Posts Tagged stock markets

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

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.

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.

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 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.

Although April was a relatively quiet month from a financial markets perspective, despite market concerns, stocks have generated good returns so far in 2023.

March 2023 was a month to remember. It started strongly, then the largest bank failures since 2008 created panic.

For investors, February proved something of a mixed bag following very strong performance from risk assets in January.

Our latest webinar recording suggests it's never too early to discuss inheritance and with inflation and the cost of living dominating headlines we also provide an information update on the markets.