Month: May 2026
Market Update: Assuming growth will win
Global stocks and global bonds ended last week positively, with the gains coming mostly in non-US markets. This was the first week since the end of March that big US tech stocks have underperformed. That underperformance comes despite continued strong results from the likes of Nvidia. Meanwhile, European government bonds did well; prices rose (and so yields fell), especially in the UK. That is not enough to counteract the sharp yield rise over the last two months, so the sense of market fragility remains. Still, last week was a very welcome respite.
The Optimal Time to Pass on Your Wealth
Some people choose to wait until they pass away to transfer their assets to their children and grandchildren. However, passing on your wealth during your lifetime is an approach worth considering for several compelling reasons.
Market Update: Trump in China and Starmer in peril
Markets are feeling hopeful. Iran is still mulling over Donald Trump’s proposal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but investors are betting on a done deal. Oil prices dropped from around $115 per barrel [pb] on Monday to below $100pb. Stock prices took another leg up – helped by strong corporate earnings and some decent economic data. In local currency terms, US equities continue to outperform, but a weaker dollar makes their weekly performance look much more in line with other markets.
Financial Planning for a Longer Retirement
When people think about retirement planning, the focus is often on the early years — the freedom to travel, spend more time with family, or finally pursue long-postponed goals. However, retirement today can last 20, 30, or even more years. As life expectancy continues to rise, financial planning needs to stretch far beyond the initial excitement of retirement and account for the decades that follow.
Market Update: Reasons to believe
Markets are feeling hopeful. Iran is still mulling over Donald Trump’s proposal to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but investors are betting on a done deal. Oil prices dropped from around $115 per barrel [pb] on Monday to below $100pb. Stock prices took another leg up – helped by strong corporate earnings and some decent economic data. In local currency terms, US equities continue to outperform, but a weaker dollar makes their weekly performance look much more in line with other markets.
Market Update: Markets making the best of it
The risks we wrote about last week keep rising. The continued US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, along with reports that the US might restart attacks, sent oil prices above $120 per barrel in midweek trading. They have since settled down to around $110pb. UK and European stocks are slightly down over the week in sterling terms, but US equities are higher again as the Friday session starts. Japan and China are flat as they begin “Golden Week” holidays, with help from a sharp rally in the Japanese Yen. In aggregate, global equities have gained slightly.