Pound to euro exchange rate slumps after Boris Johnson announces strict UK lockdown

The pound to euro exchange rate continues to be impacted by coronavirus. At the time of writing, there are 381,621 total confirmed cases globally. In the UK there are 6,726 cases. There have sadly been 335 deaths.

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Yesterday Boris Johnson announced tough measures were being introduced across Britain.

Johnson told the public the nation is facing a national emergency and they must stay at home to save lives.

Police will enforce the lockdown by breaking up groups and imposing fines of £30 upwards on people who flout the rules.

Speaking in Downing Street, the PM said the only valid reasons for venturing outside were to buy food, carry out essential work or for medical reasons.

One outdoor trip for exercise each day is also allowed but there should be no more than two people together in public, except for members of the same household.

All non-essential shops have been ordered to shut down, weddings cancelled and religious gatherings banned, except for funerals.

These changes have impacted the market which continues to monitor the pandemic.

So what have these seismic shifts in day-to-day life in the UK meant for the exchange rate?

The pound is currently trading at 1.0754 against the euro, according to Bloomberg at the time of writing.

Michael Brown, currency expert at international payments and foreign exchange firm Caxton FX, spoke to Express.co.uk regarding the latest exchange rate figures this morning.

“Sterling endured another volatile trading day against the euro on Monday,” said Brown.

“It eventually succumbed to a modest daily loss as markets reacted to the stricter ‘lockdown’ measures imposed by the Prime Minister in an attempt to control the spread of coronavirus.

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“Today, markets will once again continue to closely monitor the pandemic.

“They will also cast an eye over this morning’s flash PMI figures, which will provide a good leading indicator of the economic impact of the virus.”

Last night the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) unveiled an urgent new travel warning to Britons.

“As countries respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, including travel and border restrictions, the FCO advises British nationals against all but essential international travel.

“Any country or area may restrict travel without notice.

“If you live in the UK and are currently travelling abroad, you are strongly advised to return now, where and while there are still commercial routes available.

“Many airlines are suspending flights and many airports are closing, preventing flights from leaving.”

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