Sterling spikes on Conservative majority

Landslide win for Tories

clock • 1 min read

The pound surged against both the US dollar and euro after the Conservatives won a landslide majority at the UK General Election on Thursday (12 December).

Sterling jumped almost 3% to touch 1.3514 against the US dollar, a 19-month high, as markets celebrated the defeat of Jeremy Corbyn's Labour party. Against the euro, sterling hit a high not seen since the referendum vote back in June 2016, at 1.2078 - a rise of around 2.5%. Richard Buxton, head of UK equities at Merian Global Investors, said the pound's initial reaction was "a little more muted than might have been expected". However, he added, the breaching of 1.20 against the euro "feels significant, and I would not be surprised to see sterling strengthen further from here". Buxton ...

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 Investment

Investment tax relief rises by smallest amount in four years amid recent Budget measures

Investment tax relief rises by smallest amount in four years amid recent Budget measures

Bowmore Financial Planning research

Jack Roach
clock 28 October 2026 • 2 min read
Defaqto to launch rating for newer funds and portfolios

Defaqto to launch rating for newer funds and portfolios

Combines Defaqto and RSMR expertise

Jen Frost
clock 27 October 2026 • 2 min read
FCA urges private market firms to review conflict management amid rapid growth

FCA urges private market firms to review conflict management amid rapid growth

Recurring weaknesses found

Michael Nelson
clock 26 October 2026 • 2 min read