Steve Eakins
Director
Potential Brexit extension pending
As the Brexit deadline approaches, are the EU 27 reluctant to grant another extension?
Request a quoteSterling exchange rates have been hugely driven by Brexit and that has continued this week as we near the new cliff edge date of Friday. The EU today now starts their emergency meeting to discuss Brexit and decide whether they will offer an extension to the UK and what kind of conditions that will include. Today EU ministers meet in Luxembourg from 17:00 BST before all 27 nation leaders meet in Brussels to decide on whether to allow Britain to have another extension. Without the extension, the UK is scheduled to leave with a No-deal at 23:00 the day after tomorrow - meaning this is really the 11th hour.
| Currency Pair | % Change (Month) | Difference on £200,000 | |
|---|---|---|---|
 GBP |  EUR | 2.4% | €5,750 |
| GBP |  USD | 2.85% | $7,500 |
| GBP |  CAD | 2.5% | CAD $8,650 |
German, Dutch, Irish and Luxembourg ministers all have suggested that a No-deal must be avoided, however the French have said that any extension must come with a string of assurances. Remembering that all 27 members must agree any extension to be granted, the PM again made a last-minute visit to the leaders of both Germany and France yesterday to urge them to grant an extension. All eyes are now on the EU and what they decide over the coming 36 hours.
Brexit helps boost manufacturing due to stock-pilling
Outside of Brexit, the economic health of the UK has been showing signs of improvements. The most recent Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) showed a sharp increase in activity within the manufacturing sector, however this is thought to have be caused by Brexit stockpiling.
Recently the UK minimum wage was also increased last week to £8.21 per hour for over 25s, which makes it one of the highest minimum wages amongst major industrialised countries.
UK economic data due today
Today we have a host of further data due to be released from the UK including: Manufacturing data, Industrial Productivity, Trade Balance figures and GDP figures. However, with the Brexit deadline currently set for Friday, the majority expect updates on Brexit to be the largest driver for sterling's value in the immediate future.
News
Download our monthly currency forecast
Download here
D. Hill
France
Yet again, a stress free, professional and secure service from FCD. I wanted the facility of moving funds easily from the UK to France on a regular basis and that’s exactly what I get from Steve Eakins and his team.
C. Sherrington
UK
Always easily reached and offer excellent and responsive service. Even though I have no knowledge in this area I felt supported and well assisted.
C. Tamboli
UK
Always a top service. Steve Eakins is always on the ball and keen to help.
B. Griffiths
The service was conducted very easily and quickly and Steve Eakins was a true professional.