NEW YORK, Oct 24 (Reuters) - Following British Prime
Minister Boris Johnson's call Thursday for a national election,
the pound GBP= whipsawed in choppy trade, plunging then
recouping some losses to land half a percent lower on the day
against the dollar.
Johnson said on Thursday that he was asking parliament to
approve a national election to take place on Dec. 12 as part of
his efforts to ensure Britain leaves the European Union.
Although uncertainty about Brexit has hurt the pound, the
currency has been bolstered in October as the chances of a
no-deal exit have been all but eliminated. The pound was last
down 0.45% to $1.286. It is currently up nearly 5% this month.