INFLATION 15TH NOVEMBER 2023 Inflation fell to 4.6% as at end of October from 6.7% at end of September, this as a result of lower food and energy costs. This is the lowest rate of inflation for two years and core inflation, which does not include more volatile prices such as food and energy,
Read MoreEconomic & Market Outlook – August 2023 The second quarter of 2023 has been a bit of a rollercoaster ride for the financial markets. There has been good news, bad news, and some surprises along the way. Let’s take a look at what happened and what we can expect for the rest of the
Read MoreCONGRATULATIONS Congratulations to Max Taylor on passing his Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning exams! The Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning is a level 4 qualification recognized by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and is the qualification of choice for our profession. It develops technical knowledge and financial planning capabilities across six core areas.
Read MoreEconomic & Market Outlook – May 2023 The year 2023 is expected to be a challenging one for the global economy and financial markets, as the world faces multiple headwinds such as inflation, monetary policy tightening, geopolitical tensions and the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there are also some signs of hope
Read MoreSPRING BUDGET – March 2023 Following the recent 2023 Spring Budget, please see below a summary of the main financial points: Pensions The Lifetime allowance for pensions is being abolished from April 2024. The current lifetime allowance of £1,073,100 will remain until this date. However, the tax-free cash entitlement will remain at 25%
Read MoreEconomic & Market Outlook – February 2023 I think many of us will agree, the best thing to say about 2022 is that it’s now over. We experienced a fall of over 20% in global stocks and government and corporate bonds followed suit, and many are saying that it was a ‘perfect’ storm. Not what
Read MoreAutumn Statement – November 2022 In November 2022, the UK’s fourth Chancellor in the last three months has delivered the UK’s latest Autumn Statement and whilst it should provide a boost for the Treasury; and the initial reaction from the markets has been positive, the cost, which is huge is being funded primarily by the taxpayer.
Read MoreCybersecurity Cybersecurity is the protection of internet-connected systems such as hardware, software and data from cyberthreats. The practice is used by individuals and companies to protect against unauthorized access to data centres and other computerised systems. October is cybersecurity awareness month and with this in mind along with the increased use of technology we
Read MoreMarket Update – September 2022 The last six months have been a challenging time for Global economies and investment fund managers alike. Although Central banks have committed to bring inflation under control, this combined with the inherent risks to the growth outlook has continued to unnerve equity and bond markets. The uncertainty about the outlook
Read MoreMarket Concerns – February 2022 As I am sure you are aware, tensions have increased between Russia and Ukraine in the last 24 hours following weeks of political manoeuvring, which has seen and global stock markets come under some pressure. Clearly this has been exacerbated following the reported skirmishes and bombings in the region
Read More