Month: March 2025
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.