IMF reports steady global growth continuing from spring but with significant variations across economies – particularly those impacted by war and reliant on energy imports UK borrowing costs reached the highest level since 1998, with the yield on 30-year gilts rising to 6.03%, driven by a combination of factors including elevated energy prices The average […]
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Budget 2026 – planning ahead, not predicting
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is now preparing its economic and fiscal forecasts, while speculation grows The Chancellor said the Budget will be built on “fiscal discipline” to give businesses and families greater stability The most useful approach is to look beyond the headlines and not to get swept away with speculation It’s that […]
ISA changes incoming – what they mean for your savings
From April 2027, the Cash ISA allowance for anyone under 65 will fall from £20,000 to £12,000 The government will also discourage investors from using Stocks & Shares ISAs simply as cash savings accounts With significant changes ahead, now is a good time to review your ISA strategy and ensure your savings are tax efficient […]
Six-month countdown to the April 2027 Pension IHT shake-up
From April, most unused pension funds and pension death benefits will be included when calculating IHT The new rules mean pension and estate planning can no longer be viewed in isolation, making advice valuable Seeking trusted financial advice now allows time to understand the options available and build an appropriate plan With just six months […]
News in Review
September’s growth rate marks the weakest annual pace since December 2025 and is attributed to the ongoing economic uncertainty The number of sub-5% fixed mortgage deals fell by 99% in September, with average fixed mortgage rates reaching their highest level in 3 years “Businesses across the UK are telling us they see opportunities to grow… […]
Budget 2026 – planning ahead, not predicting
The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) is now preparing its economic and fiscal forecasts, while speculation grows The Chancellor said the Budget will be built on “fiscal discipline” to give businesses and families greater stability The most useful approach is to look beyond the headlines and not to get swept away with speculation It’s that […]
A more cautious housing market
Higher borrowing costs and economic uncertainty continue to weigh as mortgage rates remain unpredictable Lloyds’ House Price Index showed the average UK property price was just 0.1% higher than a year earlier The autumn market is likely to remain price-sensitive, with affordability continuing to influence decisions As we move into autumn, the UK housing market […]
Economic Review – September 2026
The Bank of England kept interest rates unchanged at 3.75% in September but warned of potential rates rise The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) expects global GDP to grow by 2.9% in 2026 The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported public sector borrowing of £18.3bn, £2.9bn more than a year earlier Interest rates […]
News in Review
To raise funds for the UK’s National Care Services, the triple lock will be adjusted from April 2030, rising every year by inflation or 2.5%, whichever is higher The latest OECD outlook has projected a rise in global GDP for 2026 and forecasts the UK economy will grow by 1.1% The head of the International […]
Start early, save smarter
Research highlights a crucial truth – delaying pension contributions can be far more expensive than most people realise Analysis shows that starting to save earlier in life can significantly reduce the required contributions Even small, consistent contributions early on can outperform larger amounts contributed later Whilst many younger adults are proactive on pensions, saving for […]
