SFN readers are for ‘remain’ as banker’s backing sees markets rise

Almost three quarters of the almost 500 SFN readers who took part in the poll say they are set to vote to ‘remain’ in the finely-poised stand-off over Britain’s EU membership.

Of the total of 492 readers who took part in the SFN poll, 74.4 per cent feel the case has not been made to break away from Europe.

Scottish Financial News editor, Matthew Low, said: “This result comes as no surprise and our fingings are line with many of the surveys done across the wider commercial sector north of the border. It would seem fair to say that the vast majority of the financial sector in Scotland, which employs more than 30,000, is simply not prepared to accept the risk of leaving the EU.”

SFN’s result follows the findings of a survey of Scotland’s mid-sized businesses published yesterday which showed over two thirds (69 per cent) of Scottish mid-sized firms are committed to remain in the EU.

Meanwhile, the FTSE 100 Index jumped 22.6 points to 6,226.6 yesterday, touching its highest point since the start of the 2016 as investors remained confident that the result of tomorrow’s referendum will keep the UK in the EU.

Heavyweight financial stocks were among the biggest risers, with Edinburgh-based Standard Life, along with Barclays stepping up 8.1p to 331.4p and 3.5p to 180.4p respectively.

Tesco was another strong riser, up 1.7 per cent, or 2.7p, to 164.2p, ahead of an update tomorrow which is expected to show a second consecutive quarter of UK sales growth for the first time in more than five years.

Other big Footsie risers included Mediclinic International up 30.5p to £9.23, Intu Properties 9.8p higher at 308.3p and Old Mutual up 4p to 187.8p.

Among the big fallers were Informa down 13.5p to 658.5p, Anglo American off 11.7p at 658.3p, TUI down 14p to £10.15 and Sky down 12p to 875.5p.