Advisers brace for client questions as UK votes 'leave'

'Business as usual' expectations now to be tested

Nicola Brittain
clock • 2 min read

Financial advisers are set to face a flurry of client questions and fluctuating markets in the short term following the United Kingdom's decision to leave the European Union (EU) in yesterday's referendum.

The 'leave' campaign won by 52% of the votes to 48%, on a turn-out of almost 72%. Yesterday markets and sterling had both been rallying in expectation of a narrow vote in favour of remaining in the EU. The shock decision has caused sterling to fall by more than 10% to trade at $1.338, down from $1.487 yesterday, and investment experts to warn of unstable market and economic conditions that could last up to five years. Markets had been pricing in some possibility of an exit but many investors believe there will still be considerable downside for UK equities. Billionaire investor George...

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

Burnham to stick with fiscal rules as power set to flow out of Whitehall

Burnham to stick with fiscal rules as power set to flow out of Whitehall

First speech since PM bid

clock 29 June 2026 • 2 min read
BoE's Alan Taylor: Extended interest rate hold an 'appropriately measured policy response'

BoE's Alan Taylor: Extended interest rate hold an 'appropriately measured policy response'

Geopolitics in the driving seat

Michael Nelson
clock 25 June 2026 • 2 min read
Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Advisers highlight uncertain political and fiscal future after Starmer resignation

Prime minister’s exit places chancellor Rachel Reeves’ position ‘inevitably’ under scrutiny

Isabel Baxter
clock 22 June 2026 • 5 min read