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Review of the week: France cuts spending, ECB to cut rates?
Last Updated: July 24, 2025
The twin engines of the European economy, Germany and France, are sputtering. With inflation falling and France turning to austerity, will the central bank come to the rescue?
Autumn budget: Labour hits reset
Last Updated: September 15, 2025
Big changes to taxes, spending and the fiscal rules. Rachel Reeves used her long-awaited first Budget to hit reset, with big increases in tax and spending alongside a major change to the fiscal rules. While there are significant implications for individuals’ financial planning as capital gains and inheritance tax change, this article focuses on the potential effects on the UK economy and financial markets.
Review of the Week: Bonds vs Fed
Last Updated: July 22, 2025
Signs of economic weakness in America have bond investors hoping the US central bank will soon let up on its path of higher interest rates. But they might be a little early.
A spring statement on fiscal discipline
Last Updated: December 16, 2025
Chancellor Rachel Reeves today prioritised fiscal discipline, leaving intact the near-term outlook for positive, though weak, growth.
Review of the week: Gloves off?
Last Updated: October 14, 2025
US stocks held up well during a wild week of White House adjustments to its tariff policies. US government bonds and the dollar were less fortunate.
Review of the week: One year on
Last Updated: July 22, 2025
The war in Ukraine has caused misery in Eastern Europe, upended global trade and sharpened world politics. An era of cheap hydrocarbons is now behind us, and further energy shocks could be on the horizon.
Staying invested during volatile markets
Last Updated: July 22, 2025
The S&P 500, an index comprised of the 500 largest companies in the US, is down -20% from its value at the start of the year. Even UK government bonds, considered to be one of the safest and least volatile asset classes, are down by double digits. Bond prices move inversely to interest rates, and so this year’s rising interest rates have adversely impacted prices, ending what had previously been a 10-year bond market rally supported by a steady decline in interest rates.
It's good to talk
Last Updated: July 22, 2025
If approached in the right way, family get-togethers can present a great opportunity to discuss your financial plans.
Tax allowances: Use them or lose them
Last Updated: July 22, 2025
Make sure you're not paying more tax than necessary by taking advantage of all your annual allowances. See below for a checklist of what you need to know.
How much will you need for a financially secure retirement?
Last Updated: July 22, 2025
It's never too early or late to plan for your golden years by setting some goals to make the most of your savings and investments.
Finance function for the future
Last Updated: July 22, 2025
The pandemic has transformed many areas of charity operations. However, it does not appear to have significantly affected charity finance management.
Financial planning for later life care
Last Updated: July 24, 2025
Later life care is something you can prepare for financially sooner rather than later. We look at the key areas to be aware of and how a financial planner can help.