Brandon Zietsman: Brexit and the wisdom of the collective

Lessons to learn

clock • 7 min read

That unexpected things happen is completely predictable and as much time should go into engineering portfolios for impossible-to-forecast events as goes into formulating directional views, argues Brandon Zietsman

The last couple of years have not been a great ad for democracy. The Brexit and Trump phenomenon is not just crazy stuff you can shrug off. Although these are different events, with somewhat overlapping sets of causes, they go straight to the heart of our identity in liberal democracies and raise lots of questions. The fact we know why these events happened and can build a historic narrative to explain them provides little solace. Long before the political shocks of 2016, we were lamenting the lurch towards nationalism, inward-looking policies, intolerant rhetoric and identity politics, ...

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

Chancellor Khalaf has a plan to make our economy boom

Chancellor Khalaf has a plan to make our economy boom

'So, Sir Keir, if you're reading, I do genuinely hope Rachel is doing okay. And my number's still the same. So, you know, call me'

Laith Khalaf
clock 25 July 2025 • 5 min read
UK capital markets need to close gap between 'perception and reality' - Poppy Gustafsson

UK capital markets need to close gap between 'perception and reality' - Poppy Gustafsson

Speaking at IA annual conference

Sorin Dojan
clock 26 June 2025 • 2 min read
Trust in ONS data 'very low' as financial services shifts to alternative sources

Trust in ONS data 'very low' as financial services shifts to alternative sources

Follows latest inflation blunder

Sorin Dojan
clock 24 June 2025 • 4 min read