Economic & Market Outlook – October 2021 In the last few months, we have seen global growth slow down largely due to the potential of inflation across the developed economies, the increasing US debt and the tightening of Chinese internal regulations. This has been compounded by recent economic data which shows that we are
Read MoreSPRING BUDGET – March 2021 Following the Spring Budget 2021, please see below a summary of the main financial points: Income tax The Personal Allowance for 2021/22 is increasing to £12,570 and the basic rate band to £37,700 meaning a higher rate threshold of £50,270. These figures will then be frozen until April
Read MoreEconomic & Market Outlook – January 2021 Happy New Year !!! Coronavirus 2021 has started with another National Lockdown and the accelerated roll out of the Covid-19 Vaccine. We currently have the fastest roll out of this vaccine with the US close behind, although Europe are still yet to approve Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine and
Read MoreEconomic & Market Outlook – December 2020 The likely contrast between 2020 & 2021 With major European economies all experiencing either new nationwide or tiered lockdowns and the US experiencing new records in daily infections, there is no immediate relief from the Covid-19 pandemic in sight. This means that the fourth quarter of
Read MoreFrom record highs in the Stock-markets at the beginning of the year, the Coronavirus pandemic, an event unexpected in its arrival has been unprecedented in its effect. Stock-Markets endured their worst 3-week period in history, while liquidity in the bond markets evaporated. Interest rates were cut to zero and governments in the UK and the
Read MoreTrade Wars Throughout 2019 the rhetoric between the US and China has become more hard line. On the face of it an impasse in trade talks leads to increased tariffs and slower economic growth as the Chinese have decided to take a firmer line in negotiations, reducing the chances of a deal. At some
Read MoreBoris Johnson, now leader of the Conservative Party enters Downing Street as the leader of a divided country facing a constitutional crisis. He has to date played hard-ball with the EU, with a ‘do or die’ attitude in respect of the 31 October deadline. As that date approaches, given that he now has the job
Read MoreCurrent Situation December was another volatile month for markets across the world which continue to be affected by the current global economic environment. As the Brexit talks move through their final stages, the UK market was especially volatile, with the perceived balance of possible outcomes ever changing and causing wider than normal fluctuation in performance.
Read MoreIt has no doubt not escaped your attention that the political agenda both in the UK and in the US has at times been febrile of late. Much like the weather here in the UK, the political climate has also been stormy and inclement. This has reflected in market volatility across all developed and
Read MoreWith no significant tax or pension changes in yesterday’s Budget, the key financial planning points are: Income tax The personal allowance and higher rate threshold will increase earlier than expected to £12,500 and £50,000 respectively from April 2019. The income tax rates and bands for Scottish taxpayers will be announced in Scottish Budget on
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