OPEC has successfully managed expectations for a production freeze, even if an eventual deal is still unlikely, which has driven oil prices to nearly double since their February lows. Few would have predicted in January the momentum of the Trump campaign and the potential uncertainty on global trade.

As important as these events have been, however, 2016 will likely be remembered for one event in particular.

A referendum that most polls predicted would fail has forced a massive selloff in one of the world's top currencies, and has put in doubt the future of one of its largest economies.