Bond markets offering income levels not seen for a decade as yields reset after years of rising rates. Risk-adjusted returns from fixed income have strengthened, creating a rare window of opportunity for longer-term investors. Next year’s IHT changes are reshaping wealth planning, particularly how investors balance capital versus income when passing on assets. Tax year end is prompting investors to secure current yield levels.
More people could access financial advice, under proposals set out by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). The FCA is consulting on how to make it easier for firms to give more simplified forms of individualised financial advice to consumers.
The Consumer Prices Index rose by 3.0% in the 12 months to February 2026, unchanged from the 12 months to January. Clothing made the largest upward contribution to the monthly change, while motor fuels made the largest, offsetting, downward contribution. Core CPI (CPI excluding energy, food, alcohol and tobacco) rose by 3.2% in the 12 months to February 2026, up from 3.1% in the 12 months to January. Oil and gas prices remain highly elevated despite President Trump’s claims of progress in negotiations and a partial reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
Standard Life and IG comment as CPI holds at 3% for February, broadly in line with expectations. However, conflict-related rising energy and cost pressures are expected to push inflation higher in the months ahead
Inflation announced as 3% for the 12-month period to February 2026.This is the last inflation figure released before the state pension increases by 4.8% from 6 April, indicating an above-inflation boost for pensioner purchasing power.Aegon calls for clarity on the government’s long-term plans, with the state pension set to sit just £23 under the £12,570 income tax threshold.
TPR CEO calls for industry to align behind a shared vision of generating a sustainable income for retirement savers. The Pensions Regulator (TPR) Chief Executive has challenged the pensions market to innovate to help deliver a modern system providing long-term value for savers and a secure income at retirement. In a speech to the JP Morgan Pensions and Savings Symposium, Chief Executive Nausicaa Delfas stressed that the UK pensions system is entering a new era with the current Pension Schemes Bill and work of the Pensions Commission.
Standard Life modelling shows that if the nil-rate band had risen in line with inflation since the beginning of its freeze, it would now be around £200,000 higher than its current level. 9 in 10 (89%) UK adults have little or no awareness of the upcoming inheritance tax (IHT) pension changes. Just one in seven Gen X understand how IHT works, despite being the generation most likely to currently be dealing with inheritance issues. 30% of UK adults think their estate will exceed the IHT threshold
M&G plc (“M&G”) today announces a £140 million bulk purchase annuity (BPA), securing the pension benefits of around 650 members of the Panasonic UK Pension Plan for Panasonic Europe, which through its subsidiaries is a leading supplier of consumer and business-related electronics products.
Stock markets initially rallied as President Trump delays targeting Iran’s power supply in favour of truce talks. Iran denied talks have begun, causing whipsaw in markets. Brent initially fell below $100, but has subsequently risen – though at lower level than the beginning of the week. Gilt yields started Monday at GFC highs, but fell through the day – lower UK inflation due tomorrow expected to dampen yields further
Elevated oil prices and rising inflation expectations from the Middle East conflict instinctively invite a parallel with 2022, when a supply shock met excess fiscal stimulus, causing breakevens to surge and developed market central banks to tighten aggressively.
Canada Life has secured the future benefits for more than 145 pensioners and 80 deferred members of the Phoenix Medical Supplies Pension Scheme by delivering a £30 million full-scheme buy-in transaction.
New Guided Retirement requirements proposed in the Pension Schemes Bill mean trustees of defined contribution (DC) pension schemes will need to select a "default pension benefit solution" for their members at retirement. The chosen solution has to provide an individual with a regular income throughout retirement and will become the default choice for any member who doesn't actively choose another solution at retirement.
The US–Israel war with Iran is destabilizing much of the surrounding Middle East, with businesses such as hotels, data centers, and pipelines facing heightened risk of damage. Rising geopolitical tensions are set to drive a rapid increase in demand for political risk insurance, according to GlobalData.
This week is the most popular week of the year for people to top up their pensionsStandard Life shares tips on how to get the most out of your pension each tax year
FTSE 100 opens down. Spotlight on Wednesday’s UK inflation figures. US stock futures fall. Year to date performance leaders include energy and semiconductors. Brent Crude see-saws as Trump ups pressure to re-open strait
Technology has the potential to transform how consumers see their pension savings. The transparency provided by dashboards could be a catalyst for greater engagement and changes in consumer behaviour. The pensions system must be ready to support a wide spectrum of consumer behaviours and support needs. From well-designed defaults to Targeted Support and simplified advice, firms and policymakers must empower consumer agency, while ensuring appropriate guardrails are in place.
The Society of Pension Professionals (SPP) has submitted its response to the consultation by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) on proposed changes to Technical Actuarial Standard 310 (TAS 310) covering actuarial work for CDC pension schemes.
The latest HMRC figures today find that Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) has generated £8.95 billion in the last eleven months of the 2025/26 financial year (April–February), with £1.26 billion collected in February alone.
Just Group and Utmost comment on this morning’s HMRC update shows that Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts totalled £7.7 billion through the first eleven months of the 2025/26 financial year (April 2025 to February 2026), an increase of £132 million compared to the same period in 2024/25 (£7.6 billion).
Brent crude and natural gas prices have retreated from Thursday’s scorching highs but remain highly elevated. Caution is set to dominate sentiment at the end of the week.UK public borrowing figures highlight the government's tricky position and the limited fiscal support available. The US is considering lifting sanctions on Iranian oil in a bid to keep a lid on prices.
Hargreaves Lansdown, Schroders, XPS Group, Standard Life and Hymans Robertson comment as Bank of England holds rates at 3.75% as policymakers adopt a cautious stance. Rising energy prices linked to Middle East conflict set to add inflationary pressure, complicating the path to rate cuts. Outlook remains uncertain, with some now warning a rate hike could still be possible later this year.
As global terrorism threats become more complex and widespread, the need for comprehensive risk management and insurance solutions, including terrorism insurance coverage, has never been greater, according to Marsh.
Small pension pots are back in the spotlight. The government has made consolidation a central feature of the Pension Schemes Bill, aiming to make pensions simpler to manage and better value for savers. With around 13 million deferred small pots in the system and the number rising each year, action is overdue. But while reform is coming, the timelines mean savers may wait years to feel the benefits. Employers have an important role to play in closing the gap.