As we leave the year behind and move into 2026, the mortgage market stands at an important turning point. After two years of shifting interest rates, fluctuating buyer sentiment and ongoing cost pressures, many households are now prioritising stability. The year ahead is set to bring fresh opportunities, along with a few uncertainties, and understanding the direction of travel will be crucial for anyone planning to buy, move or remortgage. Last year saw a gradual return of co

Equity markets closed the year strongly as investors looked past tariff turmoil Equities shrug off uncertainty. Markets finished the year strongly, with major indices ending on a high. Global equities looked past the turmoil caused by President Donald Trump’s tariffs, posting a third consecutive year of double-digit gains in 2025. US stocks also enjoyed a robust year, supported by solid corporate earnings, enthusiasm around artificial intelligence and optimism over potential

At first glance, things like coffee and chocolate might not seem to have much to do with mortgages. But as you might have noticed, both have become noticeably more expensive in recent months. Don’t worry, this isn’t another lecture about skipping your morning latte or Starbucks trip to save for your house deposit. Instead it’s a call to look behind those higher prices where you’ll find a bigger story about inflation, which has a direct impact on the mortgage deals available t

Life can be full of surprises. You can’t be prepared for everything. You may have some insurance to support you financially if the unexpected happens, but have you considered how private medical insurance might offer you and your family the peace of mind you need if your health takes a turn for the worst? A growing trend According to data published by The Telegraph, patients are opting for private healthcare in record numbers as the NHS is blighted by long wait times and stri

A muted week for global equity markets, with no major surprises. The US Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25%, as expected. Meanwhile, the European Central Bank is expected to keep interest rates on hold this week. US: Mixed performance as Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by 0.25%, but AI Valuation concerns re-emerge Most major stock indices rose and hit all-time highs during the week, supported by the Federal Reserve’s third consecutive interest rate cut and comment

Global equities advanced as expectations for a December interest rate cut supported risk assets. Chinese equities were the best performer, as investors shrugged off concerns surrounding slowing economic activity in the region and focused on the attractive outlook for domestic technology and AI. US: Stocks rise in anticipation of 0.25% interest rate cut this week U.S. stock markets finished the week higher, as investors price an increasing likelihood of an interest rate cut at

Global stock markets have been buoyed higher by renewed speculation of a December rate cut A late recovery. US stocks rallied towards the end of November as rising expectations of a December interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) offset concerns over elevated tech valuations. Markets were buoyed when the chances of a December cut increased after New York Fed President John Williams signalled that rates could start to fall in the near term. Strong results from bi

It’s fair to say that the Autumn Budget 2025 has been anxiously anticipated by British taxpayers and businesses alike, with a large amount of media coverage prior concerned with the Labour government’s reported "fiscal black hole.” This debt is estimated to stand between the range of £20bn to £40bn, and Reeves was predicted by experts to implement a combination of tax increases and spending reductions to meet targets.   Reeves' last announcement, the 2025 Spring Statement, in

Optimism surrounding a December interest rate cut in the U.S. saw global equities rebound strongly. The rebound was led by U.S. equities, in particular small caps and big tech. US: Small caps and Tech stocks rally on December interest rate cut hopes U.S. stock indexes rallied, boosted by dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials and several weaker-than-expected economic reports that seemed to reinforce the idea that a December rate cut remains on track. Small-cap stocks

AI-related valuation concerns see global equity markets fall sharply. Chinese equities were pressured the most, while UK equities held up best due to increased expectations of a December interest rate cut. US: AI valuation concerns outweigh strong corporate earnings and economic data Despite strong corporate earnings reports and government economic data, U.S. equity markets finished the week lower. Markets were cautious, with investors questioning whether valuations in growth

A largely muted week for global equities, despite a significant number of headlines. Investor sentiment was broadly supported by the end of the US government shutdown, however, economic growth concerns and valuation concerns in the artificial intelligence space provided something for both the bulls and the bears. European equities were the standout performer, while Chinese equities lagged. US: Hawkish commentary from Federal Reserve officials and valuation concerns see AI sto

Financial scams are more sophisticated than ever before, but a few telltale signs can give them away. Here are four ways to spot a financial scam and what to do if you think someone’s trying to scam you.   We’d like to think we wouldn’t fall for a financial scam, but the truth is we’re all vulnerable. Even amateur fraudsters can create convincing ads or replicate the websites, emails and phone calls of genuine financial businesses.   But no matter how sophisticated the attemp

Global equities pullback amid widespread selling across mega-cap Tech and AI-exposed companies. Chinese equities proved resilient, while the Bank of England held interest rates steady, as widely expected. US: AI stocks pullback amid concerns over stretched valuations and spending U.S. stocks ended a three-week winning streak as a sell-off in technology shares dragged major indices lower, driven by concerns over lofty valuations and scrutiny of AI-related spending. Growth stoc

Easing trade tensions and upbeat company earnings results lifted global markets in October Strong start to earnings season Global stock markets rallied in October, buoyed by optimism around corporate earnings and easing trade tensions between the US and China. It was another strong month for US equities after softer-than-expected inflation figures boosted hopes of further rate cuts. Earnings season has got off to a good start, with around 85% of S&P 500 companies beating expe

A mixed week for global equities, with Japan again the standout performer for the week, rallying over 6% to close out the month. This capped off the best month for Japanese equities in over 30 years. US: Mega-cap technology stocks lead markets higher as AI spend continues U.S. equity indexes closed the week mixed, with large-cap indexes posting gains and smaller-cap indexes declining. Market breadth was notably narrow as seven of the S&P 500’s eleven sectors were down. Mega-c

Planning on leaving your ISA to a loved one? Here’s what you need to know. Individual savings accounts (ISAs) are a great option for tax-free saving, but it’s important to understand the rules around inheriting ISAs if you want your beneficiaries to make the most of your legacy. What is an ISA? A savings account in which your earnings are tax-free. Every year, the government sets a limit on tax-free savings. This is your ISA allowance, and it’s £20,000 for the 2025/26 tax yea

A strong week for global equities, as favourable economic data supported risk-on sentiment. Japanese equities led the way, rallying strongly following the announcement of Sanae Takaichi as new Prime Minister. US: Stocks rally on better-than-expected inflation print Stocks advanced for the week, shaking off volatile headlines related to U.S.-China trade relations and a pop in oil prices after the U.S. announced sanctions against Russia’s two largest oil companies. Small and mi

A mixed week for global equities, with the S&P 500 leading the way, as it recovered from the sharpest daily sell-off since April on the prior Friday. The CBOE Volatility Index reached its highest level since April, highlighting ongoing uncertainty facing the global economy. Chinese equities were the laggard, as risk sentiment turned negative following a spike in trade tensions with the U.S. US: Stocks rebound despite volatile trading week Equities started the week on a posit

Global equities pullback on a re-escalation of global trade tensions. The U.S. threatened to impose an additional 100% tariff on imports from China following the announcement that China would place export controls on rare earth minerals. Japan was the outlier, rallying strongly on the back of the Liberal Democratic Party’s presidential election results. US: Stocks fall on ramping trade tensions and government shutdown concerns U.S. stock indices declined for the week amid fea

The US Federal Reserve cut rates for the first time this year against signs of a cooling labour market Market strength. Global stocks...