Brexit camp seems to have the edge - or does it?

Washington

BREXIT, that is, Britain's exit from the European Union, is winning. As the June 23 referendum approaches, public opinion has swung toward "Leave the EU", as opposed to "Remain in the EU". This has fuelled anxieties about the global economy and the fate of Europe.

Brexit could compound economic pessimism, leading to a sell-off in stock markets and a further slowdown in global growth. The long-term worries include a gradual breakup of the EU if Brexit triggers similar votes in other EU members, "where public confidence in the EU ... is at a record low", warned a memo from the Institute of International Finance, an industry research group. Scotland, for one, might also demand a new independence referendum.