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Latest inflation figures and what they mean for you

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 2.8% in the 12 months to April 2026, down from 3.3% in the 12 months to March. Whilst the fall is welcome, this is probably going to be a short-lived reprieve. Higher oil prices resulting from the war with Iran meant fuel inflation rose from 4.9% in March to 23.0% in April, adding 0.6% to CPI. The 6.7% month on month fall in utility prices owing to the Ofgem price cap reduction, and lower April air fares after an earlier Easter offset some of these impacts. Analysts expect inflation to rise when the Ofgem price cap adjusts in July alongside further general price increases if the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz persists
Posted on Wednesday May 20

Annuity providers held two thirds of investments in 2024

Annuity providers held 63% of investments in the UK in 2024, growing by £22 billion to £201 billion. £119 billion (38%) of annuity providers' investments were in private markets in 2024. 2.3 million people's pensions were protected via bulk purchase transactions in 2024, with insurers paying out £10 billion to scheme members. This does not include individual annuities

Posted on Wednesday May 20

Inflation falls to 2.8% but energy price cap increase looms

UK CPI eased to 2.8% for April, down from 3.3% in March. Inflation remains above the BoE’s 2% target, with war-driven cost pressures keeping the outlook uncertain – and the UK energy price cap set to increase from 1st July
Posted on Wednesday May 20

Inflation retreats but 1970s timewarp threatens to descend

The fall in the headline rate of inflation offers temporary relief, but underlying price pressures remain intense.UK CPI fell to 2.8% in the 12 months to April, compared with 3.3% in the 12 months to March.The decline was driven largely by the lower energy price cap and a slower increase in food prices. Food and non-alcoholic beverage prices rose by 3% in the 12 months to April 2026, down from 3.7% in March.The largest upward contribution came from motor fuels. The average price of petrol rose by 16.6 pence per litre between March and April 2026, compared with a fall of 3 pence per litre during the same period last year.
Posted on Wednesday May 20

Stagflation worries rise as job data shows economy cooling

The UK labour market is showing further signs of cooling, with unemployment rising to 5%, up from 4.9%, as businesses become more cautious about hiring. Job vacancies have fallen to around 705,000, the lowest level since early 2021, underlining weaker demand for workers across the economy. Wage growth has continued to ease, with regular pay excluding bonuses rising by 3.4% year-on-year, only marginally ahead of inflation, while total pay including bonuses increased by 4.1%. Conflict is keeping stagflation worries front and centre, as higher crude prices put upward pressure on inflation amid fears of a stagnating economy.
Posted on Tuesday May 19

Six costly inheritance tax mistakes families must avoid

Thousands more families every year are being drawn into the scope of inheritance tax (IHT), a trend that will be amplified by the inclusion of unused pension assets in estates from April next year. That step is expected to draw about 31,200 more estates into the scope of IHT by 2030, and about 121,500 estates will face a surge in IHT liabilities.
Posted on Monday May 18

Political drama collides with energy price worries

FTSE 100 on the back foot in early trades as crude prices ramp higher. Mining stocks lose ground as China data disappoints while energy giants rise as crude shoots higher again. The UK’s leadership crisis continues, with gilt investors the canaries in Labour’s coalmine. Both 10-year and 30-year gilts rise to fresh multi-decade highs. Anglo American shape shifts again, offloading its Australian steelmaking coal business.
Posted on Monday May 18

Premium Bonds prizes increase as odds shorten for holders

NS&I has announced that the Premium Bonds prize fund rate will increase to 3.80% from the July 2026 draw. Holders will have even more chances to win, with the odds shortening to 22,000 to 1 from 23,000 to 1. The Premium Bonds prize fund rate was reduced in April 2026 along with the odds lengthening.
Posted on Thursday May 14

FTSE follows global stocks upwards as UK GDP beats forecasts

FTSE 100 extends gains. UK GDP up 0.6% in Q1, strongest in G7. Gilt yields ease slightly, Wes Streeting mulls leadership challenge. US futures rise after tech rally propels fresh highs. Brent Crude inches up to around $106 per barrel
Posted on Thursday May 14

HMRC plot extension of the Uncertain Tax Treatment regime

HMRC is consulting on the extension to the Uncertain Tax Treatment (UTT) regime it introduced in 2022 for large businesses to private individuals and trusts if they receive a tax advantage of £5m or more. HMRC now intends to extend UTT to cover stamp duty, National Insurance, inheritance tax and capital gains tax.
Posted on Wednesday May 13

Investors remain cautious as Trump heads to China

Equity markets in search of catalysts. Oil prices are starting to show up in earnings. UK 10-year gilts reach financial crisis levels. Copper surges to fresh all-time highs. Oil prices cool a touch, but no Middle East resolution in sight
Posted on Wednesday May 13

