Interest rates set to fall more gradually
Last month, the Bank of England (BoE) cut interest rates for only the second time since 2020 but also warned future reductions were likely to be more gradual due to the prospect of inflation creeping higher next year.
Equity fund inflows on the up
Statistics1 show that, during the first half of 2024, net inflows to equity funds were over £11.3bn, the best six-month recording for equity funds according to global fund network Calastone’s ten-year record. Of the most positive inflows, North America and global funds recorded £7.8bn and £7.2bn respectively, with emerging market and European funds also recording inflows, offset by outflows for income funds and UK-focused funds. Head of Global Markets at Calastone, Edward Glyn, commented, “Hopes for cheaper money after the painful rate squeeze of the last two-and-a-half years are the clear driver of record flows into equity funds so far this year.”
A recent study1 has identified several distinct pension personality types, each with its own strengths and challenges. Which one resonates with you?
A new report1 suggests the wealth of ‘high-net-worth-individuals’ (HNWIs) – grew by 4.7% in 2023, with the HNWI population increasing by 5.1% to 22.8 million globally.
Midlife can be demanding. Having moved onto – and, perhaps, up – the housing ladder, started a family and settled down, you would think you might have earned an easy ride.
Economy set for short term Budget boost
New economic projections produced by the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the Labour administration’s first Budget will provide only a ‘temporary boost’ to UK economic output.
Data1 has shown that Inheritance Tax (IHT) receipts have continued their ascent, with £2.8bn received in the April to July period this year. This figure is a substantial £0.2bn increase on the same period in the previous tax year (2023/24).
Money worries outweigh study concerns for almost half of students
Have you opened a Junior Individual Savings Account (JISA) for your child? If so, it’s a great financial priority to support long-term savings goals for the children in your family. Research has highlighted that women have led the way on opening JISAs every year since 2019, when the data was first analysed.
Reassuringly for investors, the latest batch of projections from economic soothsayers continues to predict a period of steady, if unspectacular, global growth. The forecasts also highlight a number of economic concerns including ‘sticky’ inflation, large budget deficits and geopolitical uncertainties, which could inevitably create some investment challenges.
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