Global markets weathered renewed geopolitical tensions, while central banks kept interest rates on hold. Markets absorb fresh shocks. British share prices hit a new record in July, with the FTSE 100 climbing to an all-time high, supported by strong corporate earnings and gains in energy stocks as oil prices rose. The index reached 10,951 points, beating its previous record of 10,934 set in February this year. Global stock markets were more mixed. Technology shares came under

Risk assets remained broadly resilient last week, with gains across major developed markets driven by robust earnings and improving technology sentiment. While concerns remain around inflation, higher bond yields and slowing economic growth. US: Strong corporate earnings support equities as inflation continues to concern and AI related Volatility persist U.S. equities ended the week mixed as investors navigated the Federal Reserve's latest policy decision, geopolitical tensio

The UK has a new Prime Minister, and if Andy Burnham's first speech outside Downing Street is anything to go by, households could be facing one of the most significant shifts in economic policy in decades. Burnham described his arrival in office as a "circuit breaker" moment for Britain, promising a new political and economic model that would reverse some of the trends he believes have held back parts of the country since the 1980s. While detailed policies are still to be ann

Global risk sentiment weakens amid AI related volatility, coupled with rising bond yields and ongoing tensions in the Middle East. US: Market retreats as Tech earnings fuel AI return concerns and bond yields climb U.S. markets closed the week on a weaker note, with the Nasdaq leading declines amid investor concerns over the substantial capital being deployed into AI initiatives and uncertainty around future returns. Earnings reports from major technology companies, including

Global equities retreated as a sharp sell-off in technology and AI-related stocks weighed on sentiment, while geopolitical tensions and higher oil prices added to market uncertainty. US: Equities decline as Tech & AI related stocks lead markets Lower U.S. equities ended the week lower, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 leading declines as weakness in large-cap technology and AI-related stocks outweighed generally strong start-of-season bank earnings. Investor sentiment was support

Global equities were broadly higher for the week following a softer week last week. European equities performed best, supported by better-than-expected inflation data. Chinese equities lagged amid softness in AI and Tech stocks. US: Labour market shows signs of weakness US equities were mixed over the holiday shortened week, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Dow Jones all advancing, while smaller companies lagged. Communication services, financials and consumer discretionary secto

Relief over a US–Iran peace framework agreement lifted European, UK and Japanese equities, while falling oil prices eased concerns about inflation and interest rates. Investor confidence returns. European, UK and Japanese equities rose sharply after the US and Iran agreed a framework deal to end the war. European stocks climbed to record highs, while the FTSE 100 reached a two-month high as investors welcomed the breakthrough. US markets were more mixed, with investors rotat

Global equities were broadly weaker, with declines in the US, Japan, Europe and China amid a tech driven sell-off. Meanwhile, the UK market outperformed as investors rotated out into value stocks. US: Tech sell-off brings equities under pressure Major U.S. stock indices ended the week mixed, as weakness in large cap technology and AI-related stocks weighed on the Nasdaq Composite and S&P 500, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average and the small-cap Russell 2000 posted gains.

Political events can move quickly. Leadership changes, elections and major policy announcements often dominate the headlines and can leave people wondering what it all means for their finances. Following the resignation of Prime Minister Keir Starmer, many people will be asking whether they should make changes to their investments, pension or wider financial plans. In moments like these, it can be tempting to react to uncertainty or make decisions based on speculation. Having

Global equities moved broadly higher, supported by improving sentiment following the US and Iran agreement. Japan led gains on technology strength, the US advanced despite hawkish signals from the Fed, Europe edged higher, China was mixed on uneven growth, and the UK lagged. US: Equities rise on improving sentiment, despite the Fed signalling higher for longer rates Most major U.S. stock indices closed the holiday shortened week higher, supported by improved sentiment after n

