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

Strong corporate earnings supported a broad-based rally in global equity markets over the week, with performance driven largely by continued strength in the technology sector. The US and Japan led gains, while the UK lagged on fading optimism over a US-Iran peace deal. US: The tech sector continues to lead the way US equities rallied, supported by strong earnings, with around 85% of S&P 500 companies having reported and close to 85% beating expectations. The Technology sector

Global markets rallied in April, but the Iran conflict and surging oil prices continue to cloud the outlook. Markets recover as tensions persist. Global markets recovered in April, with stocks rebounding from March’s losses. US equities climbed to fresh highs, supported by strong earnings and AI-driven growth, while the FTSE 100 regained ground. European and Asian markets also moved higher. Central banks are facing a more complex backdrop as the US–Iran war adds to inflationa

Start Strong: The benefits of early lump‑sum ISA contributions A new tax year offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen your long‑term financial plans, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by making a lump‑sum contribution to your ISA as early as possible. While many investors wait until the end of the year to use their allowance, acting now can give your money a meaningful head start. The key advantage of an early lump‑sum investment is time in the market. By c

Global equities delivered mixed returns in what was a busy week for news headlines. US equities led returns, as investors digested conflicting headlines in the Middle East, rallying energy prices, a raft of central bank decisions and a flurry of corporate earnings results. Japanese equities lagged following a strong start to 2026. US: Equities rally on robust corporate earnings, while interest rates remain on hold US equities delivered solid gains for the week, largely shrugg

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