UK snap election raises key questions for investors

Political and market volatility in weeks ahead

UK Prime Minister Theresa May's surprise decision to call a snap General Election for 8 June caught markets off guard as they re-opened following the Easter break.

Clearly pressure has been building on May in recent weeks, as she had previously ruled out an early election. However, in last week's statement, the Prime Minister said the way to "guarantee certainty and stability for the years ahead is to hold this election". Although she stressed now was the best time to call a General Election as waiting until 2020 would clash with the most difficult stage in the Brexit negotiations, clearly May wants to capitalise on her strong lead in the polls. In a recent survey by ComRes, the Conservative party was 21 points ahead of Labour. This is the pa...