More individuals are now enjoying six-figure income, a significant achiement in thier careers. However, affluent earners are confronted with a substantial spike in tax obligations.

In this month’s Market Commentary, Raymond James European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, discusses the reactions of the financial markets to the conflict in the Middle East. Plus, a look at inflation and interest rates.

Our latest Investment Strategy Quarterly looks at various geopolitical and macroeconomic themes, including consumer debt and employment, pension planning, and next year’s US election. Read all this and more in Investment Strategy Quarterly: Sailing on strange seas.

In this month’s Market Commentary, Raymond James’ European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, discusses the global financial markets, takes a look at the UK and US economies, plus he examines recent challenges in China.

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.

Unlucky number 13…

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?

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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.