LAST WEEK – KEY TAKEAWAYS

Markets: Easing of lockdown and promising drug trials boost shares

• Global shares finished higher despite disappointing results from companies reporting first-quarter profits and concerns about the impact of the coronavirus on the world economy (see below);
• The markets put a greater emphasis on the easing of some social distancing measures in Europe and reports of a promising trial of a treatment for the virus.
• Omnis view: As the rate of new cases appeared to stabilise in many countries, the markets are startin...

LAST WEEK – KEY Takeaways

Markets: Slowing pandemic and US support measures boost shares

• Global shares rallied as the spread of the coronavirus appeared to slow and the Federal Reserve (US central bank) took further steps to support the US economy (see below).
• Omnis view: The markets are starting to look forward to an end of the worldwide shutdown. However, shares could fluctuate in the meantime as news emerges about economic growth and company profits, while the number of new cases may pick up again as people go back to work.

US: Fe...

LAST WEEK – KEY TAKEAWAYS

Markets: Shares react to economic data

• Global shares started the week on a positive note, boosted by figures suggesting the Chinese economy was showing signs of recovery following the coronavirus outbreak (see ‘Asia’ section);
• However, concerns about the potential number of deaths in the US and the impact of the virus on the global economy, particularly on US employment, weighed on the markets later in the week (see ‘US’ section).
• Omnis view: The markets appear to have stabilised following the severe turbulenc...

Some common questions you may have regarding your current mortgage position:

I have exchanged on a new property, but not moved in. What should I do?

The Government has stated that they do not want you to move during the lockdown, unless it is in exceptional circumstances. If you can therefore delay your move then you should. Mortgage lenders are now extending the expiry date on offers by three months to hopefully allow more time, while many solicitors are adding new clauses into contracts in case purchases don’t progress.

I have com...

Summary of important Buy to Let market changes

Government action:
The Government have introduced the Coronavirus Act (2020) which establishes a set of guidelines for tenants and landlords to follow. They have stated that there is not a ‘one size that fits all’ approach to dealing with specific landlord-tenant situations and that frank, honest conversations are needed to establish the needs of the tenant to allow landlords to assist and provide support.

The Government has also announced the extension of the provision of three-month mortgag...

LAST WEEK – KEY TAKEAWAYS

Markets: Global shares recover as US announces substantial government support

• Markets rallied as the US launched a package of emergency measures worth US$2 trillion in an effort to offset the impact of the coronavirus on the country’s economy (see below);
• Concerns about their potential impact weighed on the markets on Friday, but shares still recorded healthy gains for the week.

• Omnis view: The markets welcomed the measures which are broader than those launched in response to the 2008 financial crisis. Howev...