News and Events

Asia remains the centre of attention on the back of a major Chinese stimulus program which has triggered a sharp rally in its stocks. This comes after two months where Japan experienced significant currency volatility and a “flash crash” in its stocks.

August began with a “flash crash” in Japanese stocks which declined 20% in the course of three trading days, following sharp movements in foreign exchange rates.

On 1 April 2024, criminal penalties for non-compliance with duties under the Register of Persons Holding a Controlled Interest in Land (“RCI”) came into force. We asked one of our professional colleagues, Louise Johnston, a Partner at leading law firm Turcan Connell, to outline the implications.

It is now more than 12 months since the launch of the MGTS Qualis Funds and in terms of both performance and asset growth, they have been a success.

2024 has been a very good year for investors so far, with stock markets in the UK, US and Europe all reaching record highs. Signs of weakness have emerged in recent weeks, as companies report their latest earnings: valuations in the US are high and some profit taking has occurred. The UK stock market appears cheaper, with an improving economy to boot. Many investors believe inflation is finally under control.

Recent data has hinted at a divergence between the US and UK/EU economies, with signs of an economic slowdown in the States coinciding with Britain and Europe rebounding from a period of stagnant GDP growth. Having been neglected for several years post-Brexit, there is hope that UK stocks may finally prosper given a more favourable macroeconomic environment.

We are pleased to announce that Richard Kirkham has become a Director of Three Counties Ltd and GWA Asset Management
Ltd on 6 February 2024.

Wednesday 5 April 2024 sees the end of the current Tax Year. Following the Chancellor's continued plans to freeze and in some case reduce Tax-free allowances, it's more important than ever to make the most of some timely Tax planning.

STOCKS BEGIN TO MOTOR -
In June 2023 we asked whether a new bull market had begun. Nine months later, we have our answer. The MSCI World index moved to new all-time highs in February. The US and Japanese stock markets have led the way, while others are yet to catch up - including the UK’s.

Yesterday, Jeremy Hunt gave what could be the Conservative Party’s last Budget before a General Election and possibly his last as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He claimed the Spring Budget 2024 aimed to halve inflation, reduce debt and grow the economy.

A Steady Start to 2024 -
The year has begun on a tentative footing following the excesses of November and December, when asset prices galloped higher. Investors have paused to reflect on the ‘wall of worry’ that is said to accompany most bull markets. 

In November 2023, HMRC launched a new voluntary disclosure route to allow individuals with undeclared capital gains tax (CGT)…