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October 2026 Market Update - Markets end the month on a stronger note
Global equities gained momentum towards the end of September as strong AI investment and corporate earnings supported markets AI rally lifts global markets. Global equities picked up towards the end of the month, driven by a powerful AI-fuelled technology rally. Chip and semiconductor stocks led gains as investors welcomed continued AI investment and strong demand. Falling oil prices also provided some relief, although crude prices moved higher again towards the end of Septem
Stefan Lubek
5 days ago4 min read


Weekly Market Review - 5 October 2026
Equity markets were mixed as the higher-for-longer interest rate narrative continues to influence investor sentiment. Japanese equities were the standout performer, while UK, European and Chinese markets weakened. US: economic momentum remained intact as softer payroll growth reinforced expectations for unchanged rates U.S. equities delivered mixed performance over the week, with the Nasdaq leading the way but unfortunately offset by weakness in the broader market as investo
Stefan Lubek
6 days ago5 min read


Weekly Market Review - 28 September 2026
Global equities finished the week broadly higher led by the technology sector, as investors became increasingly bullish around the rise of agentic AI and the positive implications for overall AI demand. Japanese equities the standout, while Chinese equities lagged. US: S&P GLOBAL COMPOSITE PMI DATA SUGGESTS ANNUALISED ECONOMIC GROWTH OF APPROXIMATELY 4% IN Q3 U.S. equities moved higher over the week, with the S&P 500 gaining 1.2%, driven largely by strength in technology and
Stefan Lubek
Sep 285 min read


Weekly Market Review - 21 September 2026
Global equities were mixed as investors weighed a raft of central bank decisions and renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Japanese equities were the standout performer, as a weakening Japanese yen provided support for their export-oriented industries. US: The Federal Reserve raises interest rates for the first time since 2023 U.S. markets finished the week mixed as investors navigated the Federal Reserve's first interest rate increase since 2023, renewed Middle E
Stefan Lubek
Sep 215 min read


Weekly Market Review - 14 September 2026
Global equities pulled back amid rising energy prices on the back of increased geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Domestic economic signals largely took a backseat, as we saw Brent Crude oil prices climb towards US$110/barrel. US: Rising energy prices weigh on US equities; however, Tech sector proves resilient US equities ended the holiday-shortened week lower as escalating tensions in the Middle East pushed energy prices higher, reigniting inflation concerns and weigh
Stefan Lubek
Sep 146 min read


How Much Can You Take From Your Pension Each Year?
There is no single right answer. The people most worth listening to on this question are usually the ones who say so first. The figure that appears in most general guidance is somewhere between three and four percent of the pension pot a year, indexed to inflation. The figure that makes sense for any particular household varies materially with age at the point drawdown starts, the size of the pot relative to other assets, life expectancy, the income shape that will actually b
Stefan Lubek
Sep 1010 min read


Weekly Market Review - 7 September 2026
Global equities were mixed for the week as investors weighed renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East against better-than-expected economic data. US and UK equities proved more resilient, while Japanese equities lagged on expectations of a near-term increase to interest rates from the Bank of Japan. US: Investors weigh strong economic data against rising geopolitical tensions U.S. equity markets finished the week broadly unchanged, with the Nasdaq posting modest gains
Stefan Lubek
Sep 77 min read


September 2026 Market Update - Global stock markets reach new highs
Strong corporate earnings and improving economic signals supported equities in August, despite uncertainty over inflation, interest rates and the Middle East. Earnings support markets. Despite heightened tensions in the Middle East, global stock markets remained resilient. US indices hit record highs in August, supported by strong technology earnings and continued optimism around AI. However, gains faded later in the month as comments from the US Federal Reserve (Fed) raised
Stefan Lubek
Sep 34 min read


Weekly Market Review - 24 August 2026
Global equities came under pressure on the back of rising bond yields and renewed Middle East tensions. The UK market’s more defensive characteristics and increased Energy sector exposure led it to outperform peers. US: Rising bond yields dents investor sentiment US equities moved lower over the week as rising bond yields, renewed tensions in the Middle East and weakness in AI and semiconductor stocks weighed on sentiment. Concerns around government borrowing, corporate debt
Stefan Lubek
Aug 244 min read


Weekly Market Review - 17 August 2026
Markets were mixed last week as softer US inflation and strong gains in Japan helped support sentiment. However, weaker consumer data, higher-for-longer rate expectations, geopolitical uncertainty and continued growth concerns in China, kept investors cautious. US: Softer inflation print helps reduce fed hike expectations as consumer spending weakens U.S. markets ended the week mixed as investors weighed easing inflation and reduced expectations of a near-term Federal Reserve
Stefan Lubek
Aug 175 min read


August 2026 Market Update - Markets remain resilient despite global uncertainty
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
Stefan Lubek
Aug 73 min read


Weekly Market Review - 03 August 2026
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
Stefan Lubek
Aug 36 min read


What could Andy Burnham's premiership mean for your finances?
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
Stefan Lubek
Jul 293 min read


Weekly Market Review - 27 July 2026
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
Stefan Lubek
Jul 274 min read


Weekly Market Review – 20 July 2026
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
Stefan Lubek
Jul 204 min read


Weekly Market Review - 6 July 2026
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
Stefan Lubek
Jul 64 min read


July 2026 Market Update - Europe and Japan lead market gains
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
Stefan Lubek
Jul 24 min read


Weekly Market Review - 29 June 2026
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.
Stefan Lubek
Jun 294 min read


Why advice is important in turbulent times
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
Stefan Lubek
Jun 262 min read


Weekly Market Review - 22 June 2026
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
Stefan Lubek
Jun 225 min read
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