Global equities posted mixed performance for the week. AI-related stocks drove most of the gains across the US and Japan, while European equities were pressured as the Strait of Hormuz remained largely closed. US: Equities rally to record highs on AI strength and positive earnings reports US equity markets finished the week higher overall, with several indices reaching record highs despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding tensions between the US and Iran. Gains were led by the

Global equities advanced over the week, supported by signs of de-escalation in the Middle East, strong earnings momentum and generally reassuring economic data. US performed best, while UK equities lagged for the second straight week. US: Equities rally strongly on de-escalating tensions in the Middle East US equities posted a third consecutive week of gains, with several indices reaching record highs. The Nasdaq led performance, rallying +6.84%, driven by continued strength

Global equities rally strongly on two-week ceasefire framework in the Middle East. Japanese equities led the way, while UK equities were the laggard. US: Equities jump on two-week ceasefire framework in the Middle East US equities recorded a second consecutive week of strong gains as signs of de-escalation in the Middle East led to falling oil prices and improved risk sentiment. Markets opened the week on a cautious footing, but sentiment improved sharply later in the week fo

Conflict in the Middle East has unsettled markets, driving volatility and raising concerns over inflation. Energy shock clouds the outlook. The Iran war has created fresh uncertainty for the global economy, complicating efforts by central banks to contain inflation. Its effects have rippled across markets, fuelling volatility and clouding the outlook for growth. Wholesale oil and gas prices have surged, with experts warning that if prices remain elevated, goods and services c

When you’re early in your career, tax can feel like one of those topics everyone expects you to understand but no one explains. Yet getting to grips with the basics now can make a huge difference to your take-home pay, your savings, and your long-term financial confidence. Here are five key concepts every young earner in the UK should know. Your first £12,570: What “tax free” really means Most people in the UK can earn £12,570 a year without paying any Income Tax. This is

The Middle East conflict and subsequent energy price volatility continued to drive investor sentiment across key global markets. US equities were hit hardest as shifting headlines undermined confidence in a near-term resolution and saw sentiment deteriorate towards the end of the week. UK equities fared best as markets rebounded following last week’s heavy selling. US: Escalating Middle East conflict weighs on sentiment U.S. equities finished the week mixed and volatile, driv

For the majority of homeowners, the end of a fixed-rate mortgage deal is already a moment that requires careful financial planning. But when global events begin to create uncertainty in financial markets, the question of when and how to remortgage can feel even more complex. Recent tensions in the Middle East have added another layer of unpredictability to the economic outlook. While the conflict may feel distant in terms of geography, developments like these can ripple throu

Global equity markets sell-off sharply as attacks on key energy infrastructure and concerns over a prolonged conflict in the Middle East sees energy prices rise. Global central banks are in wait and see mode, but traders have been ramping up bets for potential rate hikes, particularly in the UK. US: US Federal Reserve keeps rates on hold amid increased uncertainty surrounding inflation US equities ended the week lower after a volatile period driven by the Middle Eastern confl

The heightened instability in the Middle East continues to influence the global market outlook, particularly through energy supply risks and inflation pressures. Our scenario analysis below sets out three potential paths - our base case (what we expect), the bear case and the bull case - each with differing implications for inflation, economic growth and market sentiment. Across each of the scenarios, any portfolio changes we consider will be firmly based around our data driv

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continues to weigh on global equity markets, as investors remain wary of the inflationary risks posed by elevated energy prices. Japanese equities were hit hardest last week, while China fared best. US: EQUITY SELLOFF INTENSIFIES AS MIDDLE EAST CONFLICT WEIGHS ON SENTIMENT US equities fell for a third week as the Middle East conflict and volatile oil prices continued to weigh on sentiment. Investors are balancing the risk of prolonged s

OMPS - Tactical Trade Update March 2026 On 10 March 2026, we initiated instructions to conduct two trades and a full rebalance of the OMPS portfolios. Here is a summary of the changes: Summary We reduced exposure to US Large Caps through the Omnis US Equity Leaders Fund. Excessive market concentration and stretched valuations following the AI-induced equity market rally sees us cautious on the outlook for US Large Caps. In addition, we believe that any further escalation in t

Global markets swung sharply this week following the attack in Iran, with oil and gas prices jumping and equities falling across most regions. Oil jumped ~20%, gas surged ~60%, and global equities, and bonds, fell across the board. These types of market moves are common when major geopolitical events occur. They often reflect uncertainty, and not necessarily long-term economic damage. All eyes remain on how the conflict unfolds and the impact this could have on energy markets

Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the Spring Statement 2026 on the 3rd March alongside the latest Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) Economic and Fiscal Outlook, providing an updated picture of the UK economy and public finances. The Spring Forecast points to falling inflation, lower borrowing and steady economic growth, with living standards expected to improve over the course of the Parliament. While the Statement did not introduce major new policy announcements, it o

The global economic backdrop was mixed last week, with shifting monetary policy expectations, geopolitical developments and tariff uncertainty. Despite varied market drivers, themes such as improving confidence in parts of Europe and Japan, firmer policy signals in the UK, and renewed risk appetite in China helped shape overall sentiment. The US was again the laggard, as we saw a continued rotation into other regions. US: AI disruption concerns weigh on equities US equities f

What's Happened? The United States and Israel launched a large scale coordinated military operation against Iran on February 28, 2026, targeting Iranian leadership, ballistic missile sites, and key military infrastructure. The escalation follows stalled nuclear talks and months of rising tensions between the nations. Iran's Supreme National Security Council confirmed that their Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the initial strikes, along with dozens of senio

*NB: This update was prepared at the end of February 2026, before the US and Israeli attacks on Iran. Markets steady as tariff fears ease. Global market concerns surrounding tariffs eased when the Supreme Court ruled that the mechanism used in President Trump’s sweeping Liberation Day tariffs were unlawful. Trump subsequently announced new tariffs would come into effect at 15% (via another mechanism). In the end a 10% blanket rate was added. Whilst the administration can stil

A broadly positive week for global equities, as favourable macroeconomic data supported investor sentiment. UK and European equities extended their year-to-date outperformance of the US, while Japan took a breather following an exceptionally strong start to 2026. US: POLICY MAKERS SPLIT ON NEAR-TERM INTEREST RATE CUTS US equities finished the shortened week higher, with markets rallying on Friday after the Supreme Court overturned President Trump’s global tariffs, boosting s

AI disruption concerns again dominate global markets, with the US subsequently lagging global peers. Japan was the standout performer with stocks rallying strongly on the Liberal Democratic Party achieving a supermajority. US: Tech sector sell-off intensifies, while jobs data surprises to the upside US equities declined over the week as concerns about widespread AI disruption pressured markets, with the Tech-dominated Nasdaq being hit hardest. Value stocks outperformed growth

Despite geopolitical turbulence, it was a positive month for markets A positive start to the year. Global markets rebounded after President Donald Trump said a framework on a future deal for Greenland had been reached. He said he would no longer impose tariffs on some European countries and ruled out taking Greenland by force, helping to calm investor nerves after renewed trade-war risks had caused European stocks to slip and US Treasury yields to spike. Equity markets were

Global equity markets were mixed for the week, as investors reacted to the US Federal Reserve meeting. UK equities were the best performer, while Japanese equities lagged due to a large rally in the Japanese Yen. US: S&P 500 briefly touches record highs before pulling back on softening investor sentiment U.S. equities advanced, with the S&P 500 briefly topping 7,000 (an all-time high) before paring gains. Large‑cap value stocks outperformed, while small and mid‑caps lagged. M