Surge in Brexit support causes shockwaves as EU referendum nears

Latest polls, as Britain's referendum on continued membership of the European Union neared, sent shockwaves through business and financial circles Monday.

After weeks of an almost 50-50 split in the remain and leave camps, new polls indicate a major surge towards the so-called Brexit campaign.

The FTSE 100 ended the day down by 70.79 points, or 1.16 percent, at 6044.97, its lowest close since the second week in March.

Sterling seesawed on Monday as investors reacted to growing uncertainty over the referendum. The British pound was volatile throughout Monday, initially slipping to an eight-week low against the US dollar but later recovering to trade 0.14 percent higher at 1.4275 US dollar. Against the euro, sterling ended down 0.26 percent at 1.2647.

One poll indicated a 19-point leave for Brexit, prompting the London-based Daily Express to headline a story "End of EU rule FINALLY in sight".

Worst still for the Remain camp, an up-to-the-minute poll released Monday night local time in Britain heaped more gloom in the Britain Stronger in Europe campaign headquarters.

The new poll by ICM for the Guardian newspaper showed support for leaving the EU is strengthening, with phone and online surveys reporting a six-point lead.

Of those who gave a conclusive answer, it gave leave 53 percent support, compared to Remain's 47 percent once the "don't knows" were excluded. The research was carried out over the weekend and compared to a 52-48 split two weeks ago which had also put Brexit ahead by four points...
 [Xinhua -china.org.cn]
14/6/16
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Related:

• New poll shows 55 percent of Brits favor leaving the EU

• Domino Effect : German FinMin warns against Brexit

• IMF warns of 'severe' economic damage from Brexit

•  Juniphone agencies flash News (June 2016)