Month: January 2025

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.

/ 31st January 2025

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.

/ 27th January 2025

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.

/ 27th January 2025

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.

/ 20th January 2025

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.

/ 13th January 2025

Autumn Budget 2024 Recap

The Autumn Budget Statement 2024 introduced a range of changes that could significantly impact wealth planning strategies. From pensions and tax adjustments to shifts in the treatment of business and agricultural assets, the statement calls for individuals with substantial wealth to reassess their long-term financial goals. These changes present challenges and opportunities depending on your personal and financial circumstances.

/ 8th January 2025

Market Update: Happy New Year!

We start this year with a condensed Market update, sharing with you a few thoughts about some relevant events over the holiday period and the first few days of 2025. Next week, we will be back to the usual extensive format, bringing you a full account of asset class performance for December and for 2024. In the meantime, we show various asset classes (some of which overlap each other) so readers can get an idea of which areas did best and worst.

/ 3rd January 2025