Global equities were mixed, as easing geopolitical tensions supported sentiment while inflation pressures and rate hike expectations weighed on markets. European equities performed best, while Japanese equities lagged. US: EQUITIES RISE AMID GEOPOLITICAL OPTIMISM, COOLING INFLATION, AND BROADER MARKET LEADERSHIP Major U.S. stock indices ended a volatile week higher, supported by optimism around a potential U.S.-Iran agreement (announced on Sunday), lower oil prices, and broad

For more than a decade one of the most efficient inheritance most higher earners could leave was their pension. From April 2027 that stops being true. Unused pension funds and most death benefits will be included in the value of an estate for inheritance tax, ending the treatment introduced in 2015 that placed defined contribution pensions outside the estate. It is the largest structural shift to UK personal wealth taxation since the residence nil-rate band was introduced in

Global equities were mixed, as AI optimism faded and geopolitical tensions continued to bubble away in the Middle East. Japanese equities fared best, while UK equities lagged due to global trade uncertainty. US: EQUITIES DECLINE AS AI OPTIMISM FADES AND JOBS DATA SURPRISES TO THE UPSIDE Major U.S. stock indices ended the week lower, led by a 4.68% drop in the Nasdaq, with declines also in the Russell 2000 and S&P 500, the latter posting its first weekly loss since March. Earl

Rising energy costs are weighing on major economies, even as stock markets continue to reach new highs Risk appetite remains strong US stocks climbed to record highs in May despite uncertainty caused by the US-Iran war and elevated oil prices. Global bond yields also rose on concerns that higher energy costs could force central banks to keep interest rates higher for longer, before easing towards month end. Equities were supported by optimism surrounding a potential peace dea

The conventional wisdom about Hertfordshire property is raising new questions. Watford first-time buyers pay around £341,000 on average. In St Albans, the figure is £461,000. That is a £120,000 gap for two towns half an hour from central London either way, according to early 2026 Office for National Statistics data. The gap widens further up the market, according to Land Registry sold-price data: roughly £200,000 between a 3-bed in each town, around £660,000 between a 5-bed.

An unusually concentrated set of changes to UK personal taxation came into force on 6 April 2026. Dividend tax rose by two percentage points for basic and higher rate taxpayers. Business Asset Disposal Relief moved from 14% to 18%. The most structural change was the cap on Business Property Relief at £2.5 million per individual, the first time the relief has had a ceiling since it was introduced in 1976. Venture Capital Trust income tax relief was reduced from 30% to 20%. Thr

Global equities again performed strongly, driven by a combination of AI momentum and expectations of a ceasefire in the Middle East. Japanese equities performed best, while UK equities lagged due to increased exposure to defensive sectors and energy. US: Equities rally on AI optimism and potential US-Iran deal US equities rose over the holiday shortened week, with several major indices reaching record highs. Gains were driven by improved risk sentiment linked to progress towa

Global equities performed strongly, supported by strong momentum in artificial intelligence stocks and easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. European equities performed best, while Chinese equities lagged on growth concerns. US: CONSUMER SENTIMENT FELL TO RECORD LOW AS COST-OF-LIVING CONCERNS DEEPENED U.S. equities pushed higher, with the Dow reaching a record and the S&P 500 extending its winning streak, supported by strong AI driven momentum following NVIDIA earn

A 100% mortgage is a home loan which allows the buyer to purchase a property without putting down any money (or a deposit) up front. Prior to 2008, it was common for lenders to offer deposit-free mortgages as standard, with some even allowing consumers to borrow more than the property’s value for living expenses[1]. But 100% mortgages were a notorious casualty of the 2008 financial crisis, and such products were pulled from the housing market in the aftermath of the crash.

Global equities were pressured through the week as ongoing geopolitical tensions saw bond yields rise sharply. Technology stocks were pressured, as investors rotated in energy and sectors, which look set to benefit from rising bond yields. US: Inflation came in ahead of expectations seeing bond yields rally higher Most major U.S. equity indices ended the week lower as strong momentum in large cap technology and AI names was outweighed by renewed inflation concerns, rising b