partnership with the bloc.

The pound has been steadily tumbling down since the beginning of May and is now trading at 1.26834 against the US dollar, a level that was last seen in mid-January 2019.