Stress test: The outlook for pensions post-Brexit

Brexit is a process, not an event

clock • 3 min read

Andrew Milligan looks at what to expect as the pensions industry comes to terms with the UK's decision to leave the EU

The immediate pain of the Brexit vote was seen in headlines proclaiming that the UK's pension deficit has reached £1trn. Actually, the negative and positive implications of the vote will ricochet through the global economy and financial markets for years to come. Starting with economic activity, an uncertainty shock of this size will cause the UK to slow materially, and Europe more modestly, into 2017, certainly requiring a central bank response - probably a fiscal response in due course too. Early, aggressive and co-ordinated easing would be a precondition for a better outcome. We...

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

UK inflation falls to 3% to give BoE 'green light' for rate cut

UK inflation falls to 3% to give BoE 'green light' for rate cut

In line with expectations

Michael Nelson
clock 18 February 2026 • 2 min read
Interest rate cuts expected after UK GDP edges up 0.1%

Interest rate cuts expected after UK GDP edges up 0.1%

Construction output lowest since 2021

Patrick Brusnahan
clock 12 February 2026 • 2 min read
Leaked Budget document viewed almost 25,000 times ahead of speech

Leaked Budget document viewed almost 25,000 times ahead of speech

Office for Budget Responsibility chair Richard Hughes quit as a result

Jenna Brown
clock 11 February 2026 • 2 min read