Money, money, money!

When uncertainty reigns in markets, cash feels safe. It sits in your account, untouched by volatility, seemingly secure from the stock market’s unpredictable swings. But what’s often overlooked is the silent risk cash carries – the risk of missing out.  Continue reading

What you need to know about behavioural investment

Have you ever made an irrational or impulsive purchase you’ve later regretted? We all make decisions based on our emotions or personal biases, but when it comes to investing, such mistakes can be very costly.  Continue reading

Big in Japan

In short – To enjoy the long-term benefits of investing, you must withstand short-term losses. History has shown that those who chose to stay the course were rewarded for their patience.  Continue reading

Everybody Wants To Rule The World

At the beginning of the year, we highlighted the potential for political uncertainty in 2024, with 76 countries going to the polls in elections in which 4.2 billion people could vote, representing 51% of the global population. With heavy media coverage and many nations sharply divided, this could create short-term volatility. Given what’s happened so far, we were not too far wrong.    Continue reading

Why ‘home bias’ could mean missing out on investment returns

Does your investment portfolio suffer from too much ‘home bias’? It’s natural for investors to stay close to home when thinking about investing, contemplating well-known UK companies or UK-focused funds rather than looking further afield. But if your portfolio becomes too heavily concentrated in the UK, you risk missing out on valuable diversification benefits and better potential returns elsewhere.  Continue reading

Brighter outlook for global economy as inflation eases

At times in the past two years, it seemed to some that inflation would never come down. Double-digit inflation became routine. Now, with price rises back near normal levels, optimism is returning to financial markets.  Continue reading

You reap what you sow with Investments (…and Vegetables!)

For those who don’t already know, I have an allotment, and this time of year is particularly rewarding because I see the fruits of my labour.   Continue reading

Economic Review – June 2024

This economic review is intended to provide background to recent developments in investment markets as well as to give an indication of how some key issues could impact in the future.  Continue reading

Economic Review

This economic review is intended to provide background to recent developments in investment markets as well as to give an indication of how some key issues could impact in the future.   Continue reading

Economic Review

January 2024 UK economy rebounds in November Official statistics show the economy returned to growth in November, although analysts believe it remains a close call as to whether or not the UK will once again manage to avoid a recession. Figures released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK economy […]  Continue reading

‘Megatrends are defining the future’

The emergence of new trends and advancements such as the advent of AI, electric vehicles and other ‘big picture’ global innovations are set to shape our future, presenting opportunities to investors interested in capturing these themes in their portfolios. The United Nations Economist Network has identified five megatrends impacting social, economic and environmental outcomes, these […]  Continue reading

Autumn Statement 2023

On 22 November, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt unveiled the government’s latest tax and spending plans saying “we back British business” announcing 110 growth measures which he said would boost business investment by £20bn a year. The Chancellor said the government had taken difficult decisions to put the economy “back on track” and claimed, “our plan for the British economy is working.” He also stressed that “the work is not done,” before outlining his package of measures which he said would cut business taxes, raise business investment and get more people into work.  Continue reading

Signs of optimism in the global economy

Although the global economy continues to face significant headwinds, statistics released during the first few months of this year have revealed unexpected signs of resilience. This has led economists to begin upgrading growth forecasts, while the World Economic Forum’s latest Chief Economists Outlook reported signs of ‘nascent optimism.’  Continue reading