During my holiday trip in Taiwan, I read about the news that British is departing the EU (European Union).
I believe many readers should have known that on Friday, 24th June 2016, Briton votes have concluded Britain shall leave the EU (European Union). Prime minister, David Cameron resigns as results are final.
Impact on Tourism
As a result of weaker sterling pound, we may expect less tourist from the UK. Based on March 2016 statistics, UK contributes around 3.9% of international tourist arrivals. As a result of lesser tourists, stocks in my portfolio that has dependency on tourism that may be impact are OUE Hospitality Trust, Far East Hospitality Trust, Suntec REIT, Mapletree Commercial Trust and The Hour Glass.
Weaker Sterling Pound
The value of the pound sterling has fell against the US dollar and you may have read about news many flock to money exchanges to buy the sterling pound.
“Brexit” impact on my Straits Times Index
The Straits Times Index plunged by 2.09% in a day.
“Brexit” impact on my portfolio
On Friday, after stock market close, the total value of my sweet retirement stock portfolio fell by 1.42%.
OUE Hospitality Trust owns Mandarin Orchard Singapore, Mandarin Gallery and Crowne Plaza Changi Airport Hotel. Lesser tourists arrivals may mean lesser hotel rooms will be taken up. Mandarin Gallery which is in the prime Orchard area may be impacted as well due to less spending by tourists from UK.
Far East Hospitality Trust which is a pure hotel and residence play will be impacted as well due to lesser tourist arrivals.
Suntec REIT which owns Suntec City and Mapletree Commercial Trust owns Vivo City mall be impacted in a way or another. However, I believe the impact may not be that significant depending on their shoppers profile.
The Hour Glass which is already impacted by current weaker tourist spending, may further be impacted due to more weaker spending by UK tourists.
Bus and taxi operations in the United Kingdom account for around 20% of ComfortDelGro’s operating profit. Thus, I am expecting the weaker sterling pound to have a financial impact on ComfortDelgro’s earnings for FY16.
The impact may be felt in the upcoming months. I shall keep a lookout to see if the above will happen in the upcoming months.