The pound sterling rose to an eight-day high in the wake of Brexit discussions at Chequers. UK Prime Minister Theresa May was attempting to unite her government over Brexit plans.

But it plunged after news later in the day that foreign secretary Boris Johnson had resigned.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Details of the deal brokered by May were announced after markets closed on Friday. The Prime Minister managed to secure the backing of her cabinet to pursue what is being seen as a soft Brexit deal.

Part of the proposal is to “create a UK-EU free trade area which establishes a common rulebook for industrial goods and agricultural products”. This would enable close trade ties to preserve frictionless goods trade between Britain and the EU.

Concerns over soft Brexit fail to impact markets

However, the proposal has sparked opposition from hardline Brexiteers who fear this could prevent a UK trade deal with the US which has different standards in goods and foods.

Despite some remain and hard-Brexit-backing MPs being unhappy with the arrangement, May’s demand for a unified stance had the potential to bring about some stability and certainty over Brexit negotiations.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

However, the sudden resignations of Brexit Secretary David Davis and his deputy, Steve Baker, as of this morning, have called this stability into question.

Davis, who has been leading the UK negotiations to leave the EU, has resigned in response to his belief that May’s government would not be able to deliver on its “manifesto commitment to leave the Customs Union and the Single Market”.

This has raised questions over whether May’s plan could survive a Commons vote, or if she will face a challenge to her position.

Trading has not been heavily affected by these events, however. The pound has strengthened slightly against the dollar and the euro following the news.

Rebecca O’Keeffe, head of investment at interactive investor, said: “The Brexit secretary may be a bit disappointed that far from the market being devastated by the news, investors have shrugged off his departure.” This could reflect traders taking the news of Davis’ departure as a sign that soft Brexit is increasingly more likely.

Pound sterling, FTSE100 following the Brexit announcements

The pound sterling rose 0.44 per cent against the dollar to a rate of GBP/USD 1.3350 as of midday today (GMT), its best level since 14 June. Sterling also increased 0.25 per cent against the euro to £1.134 per euro.

In addition, the FTSE100 appears to not have been affected by the recent developments being up 0.25% this morning to 7,636 points.

But the pound slumped following the news at around 3pm that Johnson had resigned from the May government. Gains earlier in the day were rapidly wiped as it fell to £1.125 against the euro before rising to £1.126.

Chart source: Xe.com.