News

Market Update 16th December

News: 16 December 2024

When I started out in 2001 we managed money for mainly UK charities and some private clients. A typical portfolio had about 60% in direct UK equities, 20% overseas equities (mostly in funds), and 20% in cash and direct bonds (meaning gilts – no overseas, no investment grade, high yield would get you laughed out of the room).

Market Update 9th December 2024

News: 09 December 2024

We may only just have opened day number nine on the advent calendar, but so far, December has been sweet. Powered by around $140bn of money pouring into equity markets after Donald Trump’s victory in the Presidential election, markets look set to end the year on a high.

Market Update 2nd December 2024

News: 02 December 2024

As many of you are probably aware from mass email campaigns, it was Black Friday last week and today is Cyber Monday. This is an interesting concept where companies offer huge discounts over one weekend in November just after Thanksgiving.

Market Update 25th November 2024

News: 25 November 2024

Market Update 18th November 2024

News: 18 November 2024

It’s funny how you can always remember your best teachers. At the age of about 15 one of mine told me that if I can’t recall what happened at a summit or what was agreed in a treaty, where it happened is usually a good indication of who held sway.

Market Update 11th November 2024

News: 11 November 2024

US Election: What does it mean?

News: 06 November 2024

As I write, Donald Trump has been declared the next President of the United States. It even looks like he will win the popular vote. The Republican party also looks to have gained a majority in the Senate (Upper House). The fate of the House of Representatives remains unclear.

Market Update 4th November 2024

News: 04 November 2024

Financial markets are in the midst of a crucial two-week period. In the UK we had the eagerly anticipated budget from the new Labour government, whilst the US had one of the busiest weeks of the Q3 earnings season with 5 of the Magnificent 7 reporting.

Budget Commentary

News: 31 October 2024

Market Update 28th October 2024

News: 28 October 2024

Rachel Reeves is due to announce her first budget on 30 October. It’s very likely the tricks will outweigh the treats.

Labour has said there will be no changes to VAT, income tax or employee national insurance. In politician (a particularly difficult language for non-natives) this means things like Capital Gains and Inheritance tax will very likely be altered.