Sterling to gain 8% this year on smooth Brexit - Reuters Poll

Sterling could rise 8 percent this year, assuming Britain and the European Union part ways amicably, according to a Reuters poll of foreign exchange strategists. 

Key points (Source: Reuters)

In a month, sterling will be little moved from Wednesday's levels, trading at $1.27. 

When Britain and the EU part ways it will have strengthened to $1.30. By mid-year, it will have climbed to $1.32 and at year-end, it will be over 8 percent higher at $1.38.

The 12-month median forecast is still lower than the $1.50 sterling was hovering around before the June 2016 Brexit referendum. 

Only three of 66 analysts with 12-month forecasts expected it to strengthen past that.