Pound reaches highest level since Brexit referendum

Sterling's trade weighted index reached 86.4 this week, its joint highest level since the June 2016 Brexit referendum, on Bank of England figures reported by the BBC.

Why it matters: The milestone lands the day before a Bank of England decision at which the first rate rise in three years is widely expected, and a stronger pound works directly against imported inflation.

Data as of BBC report of November 4, 2026, read in full via the live browser in this run. The index value of 86.4, against a basket of 18 currencies with 100 equal to the 2005 level, is from Bank of England figures as reported by the BBC, which said the Bank was to officially confirm the calculation on Thursday. Single-source report. Developing item.

The pound has risen to its highest overall level since the Brexit referendum more than a decade ago, with sterling up notably in recent weeks against both the euro and the dollar. The Bank of England’s trade weighted measure, against a basket of 18 main currencies, reached 86.4 this week, its joint highest since June 2016.

Traders cited relative political stability, solid growth and closer ties with the European Union, alongside the expected rise in interest rates, as the reasons the UK is being viewed differently. UK growth so far in 2026 has outperformed expectations, although higher energy and fuel prices have begun to weigh on consumer confidence.

Pound reaches highest level since Brexit referendum

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