Introduction The Autumn Statement on 26th November dominated British headlines. In the US the longest government shutdown in history came to an end, and China will hope that the trade war ceasefire will start to show improving results in their end of year economic performance. UK After months of speculation, the Autumn Statement finally arrived, …
The political background The chancellor Rachel Reeves has been under enormous pressure all year. In addition to some major economic headwinds, she has faced political battles on several fronts. Even her own MPs rebelled when she tried to save money through benefits cuts. The media reduced her choices down to two simple options. Break the …
Prices rises have remained steadily at 3.8% for three consecutive months, the latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows. These figures, published on 22 October 2025, show that the annual rate of the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) remained at 3.8% in the 12 months to September, unchanged for the third month in …
We’ve seen record highs in equity markets, a ceasefire in the Middle East, better than expected inflation figures, and surprisingly good UK retail sales performance. Despite this, the pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves is relentless as she heads towards another Autumn Statement on 26th November, where she is expected to face more criticism and possibly …
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 …
