Special Market Commentary: Ukraine Crisis

As financial markets continually move, grow, dip and change, any commentary is offered with a short expiry date – as conditions shift, so do the potential outcomes. Nevertheless, the pace of change within Ukraine over the last few days was enough to leave even the most experienced market observers with whiplash. To say the Russian…

Market Commentary: November 2021

Rates, Seasonal Spending and Covid ConcernsUK Markets    An unambiguously strong labour market release has emphasised that December’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting is very much live. A repeat of this strength in next month’s release, which will be published two days before the MPC’s decision, could easily be enough to generate a majority for a…

Blogging Basics for Financial Advice Firms

When it comes to marketing your financial advice firm, writing your own blog can be a great place to start. Not only is it an opportunity to share news and demonstrate your knowledge to prospective clients, but a blog also provides relevant content to share on your social media pages while improving the chances of your website ranking organically (for free) on search engines.  Anyone who has…

Market Commentary: October 2021

UK, US and Asian Market UpdatesUK Markets    Whilst standardised inflation data for the UK actually fell in September, all signs show that the Bank of England (BoE) is contemplating an imminent increase in interest rates. Certainly, the Gilt market thinks so and (despite a fall on Friday) yields have risen more than 320% since this time…

4 Ways to Improve Mental Health Support at Work

Practical Advice for Your WorkplaceIf you think mental health and wellbeing aren’t important topics for businesses to consider, think again. An extensive study from the World Health Organisation (WHO) discovered that depression and anxiety costs the global economy an estimated US $1trillion in lost productivity every year.   Workplaces that promote mental health awareness, provide…

Market Commentary: September 2021

Bank of England and Federal Reserve Toughen RhetoricBoth the Bank of England (BOE) and the U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) issued policy updates last week suggesting they have become a little more confident in the economic recovery. Both may look to reduce their bond buying programs in due course. Equity markets dealt with the news reasonably…

Market Commentary: August 2021

Delta Infections Weighing on Growth ExpectationsFinancial markets were rattled in the past week by speculation that global recovery could lose momentum as the Delta variant spreads – just as central banks get ready to reduce support measures. Equities did climb in the UK and US on Friday as dip buyers resurfaced amid a surge in…