Our Investment Commentary for Q3 2017 (1 July – 30 September 2017)
The global economy continues to expand, with the recovery in Europe now looking particularly impressive. This is supported by solid growth in corporate earnings, and equity market sentiment remains buoyant.
UK Economic Outlook for Sterling as Brexit negotiations start
The weaker UK Services Purchasing Managers’ data for August, at a 11-month low, confirm the on-going slowdown in UK economic growth.
Our Investment Commentary for Q2 2017 (1 April – 30 June 2017)
Global equity markets have continued to exhibit late bull market characteristics, climbing a ‘wall of worry’ to record highs, an 8-year long bull market, the second longest in history.
General Election 2017 – Another Political Shock
“Risk comes from not knowing what you’re doing.” (Warren Buffett)
UK General Election – Market Expectations
We live in uncertain times. With just two days to go before the General Election, the polls are divided in respect of the likely outcome, with latest predictions ranging from a comfortable Conservative win to a hung parliament or even an outside chance of a shock Labour victory. When the Prime Minister called the snap […]
Snap General Election – What does it mean for markets?
Theresa May explained her to decision to call an early general election on 8 June on the basis that ‘division in Westminster will risk our ability to make a success of Brexit’, as ‘the decision facing the country will be all about leadership.’
Our Investment Commentary for Q1 2017 (1 January – 31 March 2017)
Global equity markets have continued to perform strongly this quarter with the MSCI All-Country World Index up 6.7%.
Spring Budget 2017 – Hammond takes aim at the Self-Employed and Shareholders
In his first and last Spring Budget, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Philip Hammond, broke the Conservative manifesto promise by increasing National Insurance contributions for the self-employed.
State Pension Top Up – Class 3A NIC
There is the potential to boost your State Pension by up to £25pw (£1,300 pa) by making a special Class 3A NI contribution, if you are a man born before 6 April 1951 or a woman born before 6 April 1953.
FTSE 250 Index – No longer a pure play on UK plc
The FTSE 250 index, which makes up approx. 18% of the UK stock market, has been popular with investors since its launch in 1992.