ZCZC
BCN-39
MARKETS-EUROPE-OPEN
London stocks steady before vital Brexit vote
LONDON, March 29, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – London’s stock market steadied at the
open on Friday, with investors sitting tight before a crucial vote on
Britain’s Brexit future.
The benchmark FTSE 100 index edged up a couple of points to 7,226.71
compared with the close on Thursday.
Eurozone indices took their lead from a strong showing in Asia, with
Frankfurt’s DAX 30 index climbing 0.6 percent to 11,492.09 points at the
start and the Paris CAC 40 gaining 0.7 percent to 5,334.56 points.
British MPs are set for a momentous third vote Friday on Prime Minister
Theresa May’s Brexit deal, which could end a months-long political crisis or
risk Britain crashing out of the EU in two weeks.
The House of Commons has twice rejected May’s withdrawal agreement, both
times by large margins, but has been unable to agree on any alternative —
and time is running out.
The pivotal vote takes place on the day Britain was supposed to leave the
European Union, until May asked the bloc’s leaders last week for a little
more time.
BSS/AFP/HR/1455