inflation Archives - Philip J Milton & Company Plc

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...

‘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...

Inflation remains stubborn

So, inflation remain stubbornly high at 3.4% despite people not feeling especially confident about spending. So much of our outgoings now go towards ‘tax’ of course and we don’t have any control over that (but government does)… So businesses and organisations are obliged to increase their prices to cover increased costs (especially employment but...

Inflation slows but is it the calm before the storm?

While the news inflation slowed in March to 2.6% is welcome and an interest rate cut is widely expected next month, it may simply be a brief glow of light to ward off the spectre of ‘stagflation’ a little longer. The recent quakes from Trump’s tariffs have subsided for now and some analysts are upbeat...

What does US inflation mean for the UK?

Inflation in the United States rose more than expected last month to 3% - exactly the same rate as here in the UK, funnily enough! ‘Unpredictable’ best describes the start of Donald Trump’s presidency as his proposed tariffs on imported goods look likely to push up prices for American consumers. The rate of inflation ‘over there’...

Are Cash ISAs under threat from the Chancellor?

Regular readers of this column will know we are not entirely (or certainly not universally) in favour of Cash ISAs simply because the balance of interest rates versus inflation means you can effectively be ‘losing’ money by having many thousands sat in an ISA ‘doing nothing’ as well as letting inflation eat it away. Saving...

Is ‘stagflation’ looming and what can you do about it?

Interest rates have been cut to 4.5% as expected but with low economic growth, higher unemployment and price rises, some analysts fear we are heading for a period of ‘stagflation’. First coined in the 1960s, the term simply means economic stagnation on the one hand and inflation on the other, which is neither beneficial to...

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...

Portents and opportunities for 2025

I am afraid the portents have turned badly for 2025, here at home at least. We are reacting on investment strategies with enough good news stories to help against the negativity and don’t forget the UK was and is very cheap to start, so there is a protection cushion there regardless to make us...

New Year greetings and 2024 review

Happy New Year to you all. I hope that you have had a restful, positive and reflective Christmas break. Let’s see what the New Year will bring to us all. Some of the themes remain the same and I want to share optimism going forwards but cannot avoid the inevitable warnings about certain excesses...

Savings, tax and stocks to hold?

‘Unexpected’ inflation really wasn’t

Inflation remains stubborn

Inflation slows but is it the calm before the storm?

What does US inflation mean for the UK?

Are Cash ISAs under threat from the Chancellor?

Is ‘stagflation’ looming and what can you do about it?

Trump inauguration and UK economy

Portents and opportunities for 2025

New Year greetings and 2024 review

Risk Warning

Find us on Facebook

Recent Tweets

Philip J Milton & Company Plc

Financial Ombudsman Service