Insight

October was generally a positive month for global equity markets, helping to push many developed market indices to new 2021 highs. Whilst COVID-19 challenges remained material and new concerns about gas prices, petrol availability and general delivery concerns became more apparent during the month, so far the average third-quarter corporate earnings season number has been taken well. However, most fixed income markets have continued to struggle this year, even if many 10-year bond yields have not yet returned to levels seen earlier this year.

Less than eight months ago, Rishi Sunak presented a Budget that was anticipating the ending of the pandemic’s impact on the UK economy. He announced extensions and end dates for the furlough scheme, the self-employed income support scheme, reduced VAT for hospitality and the £20 a week uplift to Universal Credit. To finance some of that expenditure, the Chancellor also revealed a 6% increase in corporation tax, deferred until 2023.

The big debate right now – inflation – structural or transitory?

This is the question that is playing out in the markets at the moment. Is inflation ‘structural’, meaning here to stay for the medium / long term or ‘transitory’, meaning a short term feature that will dissipate quickly.Continue reading

As we sit atop our prosperous peak, admiring the views of the fastest economic growth since 1984, the best start to a bull market, and the record-breaking quarter of earnings growth, it’s wise to remember that not too long ago we began our uphill journey from the depths of the COVID-19 ravine. Often, the best views come after the hardest climbs. So now it’s time to catch our breath and peer over the horizon at what’s to come as we begin our descent from this peak. However, just as the summit of one mountain can become the base of another, the investment landscape goes on indefinitely, which makes adhering to a disciplined investment strategy of the utmost importance.

National Insurance and Dividend Tax rate changes

Yesterday the PM set out the Government’s plans for social care in England and how they will be funded. Continue reading

Hopefully you enjoyed a good summer break. August was another positive month for many financial markets, with one pan-European (including the U.K.) index achieving a seventh consecutive advance. Whilst 2021 started with material concerns about COVID-19 challenges, limited vaccination numbers and widespread lockdowns, progress has been made on all fronts. No doubt the late August news that seven further countries have been added to the U.K.’s green travel rules, will further boost hopes that a return to previous norms are closer.

For most investors focused on the U.K., Europe and/or the United States, July was far from an unattractive month in all but a minority of equity sectors. This pleasingly allowed a further building of year-to-date returns. Meanwhile bond market yields generally tightened further. Although fixed income markets remain on average dull performers in 2021, performance has improved in recent months.

Tokyo Olympics: Gold Rush

The glory of winning a gold medal is a massive incentive for athletes competing in Tokyo but the impressive bonuses on offer add another more lucrative dimension to the games. The size of the bonus on offer varies hugely by country.Continue reading

C’mon England give us a goal!

Are we over Sunday yet….just about?  This article provides you with an insight into the England National Team journey over the last 10 years and explains the importance of goal setting.Continue reading

Bond market – Inflation? What inflation?

If you have had the pleasure of reading any Macroeconomic research in the past three months I can guarantee there will have been comments about rising inflation rates and the potential for inflation to be stubborn and force central banks to raise interest rates. Continue reading