Armchair Critic: The age of unpredictability

What follows for portfolio construction?

clock • 4 min read

Amid the post-mortems and post-rationalisations on the unexpected general election result, Professional Adviser's Armchair Critic Brendan Llewellyn suggests one big conclusion is that people just don't know

Ahead of this election, I attending several meetings of well-informed financial services practitioners, including political analysts. A good way to raise a laugh at any of these was to pull up a picture of Jeremy Corbyn on the PowerPoint presentation. Prior to that, another series of similar meetings where the consensus was again overwhelmingly clear - Clinton was a bit weak but Trump has no chance. A pattern begins to emerge. Prior to the Brexit vote, this time last year, I asked 40 providers what they would like to cover at a meeting and less than a handful said Brexit - it was almost ...

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 Your profession

Targeted support signals evolution in advice delivery

Targeted support signals evolution in advice delivery

Softer launches expected at first

Isabel Baxter
clock 10 April 2026 • 1 min read
CII: Vulnerable client management is 'an opportunity for growth'

CII: Vulnerable client management is 'an opportunity for growth'

Firms can expand potential client bases

Isabel Baxter
clock 07 April 2026 • 2 min read
Common language used by advisers triggers anxiety and distrust among retirees

Common language used by advisers triggers anxiety and distrust among retirees

Product-led communication one of the biggest drivers of mistrust

Laura Purkess
clock 01 April 2026 • 1 min read