Sterling drops as UK political concerns multiply

Sterling fell by nearly one per cent on Monday, buffeted by political headwinds that put it on course for its biggest daily loss in more than 10 days.

The Sunday Times reported that 40 MPs from prime minister Theresa May's Conservative Party had agreed to sign a letter of no-confidence in her – eight short of the number needed to trigger a leadership contest.

"Sterling is priced for soggy [economic ]growth and difficult [political]negotiations," said Kit Juckes, global fixed income strategist at Societe Generale in London.

The pound fell below its 100-day moving average – a key technical level – and was trading nearly one percent down at $1.3072.

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Against the euro it weakened as much as 0.7 per cent to 89.11 pence per euro with signals from the currency options markets flashing amber.

Bond yields have in recent days also moved against sterling, eroding another support, despite a rate hike by the Bank of England earlier this month.

Differentials between US and British 10-year bond yields have widened to nearly 120 basis points in Treasuries’ favour, compared to 96 basis points in mid-September.

– Reuters