‘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...
US wobbling subsides – for now
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...
New Year greetings and 2024 review
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...
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...