Month: September 2024

Market Update: Global Growth Tailwinds

Rarely do non-US stories dominate global capital markets as much as last week. China announced a double shot of economic stimulus that surprised most – and Chinese stocks surged in response. European equities, particularly luxury goods brands, also jumped, in a hopeful sign of what returning Chinese consumer demand could do for global growth. Strangely, this was accompanied by falling oil prices. That is the opposite of what you would expect, given the (supposedly) improved outlook for global demand and the supply risks from escalating Middle Eastern tensions. The good news is that lower energy prices should themselves support growth....

/ 30th September 2024

Market Update: Central bank Pivot 2.0

Central banks dominated the narrative last week. The US Federal Reserve’s (Fed) 50 basis point cut to interest rates was by far the biggest market news, surprising some who expected a smaller move. Investors took the news well, with the S&P 500 reaching new all-time highs in response. Then came the Bank of England’s (BoE) non-decision on Thursday. UK rates were held steady, but Governor Andrew Bailey strongly suggested that they will fall again at the BoE’s November meeting.

/ 23rd September 2024

Autumn Budget 2024 Preparation

On 30 October, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves will deliver the Autumn Budget Statement 2024, accompanied by a comprehensive fiscal statement from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). This significant event comes as the new government, elected to boost economic stability and growth, takes its first important step in addressing the nation's financial health.

/ 18th September 2024

September Team News 2024

In our last blog we explained that Joe was leaving us for a new life in Canada with his girlfriend, we gave him a good send off, which included, team building clay pigeon shooting, dinner in a country pub and of course the mandatory send-off drinks.  He’ll be much missed and we wish him all the best in his future adventures.

/ 17th September 2024

Market Update: Market fears fading

Capital markets picked themselves up last week. Global stocks are up, recovering well from a tough start to September. At the time of writing, not all of the week before last’s losses have been recovered, but markets seem to breathe a sigh of relief. This was particularly felt in the US, where stocks gained every day of the week at a remarkably consistent pace. We said before that the early September sell-off felt a little like the one that began at the height of summer – more about nerves than underlying outlook.

/ 16th September 2024

Market Update: Nervous markets ahead of second pivot

Capital markets have started September rather despondently. It feels similar to (though not nearly as bad as) the sell-off that started August, after which stock values quickly recovered. There were risks and headwinds back then, but nothing that significantly dampened the long-term outlook. This is even more true now: there are lots of uncertainties, but little that should materially concern investors.

/ 9th September 2024

Minimise Inheritance Tax

Effective planning reduces Inheritance Tax (IHT), enabling your loved ones to benefit more from your wealth. Estates above £325,000 (2024/25 tax year) may be taxed at 40%. Strategies to manage this include using IHT allowances and more advanced options like forming a company with your heirs as shareholders.

/ 5th September 2024

Market Update: Balancing acts

It was a flat week for global stock values, but with a fair amount of dispersion. US returns were once again weighed down by tech, but the UK and Europe are up over 1% at the time of writing. The overall sluggish picture seems a strange reaction to supportive comments from US Federal Reserve chair Powell and a healthier than expected US economy, but markets are chewing on a few things.

/ 2nd September 2024