Inflation, deflation and market views
US inflation figures are higher than hoped (3.1% v 2.9% expected), jolting the market again and pushing Euro:Sterling to the highest since August 2022 and strengthening the Dollar.
Our inflation at 4% was slightly less than expected but we have now entered ‘Recession’ with ‘two quarters of negative growth’ – good in attacking inflation but...
Are you confident about your retirement plan?
A recent study by Standard Life has shown that less than one in 10 of those aged over 65 feel confident about managing their retirement finances.
Retirement is of course an uncertain time for many people, whether financially or simply the trepidation of entering the unknown and perhaps not knowing how you might spend your...
Consumer confidence
‘Consumer Confidence’ has risen for the third month and now at a two-year high, regardless of what negativity you may hear in the media. This seems to be supported by buoyant consumer spending since last autumn as well.
It’s good, as it will reflect in economic output but will too much enthusiasm dampen the Chancellor’s...
Financial predictions for 2024?
Ominous Bitcoin
So the SEC has approved 11 ETFs which invest in Bitcoin. First of all, don’t worry – we shan’t be buying them. Bitcoin is not an ‘asset’ and has nebulous, proven legitimate value and use. This ‘development’ is added to the latest speculative explosion about ‘AI’ (which of course has myriad applications and...
Inflation drops sharply
Encouraging end to a volatile 2023
Will ‘Santa Rally’ see us to Christmas?
What will the Autumn Statement mean for you and the UK?
The much-anticipated Chancellor’s Autumn Statement on Wednesday contained some good news for workers and measures that will help ISA savers and investors, but the overall effects on the UK economy remain to be seen.
Chancellor Jeremy Hunt announced he was cutting the rate of National Insurance from 12% to 10%. This will be effective from...
Investment value and the Autumn Statement
I am pleased to report that whilst I have been in South Africa, with the Autumn Statement happening, values on market investments seem to have been nudging gently upwards, after unrelenting negativity. That’s helpful but the opportunities are not quite so attractive of course then – but still compelling.
We have just issued what we...