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

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

Global equity markets declined amid elevated geopolitical and trade-related uncertainty. However, stocks recovered from their lows after President Trump once again shifted his stance, boosting investor confidence. US: Equity markets end volatile week modestly lower Major US equity markets ended a volatile and shortened week lower. Equities posted their largest daily fall since October following President Trump announcing he would impose tariffs on European countries that oppo

From April 2026, business owners and farmers can pass on up to £2.5 million each in qualifying assets free of inheritance tax. Married couples and civil partners can combine allowances to pass on up to £5 million. Assets above these thresholds are taxed at 20%, half the normal rate. Key Facts at a Glance What's changing Detail New relief threshold £2.5 million per person (up from proposed £1m) Effective date April 2026 Combined allowance for couples £5 million Tax rate above

A mixed week for global equities, as we saw a continued rotation into smaller companies and value stocks. Japanese equities were the standout performer, rising sharply on expectations of a large economic stimulus package. US: Small companies and value stocks extend their year-to-date outperformance Stocks were mixed for the week as small cap and value shares extended their outperformance while large cap indexes eased from record levels. Early earnings reports produced mixed r

Global equities rallied in the first full week of trading for 2026, as investors looked through rising geopolitical tensions. Japanese equities led the charge, while we saw a broadening of the market rally in the United States US: EQUITIES RALLY AS INVESTORS LOOK PAST MOUNTING GEOPOLITICAL TENSIONS Small cap and value stocks outperformed large cap growth shares, which have dominated returns in recent years. Aerospace and defence companies initially sold off following comments

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