MOSCOW (Sputnik) — On Thursday, the United Kingdom held a referendum to determine whether or not the country should leave the European Union. According to the final results, 51.9 percent of voters, or 17.4 million people, decided to support Brexit, while about 16.1 million opposed it.
British Pound
After the first results were announced, the British pound exchange rate began its plunge, hitting the lowest levels in over 30 years by reaching $1.32 in just a few hours.
After Bank of England Governor Mark Carney pledged to provide 250 billion pounds ($343 billion at the current exchange rates) to support the falling markets, the British national currency managed to stabilize now trading at $1.38 per pound, still almost a 7-percent decrease comparing to the previous close.
The pound is also drastically depreciating against the euro now trading at 1.24 euros and losing almost 4.9 percent.
Stock Exchanges
The DAX index of the 30 major German companies trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange is losing over 6.5 percent and trading at 9,584.00 points. A benchmark French stock market index, the CAC 40, is losing over 7.8 percent trading at 4,118.52 points.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange Nikkei index closed on Friday with an 8-percent decline, while the Athens stock exchange dropped severe 15 percent amid the British referendum results.
Oil Prices
Brent oil price has dropped by over 5.3 percent to $48.2 per barrel, market data indicate. WTI Crude Oil is trading at $47.52, a 5.2-percent decrease compared to the previous close.
Despite the Brexit shock, oil prices still fluctuate within a 20-day average.
