Sterling falls to lowest levels since 'flash crash' as May signals 'hard Brexit'

Drpped below $1.20 this morning

Tom Eckett
clock • 1 min read

Sterling has slid below $1.20 for the first time since October's "flash crash" on reports Prime Minister Theresa May will use her speech on Tuesday to signal a "hard Brexit".

Sterling fell 1.6% this morning to $1.1986, its lowest level since it plummeted 6% in minutes to hit $1.14, following a computing error back in October. After falling to $1.1986 in morning trading, sterling has since rebounded above the $1.20 mark to trade at $1.2056 by 11am, still a 1.2% drop. The fall came after it was reported by The Sunday Times that May (pictured) is moving towards a 'hard Brexit', which would involve quitting the EU's single market for goods and services in return for control over immigration and deals with other countries outside of the EU. It is predicted her ...

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

Bank of England holds rates at 3.75% as it waits for 'cloudy' data to clear

Bank of England holds rates at 3.75% as it waits for 'cloudy' data to clear

'Wait and see approach'

Michael Nelson
clock 05 February 2026 • 2 min read
Kevin Warsh's surprise pick for Fed chair forces investors to rethink 'dollar debasement'

Kevin Warsh's surprise pick for Fed chair forces investors to rethink 'dollar debasement'

'Catalyst' for rapid repricing

Alex Sebastian
clock 04 February 2026 • 4 min read
Partner Insight: A new VCT landscape - what advisers need to know after the Budget

Partner Insight: A new VCT landscape - what advisers need to know after the Budget

For professional advisers and paraplanners only. Not to be relied upon by retail clients.

Toyin Oyeneyin, Tax Product Specialist, Octopus Investments
clock 19 January 2026 • 5 min read