Market Update: M&A activity sets growth against value
Consumer confidence is yet to catch up with business sentiment which is now driving a flurry of value seeking mergers and acquisitions.
Market Update: UK not growing really, not growing nominally
The UK has had no real growth for two years but last week’s 2023 Q4 GDP data confirms a slight recession. Should the Bank of England respond?
Market Update: US stock market entering bubble territory?
With the S&P500 US stock index breaking through the 5,000 mark for the first time, we discuss parallels to the dot.com bubble from 25 years ago.
Are you aware of the changes to the State Pension?
The State Pension is set to increase commencing on 6 April 2024 due to a mechanism known as the ‘Triple Lock’. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt has announced an increase of 8.5%, which pensioners will welcome.
Market Update: Central banks challenge Goldilocks assumptions
The apparent acceptance of later rate cuts kept markets going during January, but may be put to the test in February as US regional banks creak, once again, under the increased cost of refinancing.
Market Update: Positive growth sentiment returns
January is beginning to shape up rather nicely, after both positive growth sentiment as well as surplus liquidity staged a welcome return
Succession Planning, A Family Affair
Transferring wealth within a family is a delicate process that requires clear communication and effective planning. Otherwise, it could lead to a potentially large tax bill and bad feeling in the family.
Market Update: Data vs Davos
Was it the latest market data making early and substantial interest rate cuts unlikely, or the latest ‘news’ from leaders gathered in Davos, that caused bond yields to rise once again?
Market Update: A bumpy upwards path ahead
After the recent rally valuations feel elevated, yet the biggest risk to them is not whether the economy will grow again, but rather how fast.
Making Better Investment Decisions
Investing is no longer a luxury reserved for the very wealthy; it's a financial necessity for everyone. Whether we're saving for retirement or our children's education, personal investing is crucial in securing our financial futures.
Market Update: After the party, the hangover?
Following the impressive Santa Rally markets started 2024 on a less euphoric note, is this simply a correction from overbuying, or a genuinely bad start?
Market Update: Central bank Elves boost 2023 Santa rally
The scrooges of last year’s Christmas, US central bankers, put markets in a warm festive mood this week by surprisingly declaring ‘peak rates’ - is the US getting ahead of Europe and the UK once again?
Expanding Horizons: Tean Hatt
We’re thrilled to announce the newest addition to the Vizion Wealth family, Tean Hatt, a seasoned and highly knowledgeable financial advisor with an impressive track record in the industry. I’m personally delighted because I worked with Tean for 5 years at Hargreaves Lansdown until 2011 when i left to set up Vizion Wealth. Tean's arrival not only strengthens our advisory team but also reaffirms our commitment to providing top-notch financial advice and services to our clients nationwide.
Taxing Times for 2023
As we approach the end of the year, taxpayers should begin assessing their tax obligations. This is not a task to be left to the eleventh hour, especially considering tax changes coming into effect in 2024. By understanding your tax obligations early on, you could avoid unwelcome surprises.
Market Update: A bit of a downer
We review November’s cheery asset performance below. Early December is also currently on a positive track and trading volumes have been higher than November’s averages generally, suggesting quite a bit of capital is being put to work by investors.
Market Update: Higher for shorter on the horizon
As we have written here over the past weeks, the distinct turn in sentiment that drove markets in November was, once again, mostly about central banks and the likely path of interest rates. After October was about ‘higher for longer’, early November transitioned to ‘no more rate rises and the next move is down’, when inflation came down far more than most had expected. In this past week, we have heard discussions of Eurozone rate cuts in time for Easter.
Our Guide to Making A Will
We often avoid thinking about the inevitable, but planning ahead is crucial, especially when it comes to securing your loved ones’ futures. Writing a Will isn’t just a legal formality; it’s a way to ensure your assets are distributed per your wishes and your family is cared for even when you’re not around.
Market Update: US economy slows to our pace
November remains a positive month in capital markets, although equities had a neutral week and longer bond prices have fallen back. UK government bonds (Gilts) have been the best performing bond market in the past few weeks, but the tax cuts announced in Wednesday Autumn Statement, although relatively minor, were enough to push the ten-year Gilt yield back up above 4.25% (rising yields mean falling bond prices).
The perils of trying to time the market
The common adage 'buy low, sell high' might seem like a fool proof strategy for maximising investment returns. However, the reality is far more complex than simply trying to predict market fluctuations. Timing the market involves anticipating its highs and lows to buy when prices are at their lowest and sell when they peak.
DPMS Portfolio Commentary February 2024
2024 had a relatively rocket start with inflation coming in higher than expected across developed markets driving bond yields upwards and capital values down, the Purchasing Manager Index (PMI) surveys showing relatively weak results and geo-political instability in the Middle East unnerved investors. However, recent weeks have seen a reversal of this with some strong Q4 earnings results, improved consumer sentiment and optimism towards the first interest rate cuts since 2020.