Knowledge and Insight - Economy

The great uncertainty over whether and when US interest rates will fall took a twist with first-quarter GDP. Much slower growth, offsetting dynamics and higher inflation are creating a puzzle.

The mean-average American family is worth $1 million after years of soaring growth, wealth and income. This matters for inflation, future interest rates and the strength of the dollar.

Rathbones’ head of equities Sanjiv Tumkur and head of asset allocation Oliver Jones discuss the outlook for global growth. Greenbank’s head of ethical, sustainable and impact research, Kate Elliot provides insight into the likelihood of a change in political leadership and what this could mean for investments.

An Iranian missile attack on Israel was thwarted over the weekend. While markets are calm, risks of escalation linger.

A blowout jobs report is tipping bets towards fewer US interest rate cuts this year. What happens if inflation continues to bounce higher this week?

Our 10th anniversary edition of Investment Insights leads with a hopeful note, looking at why we believe stronger foundations are being laid for a broad, sustainable recovery in stock markets.

A resilient economy is giving investors increased confidence to move beyond the Magnificent Seven and into corners of the market that have lagged. This broadening trend is very encouraging.

Will it be a case of the tortoise versus the hare, with last year’s winners taking a breather while the laggards catch up?

After the flurry of central bank decisions last week, what did we learn about when (and how much) the big hitters plan to cut rates?

In his latest video update, Rathbones’ co-chief investment officer Ed Smith notes the need to focus on quality as equity gains widen out, while bonds look attractive as inflation slows.

In a wave of central bank meetings this week, one of them is truly different. While all other developed world policymakers are pondering rate cuts, only Japan is considering rate hikes.

Problems with UK labour surveys are making it hard to know the true rate of unemployment. Meanwhile, the Chancellor releases a tax-cutting Budget that leaves the next government with tough choices.