Not Catching A Cold Any More?

 

It’s fair to say that the UK is pretty much obsessed with the USA, its politics, its economy and all things that could impact our back-pocket. Just look at the exposure that Donald Trump and Hilary Clinton had on UK TV, radio and social media in their recent political sparring……and that’s before they go at it for the Presidency in November. Expect nothing other than 24 hour coverage.

 

The expression used to be that when America sneezes, the UK catches a cold, such is the importance of their economy to the UK……times might be changing though.

 

All eyes have been on the Federal Reserve (think Bank of England with a strange accident) this week to judge if interest rates are likely to rise in the USA. What was interesting in the minutes of their recent meeting was the reference to the UK. In fact, not just a reference but clearly quoted opinion on the UK economy over 20 times (mainly due to Brexit).

 

So are we a bigger deal than we thought in the USA? Well, it certainly caused the Federal Reserve to split its vote and not raise interest rates……that’s big enough a ‘deal’ in my eyes.

 

We perhaps should remember that when we are at the negotiating table with our American cousins……we no longer need to be the nodding lap dog that too many UK Governments have been over the years.

 

Interesting times.