July has proved a strong month for investors in the financial markets, particularly across the stock markets of Western developed economies. Returns were generated against a backdrop of economic resilience, especially in the United States where, despite the Federal Reserve having raised interest rates in excess of 5.00%-points in little over a year, growth has persisted and even exceeded expectations.
Raymond James Spinningfields will be taking on the challenge of the National Three Peaks on Tuesday 25th July, for a great cause, Inspire
As part of last year’s Autumn Statement the Chancellor extended the freeze on all UK income tax allowance(s) from 2025/26 to 2027/28 and reduced of the additional rate tax band threshold from £150,000 to £125,140.
This was as a ploy by the government to plug a hole in public finances in the aftermath of the Covid pandemic and September’s “mini” budget.
This year marks the 110th edition of the Tour de France, the most prestigious bicycle race in the world. And like the markets, the Tour is always challenging—and evolving. The three-week, grueling 2,200+ mile route changes every year and, surprisingly, starts in different countries—this year in Spain versus the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark over the previous five years! The point is, just like the Tour, economic and market cycles have different starting points, and no two routes are alike.
The bank of England has raised the base rate, for the 13th consecutive time, from 4.5% to 5%, to try and combat the current eye watering inflation rate of 8.7%.
But what does this mean for your money?
In this month’s Market Commentary, European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, discusses inflation and affordability in the UK, debt ceiling negotiations and compromise in the US, plus how enthusiasm for artificial intelligence has shifted into overdrive, and more.
In this month’s Market Commentary, our European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, discusses how the financial markets have proved to be resilient despite the push and pull of market forces, fast-moving geopolitics, and other pressures.
Our latest Investment Strategy Quarterly provides informed insights into a turbulent market with analysis on economic situations at both home and abroad, the questions facing policymakers and investors, plus reasons to be optimistic in the long term. Read all this and more in Investment Strategy Quarterly: Time is on Our Side.
Between a rock and a hard (landing) place!
Tonight at 6pm UK time we will get the results of the most difficult and closely watched Federal Reserve interest rate decision in living memory.
Our Spring Budget Newsletter breaks down the Chancellor’s recent announcement, outlining what it means for you and helping you to plan for the new tax year – which is almost upon us.