News breaking a few moments ago from Reuters citing sources 13 Dec

  • national elections likely to be on 4 or 11 March

Elections have to be held by May but with most parties keen to hold elections asap. A hung parliament the likely outcome.

Early elections seems the be flavour of the political spectrum this year. May regrets her calling one but Abe fared a little better. Always a gamble in these fragile times.

Mind you, it'll keep people focussed given they don't have an interest in the World Cup. Ouch, sorry dear Italian readers. Blame my holiday for the flippancy!

Euro gently lower since the headlines were first posted.