UK economy grows, but…
At last the economy grew and better than hoped – by 0.4% in the quarter to 31 July and apparently fuelled by AI efficiencies and World Cup spending. However, the Government really has problems. Ostensibly it has sold the most expensive 30-year debt since 1998 - 5.82%. The very first 30-year started on 28...
Trump inauguration and UK economy
Well, despite record low temperatures for a presidential inauguration so the event is moved inside, over here spring is in the air with new bird song, Albert the Peacock’s beautiful train almost complete, bulbs are showing and snow drops are emerging. Let us hope for good things to come and a great summer!
In the...
US election effects on the UK?
A bad Budget for business – but it could have been worse
The Budget has finally been unveiled and while many in the financial and wealth management sector are of the opinion it wasn’t quite as bad as we feared, the Chancellor’s package of measures revealed last Wednesday contained some nasty elements too.
In our opinion it was a business-negative Budget which won’t help the objective of...
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...
What will happen in the October Budget?
At the end of this month the Chancellor will unveil the first UK Budget under Labour in almost 15 years and there is a great deal of uncertainty as to what might be in it.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves will present her first budget to the House of Commons on Wednesday, October 30 at around 12.30pm.
With...
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...
Gilts, Sterling recovery and markets
So the UK Government has sold the most expensive Gilt since 2007, paying 5.668% till redemption in October 2025. That is significantly higher than the rates which were applying only a few years ago. Unless inflation abates (and wage figures today don’t help) then the cost of servicing the National Debt will rocket and...