[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Firstly, a new opinion poll ahead of the upcoming French Presidential elections has suggested that the National Front candidate, Marine Le Pen, is gaining popularity amongst the electorate.

Whilst there also remains a strong sentiment for the newly emerged Socialist candidate, ex-banker Emmanuel Macron, many feel his initial surge of popularity has now begun to lose momentum.

As a result, there’s a growing belief amongst those of a pro-EU persuasion that a victory for euro-sceptic Le Pen could become a reality, and consequently her pledge to remove France from the euro looms large over the currency.

Closer to home, Sterling was further boosted by Mark Carney, Governor of the Bank of England, who has suggested in a statement to the Commons Treasury Select Committee that Brexit could be “smooth after all”.

Potential for smooth Brexit

Many have taken this as yet another indication from Carney that pre-referendum prediction of an economic ‘Armageddon’ for the UK in a Brexit scenario was very wide of the mark, and this latest comment could even lead the way to higher interest rates in the medium-term.

The coming weeks are sure to see further market fluctuations as much of Europe prepares to go to the polls and the UK draws ever closer to the official triggering of Article 50, and the commencement of its divorce from the EU. Sterling and euro rates in particular are likely to be at the forefront in this period, reflecting the sentiment emanating from these shifting geo-political events.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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