EU sceptics fly many flags

People across the United Kingdom are going to the polls to vote on whether their country should remain part of the European Union. But the British aren't the only ones with doubts about the institution. Recent analysis by the Pew Research Centre shows “Euroscepticism” is on the rise with 47 percent of Europeans holding an unfavourable view of the EU.

According to the research, 71 percent of people in austerity-ravaged Greece find the EU unfavourable, along with 61 percent in France, 49 percent in Spain and 48 percent in the UK. Pew also found 42 percent of Europeans would like some powers returned to national governments, with only 19 percent believing national governments should transfer more power to the EU. When it comes to the issue of a potential Brexit, 7 out of every 10 people in Europe say that Britain leaving the EU would be a bad thing.

France is the only country where more than a quarter (32%) of the public says it would be positive for the EU if the UK departed.


https://www.statista.com/chart/4992/how-do-europeans-feel-about-the-eu-and-a-potential-brexit/

Markets edgy on the cusp of Brexit vote

Ironically, if the British don’t take a risk-averse stance, everyone else seems to be preparing for it. Markets have been reacting to the possibility of a Leave victory for the last few weeks – the British pound, Eurozone shares and global shares have suffered moderate losses. Meanwhile safe haven assets like the $US, Yen, sovereign bonds in major countries and gold have all gone up.

If the leave vote carries the day, markets are likely to experience continued short-term volatility; but investors shouldn’t let temporary stock market fluctuations derail their long-term investment strategy.
If Britons vote to stay in the EU, recent moves are likely to reverse – the British pound, Eurozone shares and bond yields may well bounce back.

We will have more to say when the outcome is known.

Further reading

UK Ousts itself from EU with 'Brexit' vote

EU sceptics fly many flags

The BBC’s excellent beginners guide to the EU