The International Monetary Fund’s latest statement on the Middle East conflict predicts an uncertain global GDP growth outlook China’s Q4 growth slowed to 4.5% due to issues including weak domestic consumption, property challenges and a shrinking population According to the US government, a higher global tariff of 15% is likely to be implemented soon ‘The situation remains highly fluid and adds […]
Monthly archives: March 2026
A shift in equity release priorities
Figures from the Equity Release Council revealed a 10% annual increase in borrowing in Q2 2025. In H1 2025, making home adaptations or improvements was the top reason for using equity release. More homeowners are taking out a lifetime mortgage to fund day-to-day living, highlighting cost of living pressures. From property renovations to dream holidays, homeowners are increasingly using equity release to help […]
Wealth – In the news
77% of high-net-worth individuals began making significant charitable donations after surpassing £2m in personal wealth High-net-worth individuals want their money to carry meaning, so philanthropy is becoming integral to wealth planning Inheritance Tax receipts continue rising, with forecasts suggesting revenues could reach £14bn by 2030 Wealth milestones trigger significant giving A study from Barclays Private Bank and Wealth Management1 found […]
News in Review – Spring Forecast 2026
The Chancellor said the government will plot a course through the current uncertainty and “secure the economy” Growth for this year has been revised down to 1.1%, from a prediction of 1.4% in November 2025 OBR project inflation will fall from 3.4% in 2025, to 2.3% in 2026 and then to 2% from 2027 onwards On Tuesday […]
International Women’s Day – closing the gender wealth gap
Financial inequality leaves many women with fewer financial resources and less security in later years One of the most significant drivers of the gender wealth gap is the difference in pension savings There are opportunities at every stage to strengthen financial wellbeing and close the gender wealth gap Despite decades of progress, financial inequality between […]
Economic Review February 2026
Office for National Statistics reported subdued late-2025 growth, but PMI signals stronger first-quarter expansion Inflation fell to 3.0%, raising expectations that Bank of England may cut rates soon FTSE 100 reached record highs as public finances posted a surprise January surplus Survey highlights signs of encouragement Although Office for National Statistics (ONS) figures released last […]
Home Finance – In the news
Rents across Britain have hit record highs, now consuming 44% of the average wage People overestimate the cost of life insurance, leading them to delay taking out protection Many manual workers are missing out on protection despite the risk of workplace accidents Rents eat up 44% of average wage Recent data1 shows that rents across Britain have hit record highs. The average […]
