President Trump extended the ceasefire overnight, but Asia markets are not optimistic. UK inflation increased to 3.3% as the impact of the Middle East conflict flowed through to fuel prices. Bank of England likely to hold rates next week however Posted on Wednesday Apr 22
Standard Life, XPS Group and Royal London comment on UK CPI rises to 3.3% in March, suggesting the first effects of higher energy prices are beginning to come through. The full impact of conflict in the Middle East is unlikely to be reflected yet, with further pressure on household bills expected in the months ahead Posted on Wednesday Apr 22
500 members of the Videndum DB Pension Scheme will join the Clara Pension Trust, beginning their journey to an insured buyout. Members will be supported by the injection of additional ringfenced capital from Clara to enhance member security. Clara’s pipeline of schemes looking to transfer grows to over 30 schemes, as Trustees and Sponsors of a wide range of schemes recognise the benefits to members of Clara’s bridge to buyout model Posted on Tuesday Apr 21
UK unemployment rate dips to 4.9%, defying expectations that it would remain at 5.2%. Wage growth cools, but not by as much as expected in the three months to February. The emerging energy crisis could knock hiring plans off course. Hopes are kept alive for a peace deal as talks are set to start in Islamabad between Iran and the US. FTSE 100 flat in early trade as a wait-and-see mood swirls. Posted on Tuesday Apr 21
Key chokepoint closed again after weekend clashes. Asian stocks gain, weak start for European and US markets. Brent crude over $95 as oil prices whipsaw. Key week ahead for aviation stocks. Warsh testimony to the Senate in focus tomorrow. PMI and inflation data on the table
Consumer Duty Board reports help turn governance into real change and better outcomes for consumers. Firms have improved, but more progress is needed. Posted on Friday Apr 17
FTSE 100 opens higher. More peace talks possible after ceasefire on Israel’s northern border. Brent Crude dips but Strait of Hormuz remains closed. US stocks set for a record open. Outlook for Fed rates remains murky. Netflix shares dive as revenue guidance fails to impress Posted on Friday Apr 17
New analysis published by Nest Insight, the public-benefit research and innovation centre, explores the barriers that prevent people in low- and moderate-income households from investing – even if they’re in a position to start, and could benefit in the long term. Posted on Thursday Apr 16
Markets snap back with FTSE 100 and S&P 500 up on the year. Oil stays above $90 as Hormuz risk remains.UK GDP bounced in February, but growth is expected to slow. TSMC profits jump as AI demand continues to soar Posted on Thursday Apr 16
Ceasefire talks have quelled oil prices and supported stock markets despite mixed dataLuxury goods stocks provide early indicators of consumer impact of Iran war. IMF downgrades growth forecast for UK because of conflict but keeps in place global forecast for 2027 Posted on Wednesday Apr 15
The outbreak of war in the Middle East at the end of February raised fears of inflation, and expectations that interest rates could rise, resulting in gilt prices falling. They have risen a little since, but movements have created opportunities for people planning to use gilts as an alternative to cash savings. The tax benefits make this particularly attractive to those who would otherwise pay tax on their savings – including savers set to be affected by the lower Cash ISA limit from 2027 Posted on Tuesday Apr 14
Consumers and businesses could be given greater control over their financial data to help secure better deals, under a vision for open finance published by the FCA. Posted on Tuesday Apr 14
FTSE 100 opens slightly higher as oil prices retreat. Brent crude hovers around $98 a barrel, falling back amid hopes for new talks. BP forecasts an exceptional period for its trading division in the first quarter. UK shoppers show signs of resilience after March retail sales beat expectations. Posted on Tuesday Apr 14
Brent Crude shoots higher as US vows to blockade the Strait of Hormuz. Equity markets fall in reaction to worries about a longer energy crisis. Victor Orban’s defeat sends the Hungarian forint soaring. Hopes for greater European unity rise with the UK also considering easing trade rules. Companies brace for further repercussions of the Iran war with a miserable May looming after an anxious April. Housebuilders and airlines fall back in early trade, as interest rates are set to rise and a jet fuel shortage looms. Posted on Monday Apr 13
Investors take a glass-half-full view of the Middle East ceasefire. Oil prices remain elevated, with the Strait of Hormuz in focus. TSMC sales beat market forecasts, AI hardware trade still attractive. Gold on track for third consecutive week of gains Posted on Friday Apr 10
Fragile agreements in the Middle East won’t change the longer-term picture for oil, says Malcolm Melville, Fund Manager, Commodities at Schroders in his latest market commentry below. Posted on Friday Apr 10
FTSE opens higher this morning. US stock futures give up some of yesterday’s gains. Oil gains ground after renewed Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Meta’s new AI model sparks optimism Posted on Thursday Apr 9
Aviva has completed a £100 million bulk purchase annuity transaction with the Iveco Limited Pension Scheme, securing the benefits of all 225 deferred and 1,127 pensioner members. The transaction, which completed in March 2026, represents a significant milestone in the Scheme’s long-term de-risking strategy and provides members with increased security and long-term certainty for their pensions. Posted on Wednesday Apr 8
Stock markets bounce on Middle East ceasefire. Oil posts double-digit drop on hopes the Strait re-opens. Interest rate expectations react to potential resolution. UK house prices post slowest gain in 3 months Posted on Wednesday Apr 8
The UK Investment Consultants Sustainability Working Group (ICSWG) has today published an update to its Climate Competency Guide for asset owners. Posted on Tuesday Apr 7
Global markets prepare for potential volatility. US markets in wait-and-see mode. Broadcom announces expanded partnerships. Oil creeps higher, hovering at levels not seen since 2022 Posted on Tuesday Apr 7
FTSE 100 opens lower following falls for indices in Asia. Trump’s prime-time speech dashed hopes for a faster resolution of the Iran conflict. Energy prices march back higher amid worries about supplies from the Gulf. Cleaning products manufacturer McBride warns of shortages due to the conflict.UK government borrowing costs head higher, making significant government help for energy bills unlikely. Drivers set for more expensive journeys for the great Easter getaway given hikes in diesel and petrol prices. Posted on Thursday Apr 2
Global M&A shrugs off high volatility and geopolitical noise, as the value of completed deals soars to five-year high of $438 billion – an increase of over 155% in 12 months Posted on Wednesday Apr 1
Reports that President Trump is inclined to end the war, even without controlling the Strait of Hormuz, have pushed down oil prices. Markets remain skittish, with futures indicating a rise for the FTSE 100 and Wall Street, while Asian markets remain in the red. Conflicting signals from Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu and retaliatory strikes by Iran are set to keep markets volatile. Data from the British Retail Consortium confirms UK prices were already rising as the conflict in Iran broke out. Posted on Tuesday Mar 31
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