A new year, changing conditions, and thoughtful planning

A new year often brings a quiet moment of reflection. It’s when many people begin thinking about what they want the year ahead to feel like: more clarity, less pressure, and a greater sense of direction.

Autumn Budget 2025

The Autumn Budget brought several updates that may affect pensions, tax, savings and wider financial planning.
We’ve summarised the 10 key changes in a video, so you can understand what was announced and what might require attention.

Interest rates, global markets and inheritance tax

The financial landscape is always changing, and with each shift comes new opportunities. This month, we look at key updates, from lower interest rates and global market opportunities to changes in inheritance tax (including pensions). We’ll also discuss speculation around the upcoming Autumn Budget.

Investment reforms, FTSE highs & inflation

From record market highs to new investment reforms, the message is clear: the UK is changing how it thinks about saving, investing, and planning for the future.

Markets in motion: Is your financial plan keeping up with them?

There has been a shift in the markets recently, and we explore how the right financial strategy can turn market movement into a long-term opportunity.

Planning for what comes next

Whether that means passing on wealth, protecting your family, or reducing future stress, a clear estate and inheritance tax plan makes a real difference.

Our calm approach to investing

There’s been a lot of noise in the markets lately. 

Our latest update shares how we help clients stay invested and avoid costly mistakes — even when headlines are loud.

Helping you invest with confidence, even in uncertain times.

Spring Statement 2025 - What you need to know

If you're building or preserving significant wealth, the Spring Statement brought more than just numbers — it signalled real shifts in tax, markets, and personal finance.

In this issue, we’re tackling wealth protection and navigating market shifts in 2025—offering key insights to help you stay ahead. 

The “Santa Claus Rally” is a phenomenon where stock markets historically see a rise in the last week of December and the first two trading days of January. Since 1950, the S&P 500 has posted positive returns during this period roughly 75% of the time. But why? 

Some experts think it’s because of:

 • Holiday cheer: Investors feel optimistic and spend more.

 • Year-end tax moves: Fund managers adjust portfolios to lock in profits. 

• Lower trading volumes: Fewer traders mean less volatility.

For example, in 2020, the S&P 500 gained 1.3% during the Santa Claus Rally. While not guaranteed, it’s a trend worth noting if you’re an investor.

This month, it’s all about the moving markets. Global financial markets are abuzz as major stock indices are reaching all-time highs, signalling a pivotal moment for investors. From the S&P 500 to the Nasdaq and other global indices, this surge reflects a mix of optimism, resilience, and caution.

In this newsletter, we break down what’s driving this trend and what it means for investors.

This month, all eyes and ears are on the budget. As the UK gears up for the Chancellor's announcement on 30th October, the stakes are high. The government is walking a tightrope, aiming to boost economic growth and tame inflation - all while tackling the £22billion 'black hole' in public finances. But what does this mean for you and your financial future? 

In this newsletter, we break down the key areas of focus and expert predictions that could shape the future of the UK economy.

This month marks pivotal changes in global markets, with both the Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank cutting interest rates in response to easing inflation. While conventional wisdom suggests that stocks tend to benefit from rate cuts, history reveals mixed results.

2024 has seen new highs for US markets, with the S&P 500 closing above 5,000 for the first time in February, followed by the Nasdaq hitting a new milestone of 17,000. The Dow is crossing into 40,000 a few months later in May. These Indices have been leaving a trail of record highs throughout the year, raising a widespread dilemma for people. Is this trend of record highs just the start of a more extended period of bullish markets, or is it a sign that markets are due to drop? 

The result of the 2024 General Election saw Keir Starmer's Labour Party win a majority for the first time since 2010. In this months hot topics, we take a look at some of their promises and how they might impact the UK financially.

It's natural for people to look for a link between the outcomes of political elections and what will happen with the stock market. There will be 64 national elections in 2024 globally (with some already taking place). Most people focus on the UK and the US general elections. 

On 21 March 2024, HMRC published their monthly receipts for the last four tax years. Included in this they shared the following graph reflecting the inheritance tax received over this period. 

In March, Jeremy Hunt announced as part of his Spring Budget, that there would be a new British ISA introduced to sit alongside the existing 4 other ISAs available in the UK (cash ISA, Stocks & Shares ISA, Innovative Finance ISA and Lifetime ISA). The unique attribute to this ISA is that it can add an additional £5,000 on top of your £20,000 annual allowance limit, however, this will solely be investing in UK companies.

At the start of February, the S&P500 finished above 5000 points for the first time in its history, following a 20% rally that started in early November. Spirits are high in the US with the recent economy showing resilience, with low unemployment, inflation largely under control, and the sense that the Federal Reserve will deliver the illusive ‘soft-landing’. 

2023 was a year of heightened uncertainty, from rising inflation and interest rates to a potential banking collapse and fears of rising oil prices due a war in the middle east, anyone would have thought that 2023 would be a continuation of 2022. However, equities prevailed with the MSCI World (the global stock index) returning 15.3% over the course of 2023.