Britain has voted to leave the European Union, by a vote of 52% to 48%. This decision has caused turmoil in Europe, with the leave voters, or supporters of the "Brexit" movement, wondering if they should've voted the other way around. The realization that Britain now has to now create an economy on their own has fueled the doubts in the leave voters' hearts. The decision is not only a big deal for Britain, however. In this global world, "Brexit" will have effects on US soil, as well.
The housing market is one example of the effects. Americans will be able to finance their homes more easily and at a
cheaper rate now. This is because Britain's
pull from the EU has caused the pound to fall "to a 31-year low...against the dollar."
As the dollar rises, mortgages rates for American home buyers are
attached to cheaper interest rates, making it more affordable to finance a new home.
If you're thinking of traveling to or studying abroad in Europe,
as many students do every year, this rise of the US dollar means you
can buy more for your money during your trip. As the pound decreases in
value, Americans can support the European businesses they visit without
going broke. If you're planning to prolong your stay and move to Europe, be wary of the job outlook for immigrants. One of the major components of the Brexit movement is the conservative view of immigration. There will most likely be stricter immigration laws coming Europe's way and less work available for those who make it. This sounds familiar, for some reason.
All eyes will be on Britain as they create a future without the EU, and this will not be the last we hear of the "Brexit" movement and the debates surrounding it. It will be interesting to see if other European countries join Britain in leaving the EU, or if they will continue to condemn that choice. The world is becoming more and more globalized, and that means every movement made by a country affects other countries. As a modern US citizen, Britain's economy is as important to know as your own economy.