The S&P/ASX 200 (Index: ^AXJO) (ASX: XJO) has plunged in afternoon trading, down 3.8% at 5,082.30.
And the market could end down much further by the time the ASX rings the closing bell, thanks to Britain voting to leave the European Union (EU).
It was a stunning reversal of what most people had expected, with bookmakers predicting Britain would remain in the EU, although various polls over the past week had swung either way – showing it was going to be a close vote.
However, markets don't like uncertainty – and there is now a great deal of uncertainty over what happens next. European markets are likely to fall heavily when they begin trading later today, and the US is likely to follow. Investors will obviously be concerned that this has set a precedent and other countries may decide to leave the EU.
A worst case scenario could see the EU splinter and collapse.
Sell off over done?
But it could also be a huge opportunity for Australian investors. Whatever happens next, or however long it takes for Britain to withdraw, Australians are still going to continue buying food, building houses, using financial services and travelling.
That means the heavy falls experienced by the big four banks Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ASX: ANZ), Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX: CBA), National Australia Bank Ltd (ASX: NAB) and Westpac Banking Corp (ASX: WBC) may be overdone.
ANZ's share price fell 4.8% to $23.27, CBA was down 4.2% to $71.90, NAB was down 4.5% at $24.44 and Westpac's share price was crunched 5.3% down to $28.08.
Woolworths Limited (ASX: WOW) and Wesfarmers Ltd (ASX: WES) are also unlikely to be affected much by Brexit given the billions in revenues they will continue to generate in their supermarkets and liquor divisions. Investors still sold off both companies with Wesfarmers share price down 2.9% and Woolworths 1.7%.
Better opportunities ahead
Should European and US markets sell off in the next few days, that could be a perfect opportunity for Australian investors to pick up shares going cheap.
Foolish takeaway
My portfolios (SMSF and personal) have been whacked today, but I'm not all that concerned. Given the opportunity to pick up shares in high quality companies at cheap prices means I'm more excited than anything else.
Get your watchlists ready.
