Events and insights for charities

Markets turned unsettled after a red‑hot run, sparking talk of a top. We still see no case to cut equities, periods like this can bring new opportunities.

A strong responsible investment framework for charities balances mission, risk and return. It goes beyond simple exclusions, using Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) integration, stewardship and clear prioritisation to align investments with purpose. The most effective approaches are evidence-based, proportionate and transparent, helping trustees demonstrate progress while maintaining long-term financial outcomes.

Prepare for the new Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) with 7 practical steps to strengthen transparency, Envrionmental, Social and Governance (ESG) reporting and how investments support your mission.

As speculation rises that a left-winger could replace Keir Starmer, UK gilt yields have risen to levels last seen before the financial crisis, bringing renewed focus to inflation, public finances and borrowing costs. Equity markets continue to be supported by earnings growth and AI investment, even as higher yields play a more visible role.

Markets remain resilient despite geopolitical and political uncertainty, with oil prices, strong corporate earnings, and AI optimism supporting momentum. However, investor behaviour and rising UK political instability could influence sentiment and keep risks firmly in focus.

Working effectively with an investment manager starts with clarity. These five questions cut through complexity and support clearer, more confident oversight.

The longer the Strait of Hormuz stays closed, the greater the disruption to the global economy. Recognising this risk, we're continuing to build resilience into portfolios.

For trustees, the question is no longer whether investments should reflect their charity’s mission—but how to do it in practice.

Conflicting information is making it challenging to see markets clearly. In spite of this, there are attractive opportunities to be had.

President Trump's blockade on traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is a high-risk, high-stakes strategy for the negotiating table. That means risks for markets too.

It’s best to stick to long-term strategies, rather than trying to trade on the unpredictable twists and turns of this war.

Whether the war in Iran escalates, and when it will ultimately end, is anyone’s guess. But we still believe staying invested is the best course of action.

Trading of threats between the US and Iran over the weekend sent equities falling, before they reversed sharply as US rhetoric softened. No real clarity has emerged, but we don’t want to miss any opportunities that might open up when hostilities do eventually settle down.

When confronted with big unknowns, it’s tempting to imagine the worst. Amid the fog of war, our investment process aims to manage the risks while not missing the boat if things suddenly take a turn for the better.

Trustees who are responsible for a charity’s investment portfolio might need to adjust their priorities in the current challenging financial climate, James Ayre, Fund Manager, Charities, and Kate Elliot, Head of Research, Rathbones Greenbank, tell Ian Allsop, contributing editor for Charity Finance.

The Autumn Budget sets the tone for the economic and policy environment that charities will face over the coming years. In this recording of the Rathbones Charity Expert Series webinar, we explore what the Chancellor’s announcement in November 2025 means for the sector - looking not only at the immediate impact but also at the financial and operational implications for 2026 and beyond.