In the weeks leading up to the UK Budget, the industry has struggled to read the signs from the Treasury as to what was most likely to happen in the Autumn Statement and what new taxes were to be introduced – we just knew that tax would rise.
NEWS
Business
THE FUTURE OF FOSSIL FUELS & THE IMPACT OF CONFLICT
We are sometimes fixated on ideas that only reflect our own individual perspective and typically we can be UK or Europe or US centric. We are all likely to be affected by the potential interruption to the movement of Oil from the Middle East to the rest of the globe but interestingly we are not the only ones!
LIVING WITH VOLATILITY
Equity markets rise over-time but they do not do so in a straight line. Volatility – although difficult to stomach at the time – is par for the course. According to Duncan Lamont, head of strategic research at Schroders, the stock market tends to fall by 20% once every four years and by 10% at some point during most years.
PRESIDENT TRUMP, THE USA & TARIFFS – HOW SHOULD WE REACT?
President Donald Trump announced sweeping tariffs that will reshape trade relations with the United States. The new tariff regime is more severe than expected, and extraordinary both in terms of scale and how they were calculated.
SALARY SACRIFICE – GENUINE & IMMEDIATE SAVINGS FOR EMPLOYEES & EMPLOYERS ALIKE
Salary sacrifice is not ideal for everyone, but it legitimately provides employers with a means of saving significant sums of money that can be used within the business, whilst simultaneously improving the net monthly pay of staff and increasing their pension contributions each month.
SIX TIPS TO HELP BUSINESSES BUILD RESILIENCE
In a world of constant change and uncertainty, strengthening business resilience has become a paramount priority for firms looking for sustainable growth. Business resilience not only equips SMEs to weather adverse events, such as the loss of a key client or supplier, but also empowers them to seize growth opportunities.
LATEST NEWS
MIDDLE EAST ESCALATION: EARLY MARKET IMPACT & PORTFOLIO IMPLICATIONS
Following the weekend escalation involving US – Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran’s subsequent response, markets have – so far – reacted in a relatively orderly way. The immediate transmission mechanism is energy, because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas flows.
GETTING MY HEAD AROUND AI: WHY MARKETS ARE EXCITED — AND NERVOUS
Artificial Intelligence has moved from novelty to necessity in what feels like months. Markets have reacted accordingly. Some technology shares have surged on the promise of AI, while others have fallen sharply on fears that AI could undermine existing business models. Like many investors, I’ve been trying to get my head around what is actually happening — and why the stakes suddenly feel so high.
UK TAX: THE PAIN DEFERRED – WHY THE REAL IMPACT COMES LATER
Financial markets were primed for sharp, immediate tax rises. Commentators warned of fiscal tightening. Yet when the Chancellor delivered the measures, the initial reaction was muted. Markets barely moved. The plaster came off—and it didn’t hurt.
THOUGHTS ON THE IMPACT OF THE BUDGET
In the weeks leading up to the UK Budget, the industry has struggled to read the signs from the Treasury as to what was most likely to happen in the Autumn Statement and what new taxes were to be introduced – we just knew that tax would rise.