UK growth pains, our 40th and testimonials
Oh dear, so the latest UK economics’ figures for the month suggest there was zero growth (and also August’s government borrowing was higher than expected as well). As I have shared before, chancellors pre-spend their projection of economic growth’s increased tax revenues so when it doesn’t happen… and the flip side is then more...
Stamp duty shenanigans dent confidence
Interesting times with politics and Stamp Duty shenanigans. They all affect investor sentiment too and confidence and upsets are not helpful. I do feel slightly sorry for Angela Rayner on this one in that one relies upon those completing the process to know what Stamp Duty to pay but of course if they were...
Savings, tax and stocks to hold?
Last week we were greeted with even higher inflation figures, apparently fuelled by higher aviation costs though primarily the problem remains reaction to the Government’s increases in Minimum Wage, National Insurance and other business costs and taxes. Curiously, at the same time the cost of oil and gas has been very weak but not...
Our 40th and great numbers
The UK Economy grew by 0.3% in the first quarter – which is good news though some of it is clawing-back losses from before. However, the underlying trend shows very little improvement and as noted last time, the general employment situation is worsening.
In a nutshell (and stating the obvious), the more unemployed and the...
Rates cut, our 40th and Afternoon Tea
So the FCA is issuing a hefty fine of £46million on Mr Neil Woodford and his Company. He is being banned from senior management roles and managing funds for private individuals – ouch. He is appealing (or perhaps to the FCA (which is also investigating his latest unregulated investment tipping activities) is that he...
Car finance, compensation & comedy
Raising tax without result
It seems this Government is being the most successful at raising the rates of tax yet collecting less cash as a result – and doing untold harm to the economy as well as consumer and business confidence the same time. No, this isn’t political comment; it’s simply financially factual.
Whatever one’s politics and no, it’s...
‘Unexpected’ inflation really wasn’t
So we have been greeted with an ‘unexpected’ 3.6% inflation and unemployment rising at the same time that vacancies are diminishing (the lowest since Covid). Anyone reading these eshots and realising the increases in costs on employers would not have seen these two things as ‘unexpected’ at all.
Indeed, perhaps the Government should subscribe to...
Chancellor tears but not for us
So, very unconvincingly the Prime Minister supporting the Chancellor’s dire financial announcements brought the wrong sort of tears to her eyes, promptly seeing the cost of long-term UK Government debt rise by a whopping 5% and Sterling losing a cent instantly. Fortunately that was short-lived but we’re still paying far more than at the...