Christmas greetings and market movements
A pre-Christmas snapshot of the economy and markets
Well, whilst I anticipate another eshot just before the festivities, it seems apt to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas season, celebrations and relaxing times. The new government will be looking forward to some rest and apt navel gazing over the break.
I am sure we shall all be wondering what might ensue from Syria...
Record global dividends but is UK honeymoon over?
Good news that global dividends paid to investors hit a new record in the third quarter. This was $431billion according to Janus Henderson’s latest research, with 88% of companies increasing or holding their payout rates (84% in the UK, though the overall rate dropped in fact, as miners cut their special dividends from before).
Dividends...
Citywire Top 100, Budget and MIGO
Thank you Citywire again for the honour of being on the ‘Top 100 Financial Advisers’ list this year! We are very humbled.
Top 100 2024: See the penultimate list of fantastic firms
Whilst the photo Citywire uses still shows me with hair (!), the content is what counts – thank you everyone for the judgment and...
US election effects on the UK?
A bad Budget for business?
Welcome to the Budget. I suppose we can say ‘it wasn’t as bad as it could have been’ (as inferred previously that perhaps the snowstorm of released rumours was designed to frighten everyone witless) but there were some very nasty things in there impacting many people.
I (nor independent commentators) don’t think she needed to...
Inflation drops and Budget looms
So UK inflation surprised to the downside – good news. This should lead the Bank of England to keep its promise to cut interest rates. The only fly in the ointment is what government bonds tell us? They’re worried globally but specifically in the UK about the Budget and probable extra borrowing (via these...
US stocks and the Budget
Hurricane Milton wreaked havoc in Florida but nothing like the worst expected. We trust this namesake won’t be doing the same with markets! Helen was not so impressed it followed right after Hurricane Helene as well. This is a once-in-a-lifetime storm, we were told and as ever, the risk to life the biggest fear...
Oil prices and energy concerns
Good afternoon. Along with Mr Felix Milton, I have just returned from an encouraging and helpful conference with ACFA – I have not been for a few years so it was a good and worthwhile event to recharge batteries.
We were reminded of the value of the advice and service which a good financial adviser...