News

Market Review – March 2024

UK A “weak” recession: the UK economy slipped into recession during the final quarter of 2023: having contracted by 0.1% in the third quarter, it shrank by 0.3% during the final three months of the year, dampened in part by weakness in manufacturing and in consumer-facing services. Over 2023 as a whole, the UK economy grew... Read More »

Market Review – February 2024

UK UK equities fall in January: share prices fell during January as an unexpected uptick in the rate of UK consumer price inflation dampened optimism over the likelihood of interest rate cuts. The FTSE 100 Index fell by 1.3% over the month, while the FTSE 250 Index declined by 1.7%. Inflationary pressures bite once again: having fallen... Read More »

Market Review – January 2024

UK A subdued end to the year: although UK equity markets ended December – and 2023 – in positive territory, their performance compared to most major overseas markets was relatively muted overall. The FTSE 100 Index rose by 3.7% during December and by 3.8% over the year; meanwhile, the FTSE 250 Index climbed by 8% over... Read More »

Market Review – December 2023

UK Mid-caps outperform: although UK equity indices ended November in positive territory, their overall performance was muted compared with many other leading equity markets. The FTSE 250 Index – representing medium-sized companies – performed better than the FTSE 100 Index, boosted by speculation that interest rates might have peaked; returns from blue-chip stocks were curbed... Read More »

Market Review – November 2023

UK Geopolitics back in focus: UK share prices fell during October as concerns over the economic outlook were compounded by geopolitical uncertainties following the outbreak of the Israel-Gaza war. The FTSE 100 Index  dropped by 3.8% over the month, while the FTSE 250 Index  declined by 6.5%. Meanwhile, bond prices continued to fall: the yield on... Read More »

Market review – October 2023

Blue chips outperform in September: the FTSE 100 Index bucked the global trend during September, posting an increase of 2.3% over the month as sterling’s weakness and higher oil prices provided a boost for blue chips. In comparison, mid-caps – represented by the FTSE 250 Index – fell by 1.8% over the month.  Sterling weakens: the pound... Read More »