Volatile US stocks
Volatility led by the US has escalated quite dramatically. It's impacted market values – especially some US tech cos and Nasdaq has drifted 10% now but the concerns over tariffs and the Ukraine situation and the US reaction to it, let alone clumsy politics and diplomacy, have not helped. Suddenly Nvidia and Tesla aren't...
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’...
Off-piste, risk and the economy
Having grabbed a week to visit Chamonix and on one day to travel up to Aiguille du Midi (3,842 metres) to view Mont Blanc (4,805metres), gave me an opportunity to see ‘risk’ in a different context. The height, the highest I have ever been excluding flights, puts risk in a different perspective altogether
The engineering...
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...
Hold fire on pensions Inheritance Tax decision for now…
Reforms announced in the Budget to include unused pensions in Inheritance Tax from 2027 have rightly prompted concern and fears for those planning how to pass on their estate to their family – but don’t do anything rash just yet!
This is because HMRC is running a consultation on these proposals until January 22, 2025...
Election results
I realise this is hot on the heels of the last missive (it’s a short one!) but whatever your politics, I offer my hearty congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on his success yesterday. The outcome is very decisive and we wish him and all of his soon-to-be-assembled team all the very best in managing...
Election Eve looms
Well, we are almost there. Have you cast your vote yet (by post)...? Election Day is tomorrow and if you have an unused postal vote, you can still take it to your polling station and hand-in the envelope.
However, first, to cheer you up and to change the subject, next Christmas is now nearer than...