Posts Tagged investments

Stocks Surge Despite Oil Supply Concerns Stock markets (MSCI World Index) have risen by 7% so far this year,…

Stocks Rise on Middle East Ceasefire  • Stock markets (MSCI World Index) have only declined by 4.1% since the Iran…

Please note that the content of this review should not be considered as investment advice or any form of…

2025 was a strong year for global equities, but it was also a year when where you were invested…

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 at a point in time where US stocks are dominating all others, in terms of both their outright size and the strength of their returns. In 2024, the MSCI USA index gained 24.6%, almost double the 12.4% return achieved by the rest of the world (MSCI World ex-USA). However, 2025 does bring a mixed outlook for unemployment and inflation, in the US and elsewhere, therefore it will be interesting to see if investment returns can remain so strong in the coming year.

Wednesday 5 April 2025 sees the end of the current Tax Year. Following the new Chancellor's plans to continue to freeze
and in some cases reduce tax-free allowances; it is more important than ever to make the most of some timely tax planning.

The re-election of Donald Trump to the US Presidency has caused another large rise in US stocks, which were already doing very well. Indeed, his “America first” ideology is reflected in the way US stocks have outperformed others recently.

The cost of borrowing has risen sharply in the past few weeks for the UK and US governments. This has caused stock markets to pause for breath after making strong gains.

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.

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.

2024 always promised to be a busy year for elections, with one half of the world’s population heading to the polls. As far as financial markets are concerned, political surprises have now bubbled up in several countries within a short period of time. With much still to be decided by voters, there is greater uncertainty in the short-term investment outlook. However, inflation remains on a declining path in the UK, US and Europe, while economic growth appears strong.