Inflation and economic growth were the two key themes which politicians, global economists and central bankers grappled with in September. There is an almost unprecedented interest in economic indicators in 2025, perhaps because of the unchartered economic territories Trump has pushed the world into. Not all these indicators are reliable predictors of the future. So, …
The pound slipped in value against both the US dollar and the euro last month, with markets reacting to concerns over economic growth and interest rate expectations. Unfortunately, these shifts are not just abstract market movements, when the pound falls it has a tangible impact on individual finances. A weaker currency affects everything from the …
UK inflation climbed to 3.8% in July 2025, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). This is up from 3.6% in June and was driven by food price increases in items such as beef, orange juice, and coffee, alongside a sharp 30% monthly spike in airfares and …
The UK Government bond or ‘gilt’ market is once again under pressure. In recent weeks, yields on long-dated gilts have risen sharply, with the 30-year gilt yield reaching above 5.61% (at the time of writing). That level has not been seen since 1998 and represents a significant increase in borrowing costs for the Government. The …
The Government is weighing up potential reforms to the way capital gains tax (CGT) is applied to property. Reports suggest one option under discussion is whether to alter the generous tax treatment of primary residences, particularly those at the higher end of the housing market. At present, private residence relief means homeowners do not pay …
Introduction UK equity markets hit new heights in July as the FTSE100 cruised through 9000 despite sluggish GDP growth. President Trump continued to show his more conciliatory side as he delayed tariff deadlines and achieved a relatively soft landing once a deal with the EU was reached. Whilst we will inevitably see some ups and …
Introduction Further tensions in the Middle East dominated headlines in June. Israeli airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in mid-June led to a temporary spike in oil prices and increased market volatility. The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran further heightened concerns, given its strategic importance for global oil transit. United States Trump’s …
Price rises have accelerated to 3.5% according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Consumer Price Index (CPI) measure of inflation for April 2025, released on 21 May 2025. This means that, year-on-year, the cost of a range of goods and services is now 3.5% higher than the same period 12 months ago. It is …
Introduction It’s almost impossible to write any commentary on financial markets this year without mentioning Donald Trump. After the turmoil of April, and the dramatic tariff announcements which sent markets into a spin, May was relatively sedate in comparison. United States US equity markets bounced back in May. The S&P 500, the Nasdaq Composite and …
A weaker US dollar could have significant potential effects on the UK economy, household finances and long-term financial portfolios. Understanding these implications is important, especially given the high levels of uncertainty in the global economy and the effect of this on financial plans. Key here, amidst all the uncertainty, is ensuring decisions aren’t made rashly, …
