Market Update: Ceasefire, not truce, in global trade war
After a week of eye-watering ups and downs, stock markets are roughly where they started but still well below where they were before Trump’s April 2nd ‘Liberation Day’. For bond holders, it has been equally volatile but prices are more than slightly down.
Market Update: Trump’s Liberation Day turns into market clear out
Donald Trump’s tariffs upset markets, which were unprepared for their magnitude. The US imposed a 10% tariff on most imports, and additional “reciprocal” tariffs on major trading partners. Unsurprisingly, this was followed by China’s 34% retaliatory tariff this morning. Global stocks sold off, as investors digest the prospect of a full-blown global trade war. Sharply lower bond yields reflect markets’ downgraded global growth expectations. Just like past growth scares, these are trying times for investors, but we must stay level-headed. Markets often overcorrect to shocks and, as a result, the ensuing recovery is often swift. If you sell risk assets...
Lifetime Transfers and the Seven-Year Rule
Potentially Exempt Transfers (PETs) and Chargeable Lifetime Transfers (CLTs) broadly define gifts made during an individual's lifetime. Their classification depends on the nature of the gift and the recipient. It's equally important to note that some lifetime transfers are exempt, meaning they are not subject to tax.
Market Update: Tariff ‘stick’ to be followed by ‘fiscal’ carrot?
As most of us are aware, markets have recently been taking one step forward, one step back and this week was no different. Equity markets started with a bit of positivity amid talk that Trump’s April 2nd tariff “Liberation Day” was going to be calibrated and phased. Trump’s unexpected announcement on Thursday of permanent 25% tariffs on autos together with threats of further tariffs should trading partners counter them with retaliatory measures, was directly at odds with the markets’ latest expectations, and so down things came.
Do you fall into the 60% tax trap?
For many earners in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, the highest Income Tax rate is 45%. However, while 45% is the highest ‘official’ rate, some individuals effectively pay a tax rate of 60% on part of their income. This phenomenon, commonly called the ‘60% tax trap,’ affects those earning over £100,000 and applies to their income between £100,000 and £125,140.
Market Update: Bracing for tariff “Liberation Day”
Capital markets were calmer for most of the week, with a little turbulence into the end. Up until Thursday close, stock prices moved higher and measures of intraday volatility fell somewhat, largely thanks to fewer signs of policy upheaval from the US government. The week’s biggest policy event – a meeting of the US Federal Reserve – gave little information that we did not already know or expect. American investors took this as a decent sign and, for the first time in a few weeks, the US was one of the better performers.
March Team News 2025
Hello and a very warm welcome to the Vizion Wealth Team News. We are just about surviving the run up to the tax year end, it is always a very busy time for us and a great opportunity to check in with you all to see if you need any tax year end assistance.
Time is Running Out: Don’t Miss Your Chance to Boost Your State Pension
It’s important to take the time to give your finances a year-end check-up. The 2017/18 tax year ends on 5 April 2018, with the new tax year beginning the following day, on 6 April. These are important dates for financial planning, so it’s important you don’t miss the chance to make the most of valuable tax-efficiencies and allowances.
Market Update: The return of regional divergence
Once again, the aggregate picture hides a great deal of variation. US stocks have had another down week, while European stocks – mainly defence companies – have performed well, alongside Chinese shares. The background to this was an historic increase in European defence spending, sharply higher bond yields, and continued political volatility from the Trump administration. We are in a period of deep uncertainty – where the market outlook can turn rapidly. In this environment, holding diversified investments is proving crucial once again.
Market Update: Honeymoon ends early
There was no meaningful recovery for US stocks last week, following their cold shower last Friday. By contrast, Europe actually managed to warm a little through last week. Investors’ shift away from the US continues, and markets are no longer enamoured by Donald Trump. We can be pretty confident that the president will react to this, but how – and what effect that might have on global investments – is not clear.
Your Guide to Year End Tax Planning
It’s important to take the time to give your finances a year-end check-up. The 2017/18 tax year ends on 5 April 2018, with the new tax year beginning the following day, on 6 April. These are important dates for financial planning, so it’s important you don’t miss the chance to make the most of valuable tax-efficiencies and allowances.
Market Update: Global politics turn business
We start the week on a slightly downbeat note, not borne out of the astounding shifts in US foreign policy, but because US domestic service sector sentiment seems to have sagged. The US 10-year bond yield has dropped back to below 4.5% after a midweek push to 4.6%...
Market Update: Europe First?
Another dramatic week in global politics had rare and fascinating effects on capital markets. The Trump administration’s apparent plan to negotiate a Ukraine peace deal without European input, but leave European nations to foot the bill and bear the political consequences, is considered a nightmare scenario by many politicians on the continent. And yet, European stocks rallied while the US faltered. For the first time in a while, global investors seem more positive about equities outside the world’s largest economy – including booming Chinese tech stocks – than in it.
How to Navigate Capital Gains Tax Allowance
Cuts to the Capital Gains Tax (CGT) exemption mean it is now more critical than ever to arrange your investments tax-efficiently. For the tax year 2024/25, the CGT allowance has been reduced to £3,000, allowing you to make tax-free gains up to this amount. However, any gains above this limit may be subject to CGT.
Market Update: Up and down and on and off
Last week began with, potentially, a very distasteful pill to swallow. On Friday 31st evening, just before 6pm GMT and after European markets had closed, Trump announced another 10% of tariffs on China and new 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada, the US’ closest and single largest trading partners, all to begin on the following Tuesday.
Market Update: AI upset challenges market status quo
It has been another interesting week in markets, although for different reasons than recently. Most of the major regional stock indices have performed well, but global equities are down in aggregate. This is largely down to the underperformance of Nvidia, following the release of a low-cost, more micro-chip efficient AI model from Chinese start-up DeepSeek.
Planning for a Comfortable and Rewarding Retirement
The five-year countdown to retirement marks a pivotal phase of introspection and detailed preparation. A well- thought-out plan is essential for a comfortable and rewarding retirement, from ensuring financial stability to thinking about healthcare, housing and the lifestyle you hope to enjoy.
Market Update: Trump trade still on?
Capital markets were a sea of green in Donald Trump’s first week back in office. Investors’ serenity stands in contrast to the rhetoric and early flurry of policy from the US president. We have said before that markets may not to appreciate the risks of a second Trump presidency, but US positivity – at least for the near-term – is undeniably justified by the real economy. Hopefully, some of that positivity can spread to the gloomier corners of the global picture, most notably Europe.
Market Update: Calmer markets ahead of Trump inauguration
With global stocks bouncing back over 2%, last week was the best of the year! UK investors did not even have to rely on a weak pound to bolster Sterling-based returns. French stocks gained over 4%, while smaller cap stocks in most regions have outperformed larger caps – all good signs for broad-based growth.
Market Update: UK bond yield surge – more than meets the eye
Bond market woes took centre stage again last week. Much of this was driven by the strength of the US economy, as shown by Friday's strong employment data and signs that US consumer services are powering ahead (although, interestingly, wages rises were well-contained). We should bear in mind potential political effects, however, which need to be monitored this year.