Is it time to be worried about Germany’s economy?

So just what is compound interest?

You may already be familiar with the concept of earning interest such as through your bank account. You put in £1000, the bank pays you say 2% per year and at the end of the year you’ve earned £20.

It doesn’t sound much I know. However, compound interest refers to the interest you then earn on that £20, so you have earned interest on your interest. This means even if you didn’t put more money into the bank, the amount you earn increases each year.

Is the Old Economy the New Opportunity?

UK MARKETS

Inflation continues to impact sterling and UK markets overall

Disappointingly strong core inflation data precipitated a 0.5% Base Rate increase from the Bank of England (BoE), to 5%. The greater than expected June hike pressured short-duration sterling bonds. After a torrid start to the year, longer-dated bonds found some solace in the more hawkish BoE stance. The stronger pound was supported by the bond market pricing in a Base Rate of 6% by year end. Impacted by the strong pound, UK equities, particularly the more economically sensitive mid-caps stocks, lagged most other developed markets.

Up 0.7% (UK All Share)

Despite its recent weak economic performance, China’s return to the markets will have an impact on oil going forward.

Ever thought about what kind of money personality you have?

We like to think of it as being one of three types: The Saver, The Spender, or The Investor, each with its own unique money personality, and its own style and way of handling their cash.

We'll help you figure out the different money personality definitions, explore their investment behaviour to discover which one you are and chat about the kind of investment strategies that could be your perfect match.

Despite its recent weak economic performance, China’s return to the markets will have an impact on oil going forward.

UK MARKETS

Inflation continues to impact sterling and UK markets overall

Disappointingly strong core inflation data precipitated a 0.5% Base Rate increase from the Bank of England (BoE), to 5%. The greater than expected June hike pressured short-duration sterling bonds. After a torrid start to the year, longer-dated bonds found some solace in the more hawkish BoE stance. The stronger pound was supported by the bond market pricing in a Base Rate of 6% by year end. Impacted by the strong pound, UK equities, particularly the more economically sensitive mid-caps stocks, lagged most other developed markets.

Up 0.7% (UK All Share)

After languishing behind its western counterpart for years, is it finally time for a Japanese renaissance?

If monetary policy is akin to playing a round of golf with only a driver (i.e. interest rates), then the bunker that Andrew Bailey finds himself in just got a whole lot deeper after the recent 50 bps rate hike.

Is housing the only aspect you really need to know about China.

Why May 2023 was different from most months.

Why May 2023 was different from most months.

UK markets fall despite better than expected economic data

Whilst economic data was generally better than expected, and the IMF and BoE both abandoned their UK recession forecasts, markets were agitated by rising Core CPI inflation, which helped drive Gilt prices lower. Weaker commodity prices and a rotation away from traditionally defined value sectors saw the FTSE100 decline by -5.4%, though the FTSE250 was slightly more resilient at -3.6%. The Oil sector was particularly weak, dropping -11.6%.

Down -5.1% (UK All Share)

Why May 2023 was different from most months.

With inflation still running high and interest rates rising, remaining in cash can impact your wealth over time if you avoid equity markets altogether

UK markets outperform most major markets

The UK stock market rebounded from a tough March and outperformed developed market peers. As the market gyrated through April, top contributors were those which underperformed last month - banks, real estate and consumer staples companies. Headline inflation has declined but remains stubbornly elevated, not helped by a hot wage print causing yields to push higher intramonth. PMI’s are diverging with manufacturing falling into contractionary territory, while services are in expansion. Interest rates are expected to move higher, and Sterling has continued to strengthen through April from September lows, toward five-year averages.

Up 3.0% (UK All Share)

Teaching your kids how to invest may sound daunting, but Spring makes it simple. Investing provides ample opportunities to teach your kids the financial lessons they likely won’t learn in school, all while keeping the process simple and easy for you. (As parents ourselves, we know you don’t have time to spare!)