Cigarettes and pop could take edge off Brexit stress

(MENAFN- ProactiveInvestors - UK) British American TobaccoPlc (LON:BATS) andImperial BrandsPlc (LON:IMB) are among the ''most compelling'' defensive shares to buy in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, according to Whitman Howard Equity Research.

In a note, Whitman Howard claims the larger companies in the UK''s Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector should overall be unaffected by the Brexit vote.

''Any investors looking to make a macro call should consider positively the predictable demand for large FMCG companies'' products and their international exposures,'' it said.

''The UK tobacco sector looks most compelling. Among small and mid-caps, the soft drinks sub-segment looks particularly well placed.''