Flanders, Nangle and Grady: The economists opposing Brexit

Among 200 economists backing 'remain' vote

Natalie Kenway
clock • 1 min read

J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Stephanie Flanders, Columbia Threadneedle's Toby Nangle and Aviva Investors' Michael Grady have joined a number of former Bank of England policymakers to sign a letter opposing a UK exit from the European Union.

The 200 economists who signed the letter featured in The Times said a Brexit would be a "major mistake" leading to "significant long-term costs".

Flanders (pictured), who is chief market strategist for JPMAM, Columbia Threadneedle's head of multi-asset Nangle, and Aviva Investors' senior economist Grady are joined by former Monetary Policy Committee members Charles Goodhart, David Blanchflower and Sushil Wadhwani in the list of names.

IW Podcast: Invesco Perpetual's Barnett and JPMAM's Flanders join the Brexit debate

"In addition, there is a sizable risk of a short-term shock to confidence if we were to see a leave vote on June 23," the economists wrote. "The Bank of England has signalled this concern clearly, and we share it."

Other signatories include former Treasury minister Kitty Ussher of Tooley Street Research, Alberto Gallo, head of global macro strategies at Algebris Investments and Erik Nielsen, global chief economist at UniCredit.

Yesterday, the Bank of England warned slowing economic growth and higher inflation were amongst the risks of Brexit with governor Mark Carney adding a "technical recession" was a possible scenario.

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