IMF issue strongest warning on Brexit

Britain could deal a damaging blow to the fragile global economy if it votes to leave the European Union in June, the IMF said in the sharpest warning yet from a global body about the risks associated with Brexit.

In a half-yearly assessment of the world economy, the International Monetary Fund listed the June 23 referendum as a key risk alongside instability in China and other emerging markets, volatile share prices, and a loss of long-term growth potential in advanced economies.

“The planned June referendum... has already created uncertainty for investors,” said the IMF’s chief economist Maurice Obstfeld.