"Brexit reports misleading world of currency"

Right when the Brexit talks threaten to run aground, the EU and Great Britain are taking a step towards one another. It's far too early, however, to presume both parties will soon come to an agreement, according to Laurens Maartens of the Dutch Betaal- en Wisselmaatschappij.

Half way through the week, however, the mood turned. This was largely thanks to the promise by EU negotiator Michel Barnier that he will make an offer of collaboration to Great Britain that the EU hasn't offered to any other country. At least as important as the statement itself was the company in which Barnier spoke. He gave a statement with the German minister of Foreign Affairs, Heiko Maas, which indicates that he is covered by German politics. The support from the strongest economy in Europe is necessary for reaching an agreement between the EU and Great Britain. A second reason for the quick revival of the pound is the statement by Brexit minister Danial Raab that they have already agreed on over 80% of the issues. He did not mention which issues these were. It's important that both sides find a solution for the border between Ireland and the British Northern Ireland. At the end of last year Prime Minister Theresa May guaranteed that the movement of goods and people will remain possible there. She had to backpaddle on the statement, however, under pressure from Conservative party members. European negotiators maintain that finding a solution for the Northern Irish border is a condition to reaching a Brexit deal. It is too early to feel any enthusiasm for the prospects of the pound. In the past year it has happened more than once that the talks ran aground after a few optimistic comments. For now the currency will continue to bounce up and down between hope and fear. As long as there is no agreement, it is up to entrepreneurs to put in place a plan B for a No-Deal and to map out how the currency risks can be covered - including after Brexit Day March 29 2019.