Sterling’s reserve currency role is under threat – Natixis
|Sterling is a major reserve currency, accounting for 5% of global foreign exchange reserves while the United Kingdom accounts for only 3% of global GDP. But GBP’s reserve currency role could be under threat, according to analysts at Natixis.
What will happen if GBP’s reserve currency role diminishes?
“Sterling’s reserve currency role is under threat, particularly since the Brexit referendum, in the face of: The UK’s relatively weak growth; The reduced appeal of the United Kingdom for corporate investment; Awareness of the small size of the UK economy relative to its reserve currency status; Labour force decline, due to the departure of Europeans; And the onset of a vicious circle where because pound sterling is less attractive, it depreciates, which in turn makes it less attractive still.”
“If Sterling’s share of global foreign exchange reserves falls, foreign holders of pounds will become sellers. The market for Sterling will then have to rebalance after this selling shock, which will require a huge depreciation of the Pound: To offset central banks’ sales of GBP; To balance the UK’s current account without capital inflows.”
Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers.