Pound falls on fears of Scottish independence

The pound has fallen to its lowest level in 10 months amid uncertainty about Scotland's future within the UK.

The currency fell 1% in early Monday Asian trading to $1.6165, and also fell almost 1% against the euro to 1 euro 2527.

It came after a YouGov poll suggested supporters of an independent Scotland had taken a narrow lead in the referendum debate for the first time.

Just a week ago sterling was trading at $1.66 against the US dollar.

Voters in Scotland go to the polls on Thursday, 18 September, when they will be asked the "Yes/No" question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

The poll, which featured in the Sunday Times, suggested that

Scottish independence: Firms question "Yes" vote business case

More than 130 businesses have signed a letter saying the business case for Scottish independence "has not been made".

The signatories come from a variety of businesses including banking, mining, engineering, food, whisky, and technology.

But lobby group Business for Scotland said economic "facts and figures" support Scottish independence.

The letter will be published in Wednesday's Scotsman newspaper.

Scotland will go to the polls in the referendum on 18 September, with voters being asked asked the "Yes/No" question: "Should Scotland be an independent country?"

The letter is signed by business leaders including Douglas Flint, the chairman of HSBC; Andrew Mackenzie, the chief executive of the mining giant, BHP Billiton; and Sir John Grant, executive vice-president of policy at the energy company, BG Group.

Others include Audrey Baxter, executive chairman