Sterling hits 2016 high as EU referendum day arrives

Up nearly 1% in overnight trading

Laura Dew
clock • 1 min read

Sterling reached a 2016 high against the dollar this morning as Britons vote on the UK's future in the European Union, despite the most recent polls showing the final result is still too close to call.

The pound soared 0.94% in overnight trading to $1.4844 - its highest level since 31 December when it hit $1.485. However, it then pared back gains slightly to $1.4809 as the morning progressed and voting got underway. Sterling has been particularly volatile during the lead-up to the EU referendum, culminating in the cost of hedging against swings in the currency over the next 24 hours surging to the highest on record overnight, according to Reuters.  Meanwhile, the VIX or 'fear' index, the closely-watched measure of expected US equity volatility, climbed on Wednesday to its highest le...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Economics / Markets

FCA's Rathi addresses Autumn Budget market abuse concerns

FCA's Rathi addresses Autumn Budget market abuse concerns

Pens open letter to Treasury Committee

Isabel Baxter
clock 04 December 2025 • 2 min read
More tax, less shelter: A slow-burn Budget for savers and investors

More tax, less shelter: A slow-burn Budget for savers and investors

'The Budget documents make for sobering reading for those trying to build up their wealth'

Laith Khalaf
clock 04 December 2025 • 3 min read
OBR 'deeply regrets' early release of Budget document

OBR 'deeply regrets' early release of Budget document

Mistaken release of Budget documents forced Richard Hughes' resignation

Linus Uhlig
clock 02 December 2025 • 3 min read