43% uncertain in 6 month deadline to pay pensions IHT bill

43% of adults aren’t confident the proposed six-month deadline to pay IHT on pensions is long enough. Only a third of over-55s think personal representatives will be able to manage pension IHT payments
Posted on Tuesday May 12

Stocks slip with borrowing costs and inflation back in focus

FTSE 100 expected to reverse Monday’s gains. Gilt yields at over 5%. Barclaycard and BRC April data: Consumers feel the pinch. Imperial Brands’ price hikes keep sales moving up. Brent crude nudges $105. S&P 500 & NASDAQ set to pull back from record highs. US CPI expected to accelerate
Posted on Tuesday May 12

Broadstone advises Safe Computing Pension on full buyin

Deal with Just Group secures the benefits of all Scheme members of the Safe Computing Pension FundTransaction concluded swiftly in busy market using Broadstone’s SM&RT Insure process in tandem with Just’s Beacon streamlined service
Posted on Monday May 11

High stakes Monday for the Prime Minister

FTSE on track to open flat, all eyes on the gilt market today. Starmer under pressure: his speech this morning is pivotal. Labour market cracks with the ITEM Club and REC both point to a softening jobs backdrop. Trump meets Xi in Beijing, hopes for a trade truce extension, discussions on semiconductors, rare earths and agricultural trade expected. National Grid, Vodafone, Burberry and Greggs all set to report this week
Posted on Monday May 11

Shaky start for FTSE, local and global politics in focus

FTSE 100 opens down 0.7%. Gilt yields in the spotlight after tough night for PM Kier Starmer. Oil price up again as tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz. ARM Holdings hit by capacity constraints. US non-farm payrolls in focus (consensus: +62k)
Posted on Friday May 8

2026 survey on DB investment governance launched

The industry is being asked to have its say on Defined Benefit investment governance as part of a new survey from The Pensions Management Institute (PMI), in partnership with Schroders.
Posted on Thursday May 7

Focus on fundamentals is key as bulk annuity market evolves

Commenting, Yona Chesner Head of Pensions Investment at Cartwright Pension Trusts said: “The recent acquisition of Just Group by Brookfield Wealth Solutions is a good example of the continued flow of international capital into the UK retirement market, with well-established insurers increasingly sitting within larger global balance sheets and investment platforms.
Posted on Thursday May 7

Strong earnings and Middle East optimism drive record highs

Global markets lean into Middle East optimism. Broad earnings strength drives US records. AI opportunity still looks far from over. Oil steadies as peace hopes build
Posted on Thursday May 7

The hidden cost of solo living is revealed

More than half (58%) of adults who are single or live alone say they could not cope with an unexpected bill of £850. More than a third (37%) of adults who live alone say they do not save anything on a regular basis. Of those who do save and live alone, four in ten (42%) contribute to a Cash ISA
Posted on Wednesday May 6

Relief floods in as US eases hostilities in Iran conflict

London’s FTSE 100 sets off on a streak higher, up 1.3% in early trade. The US administration has ceased Operation Epic Fury lifting hopes for a resolution. Brent crude falls back but still trades around $107 a barrel, given energy shipments remain blocked. Next posts a surprise uplift in sales early in the first quarter and shows resilience amid the conflict. Cheers for Diageo as some fizz returns to sales and shares lift 5% in early trade. Wetherspoon’s warns on profits due to painful price increases.
Posted on Wednesday May 6

Markets mixed amidst strong earnings and high oil prices

FTSE 100 futures flat. Oil prices hover at four-year highs. Shell pins its hopes on a strong trading result. Novo Nordisk looks to get volumes going againUS stock futures edge up. ARM and Disney amongst this week’s Wall Street reporters. Macro data: Unemployment (Friday) and consumer credit (Thursday)
Posted on Tuesday May 5

Earnings boom overshadows Middle East gloom

Global markets trade higher on earnings optimism. Apple beats on strong iPhone sales. NatWest raises guidance as economic risks rise. Gold caught between two opposing forces
Posted on Friday May 1

Comments as Bank of England hold rates to 3.75%

Hymans Robertson, Standard Life and Schroders comment as Bank of England holds rates at 3.75%, as policymakers pause to assess the impact of conflict in the Middle East. Rates staying higher for longer may offer support for savers, but mean borrowing costs are likely to remain elevated for households and businesses

Posted on Thursday Apr 30

Volatile oil prices ahead of key central bank meetings

Brent crude hits a wartime high of $126 a barrel before retreating. The volatile prices set the scene ahead of the Bank of England and ECB decisions. FTSE 100 fluctuates in early trade as investors stay cautious. Unilever posts better-than-expected results but outlook keeps shares flat. Volkswagen posts a 14% decline in profits as US tariffs and Chinese competition hit.
Posted on Thursday Apr 30