News and Events - Page 2

As financial advisers, we often talk about the value of diversification within an investment portfolio. This blog post clearly illustrates the concept of diversification through a striking visual — the quilt chart.

Another month, another gain for stock markets. It can’t continue like this forever and there are clear signs of profit-taking in some of the most popular trades. This feels like a test to see whether a renewed bout of “buy-the-dip” behaviour will drive stocks to fresh highs once the US government re-opens.

Stocks are at record highs and have now risen for five months in a row. Such a hot streak is quite rare, happening only 11 times since 2009. An artificial intelligence (AI) investment boom is at the heart of the rally.

August followed a familiar path with stocks rising for the fourth month in a row. A number of factors are supporting the market, including interest rate cuts from the US and UK, a massive increase in US fiscal stimulus through President Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” and a significant decline in the value of the US dollar

Risk appetite remained strong last month with the US and UK stock markets achieving new record highs. The first days of August have been a little more muted, with economic data proving mixed, but interest rates are on a declining path once again and may provide a lift.

2025 is proving to be a case study for those who believe time in the market is more important than timing the market.

We are delighted to announce that Daniel Bullen and Toby Douglas have recently completed their qualifications to become Independent Financial Advisers.

2025 has been a very noisy year so far. Important news has come thick and fast, be it related to trade tariffs, defence spending, artificial intelligence or other themes.

April 2025 was a historic month for stock markets, which declined rapidly upon President Trump’s announcement of huge international trade tariffs, then rose almost as quickly when he reined back on them.

The mood among institutional investors has deteriorated in recent weeks, due to US-centric concerns. Trade tariffs, sticky inflation and slowing growth are the dominant topics of conversation.

2025 has been a mixed year, so far. The winners of 2023 and 2024 are not currently faring so well, with US stocks lagging behind Europe and the UK as the “Magnificent 7” technology companies decline in value.

A Rollercoaster Start to the Year -
2025 has begun with the market’s focus flipping between different topics at a lightning pace. Firstly, government bond yields spiked higher and created alarm about budget deficits. However, lower inflation data made those fears subside and led to a strong rally...