The chancellor’s speech on Tuesday was a strange thing indeed. Emergency speeches in the early hours of the day are normally reserved for resignations or drastic news – sadly, we got neither. Having considered her intentions over the last few days, it seems more likely that she was talking to the markets rather than the general public, to smooth concerns that she has no plan. As I have written previously, UK Gilt yields remain high, therefore the cost of maintaining our almos

No Halloween jokes needed, as this week I must revert to a familiar supernatural force – that of US President Donald Trump. The trade “conflict” between the US and China has caused market volatility to increase in recent weeks, so if we are to believe the news this week, any improvement in this relationship is good news for clients’ portfolios.   As I write on Thursday, President Trump and Chinese Premier Xi Jinping have agreed to postpone export controls on rare earths and c

The Fed starts to ease ·  Fed cuts rates by 0.25% as US employment weakens and tariff-driven inflation persists. ·  UK gilt yields hit 27-year highs amid fiscal worries ahead of Rachel Reeves’ November Budget. ·  Angela Rayner resigns, prompting cabinet reshuffle and renewed pressure on Keir Starmer’s leadership. ·  Labour seeks to rebuild business confidence through new “Budget board” linking ministers with the Treasury. ·  Andy Burnham launches leadership challenge, proposi