Knowledge and Insight

For more than a half-a-century, as people all over the world have left their homes in search of peace and prosperity, migration has been one of contemporary literature’s central subjects. 

Over 250 charity trustees and investors from all over the UK gathered at the annual Rathbones Charity Symposium at the IET in London on Wednesday 18 April, for an afternoon of discussion and debate on leadership and governance in challenging times. We heard presentations from seven speakers, followed by a panel Q&A hosted by Jonathan Dimbleby.

The spectre of higher inflation and rising interest rates sent a shudder through global markets in February. It could still cause some sleepless nights over the rest of the year, but we don’t see anything too alarming on the horizon.

500 students, 4 schools, 5 books and 1 ambition - to help young people find and retain their joy of reading, which has been shown to provide long-term personal and educational benefits.

The relationship between economic growth, inflation expectations and government bond yields is likely to be a dominant investment theme throughout 2018. Already this year financial markets have been spooked by the prospect of higher inflation and higher bond yields. The important question now is how far and how fast will yields rise from here?

Passing on wealth has never cost the UK so much. Inheritance tax (IHT) receipts are surging and reached a record £4.9 billion last year. With property prices rising and IHT allowances frozen until 2021, that trend is likely to continue.

The threat of higher inflation and rising interest rates spooked global stock markets in February and pushed up government bond yields. We expect the trend of rising yields to persist and be a dominant investment theme over the coming year, with implications for equities. 

After almost 18 months without a setback, investors forgot what volatility felt like. That complacency has now been shattered, but sound underlying business conditions remain intact. That’s no bad thing. 

Original, diverse and international – this year’s shortlist encapsulates what the Rathbones Folio Prize is all about.