FTSE opens down this morning. Bank of England keeps interest rates flat in a close vote. US stock futures move lower as big tech continues to struggle. Gold sees prices fall as traders take profits. Oil prices on track to post first weekly decline in six weeks.
Pardeep Bassi from WTW looks at how machine learning and AI are giving insurers a measurable edge in portfolio management - and are quickly becoming a core capability across the industry. Insurers are navigating fast-moving markets, shifting performance, and growing data volumes. Machine learning and AI can turn complexity into clarity by spotting what’s changing, explaining why, and guiding action with confidence. Used appropriately, machine learning speeds analysis, strengthens decisions, and reduces manual effort without compromising governance.
Fully hedged scheme sees small funding level increase over January50% hedged scheme also improves position over the monthEncouraging start to 2026 following funding gains in 2025
Standard Life, Wealth Club and Schroders comment as the Bank of England holds interest rates at 3.75% in its first meeting of the year. Decision underlines policy makers’ cautious approach to further easing, following December’s Christmas-fuelled rebound in inflation. New ‘neutral rate’ could be higher than 2008- 2022 historic lows
The London Market has doubled in size over the last c.10 years. It is worth $187bn in GWP, up 17% from 2022. It now contributes £61bn to overall UK GDP and 37% of “City” GDP, vs £49bn in 2020.The London Market has outpaced global market growth, increasing its overall share to 8.7% in 2024, albeit its rate of growth has lagged some competitor jurisdictions. London remains larger (at $187bn) than all other global insurance hubs combined
FTSE drifts ahead of BoE and ECB rate decisions. Another $3.5bn buyback from Shell despite Q4 earnings miss. US stock futures down after bruising session for tech shares. Alphabet drops 2% after-hours despite cloud blowout. Brent Crude down 2% ahead of US-Iranian talks
Our recent conversations with professional trustees reveal mixed views about a future shaped by regulatory change and the direction of the DB pensions market. Policy and regulatory shifts around new endgame options are prompting many schemes to reassess their long-term goals. The Pensions Regulator (TPR) encourages trustees changing endgame to review their governance structure, and think about whether the trustee board has the experience and expertise to carry out the endgame strategy effectively.
FTSE 100 scales fresh heights as its defensive qualities shine. Energy stocks and miners benefit as Middle East tensions rise. Insurer Beazley agrees £8 billion takeover by Zurich. End of US partial government shutdown set to provide a little lift. Companies are showing hesitancy to spend as the AI revolution rolls on.
Older retirees have most to lose by falling into the best/worst income gap, Just Group analysis reveals·Gap between the best and worst annuity rates increases with age. Retirees waiting until later in life to buy a Guaranteed Income for Life (GIfL) solution risk missing out on thousands of pounds extra by failing to shop around for the best deal.
Globally, cancer is one of the most common conditions being faced, which in turn is leading to rising costs according to our Global Medical Trends 2026. Every year in the U.K., there are approximately 385,400 new cases of cancer. But while survival rates have more than doubled in the last 40 years, from 24 per cent to 50 per cent, treatment often involves lengthy recovery times, which can negatively impact business operations and productivity.
New research from Canada Life reveals a widespread lack of awareness about where important family documents and financial policies are kept, leaving millions at risk of unnecessary stress, delays and even penalties during periods of bereavement.
The very latest research from the employee benefits experts at Everywhen shows that only 17% of employers will be focussing their employee health and wellbeing support on serious illnesses such as cancer this year. This is concerning given that cancer rates are increasing, with an estimated 3.5 million people in the UK living with cancer in 2025, compared to around 3 million in 2020.
FTSE 100 nudges up in early trade. Gold has rebounded to start the week, as speculators look to take advantage of last week’s slump. Elon Musk has announced intention to combine SpaceX and xAI to create a $1.25 trillion company. Donald Trump has announced plans to cut India trade tariffs from 50% to 18%, buoying stock markets. The oil price has fallen on news that the US is in talks with Iran in a bid to ease tensions in the Middle East
In its new 2026-28 strategy, the ABI reaffirms its commitment to building a trusted sector, investing in people and planet and shaping an effective market.
Shock unravelling of gold and silver prices has continued. Fed chair pick sparked the sell-off but easing geopolitical tensions exacerbate falls. FTSE 100 opens in the red and Wall Street is set for a slide. Mining, energy and tech set to be under pressure as risk appetite is dampened
Almost three-quarters of UK defined contribution (DC) pension schemes (69%) are planning to access private markets through Long-Term Asset Funds (LTAFs), new research from Schroders in association with Longview Networks, can reveal.
Sheldon is leading a long-term review into AI and retail financial services, reporting to the FCA Board in the summer with recommendations to help the FCA continue to play a leading role in shaping AI-enabled financial services.AI is already shaping financial services, but its longer-term effects may be more far-reaching. This review will consider how emerging uses of AI could influence consumers, markets and firms, looking towards 2030 and beyond.
Only one in three UK pension schemes using fiduciary management currently has formal, independent oversight in place, despite clear expectations from regulators, according to data compiled by XPS
ABI Board and member group governance refresh to elevate and align decision-makingNew pension group to focus on the Bulk Purchase Annuity market and investmentChairs confirmed across the four lead groups
Footsie set to end the week flat, after stocks slip back Stateside. Gold retreats from record highs as investors take profits after its glittering run up. Brent Crude edges back lower but is still set to sharpest weekly gain in two years. Wall Street set to trade lower as speculation swirls about the next chair of the Federal Reserve. Worries rise about huge AI spend not delivering on expectations. Apple’s softly-softly approach to AI appears to be reaping rewards.
More than £46 million was reclaimed in overtaxation on pension withdrawals in October, November and December 2025, the latest HMRC figures reveal. During the quarter there were 13,652 reclaim forms processed, with an average reclaim of £3,388. Over £1.5 billion has now been reclaimed by people overtaxed on pension withdrawals since 2015. How taking a small withdrawal when you first access your pension could ease overtaxation pain. Alternatively, savers can fill out one of three HMRC forms and get their money back within 30 days