Global growth is projected at 3.3% in 2026 amid cautious optimism Trade cooperation and AI investment are key economic drivers Policymakers must balance inflation control with long-term resilience After a long, cold winter, there are tentative signs that spring is arriving. With hope in the air – what lies ahead for the global economy? Uncertainty […]
Author Archives: matthew
Dividend outlook – growth expectations for 2026
UK dividends are projected to reach £88.8bn, up 1.5% year-on-year Underlying growth suggests resilience despite macroeconomic headwinds Global payouts are expected to rise 2.9% to $2.47trn Following growth of 1.3% in the fourth quarter and total headline payouts of £87.5bn in 2025, UK dividend expectations for the year ahead are positive, according to the latest […]
Are your family ready for the largest intergenerational transfer in history?
Up to 70% of family wealth can be lost by the second generation without structured planning IHT changes and pension reforms could accelerate gifting and estate restructuring decisions Open communication and professional guidance improve long-term wealth preservation outcomes The world is on the brink of an unprecedented transfer of wealth. A notable World Wealth Report¹, […]
Build momentum from day one – new tax year planning
Using your ISA allowance early increases potential tax-free growth opportunities Pension contributions attract relief and may reduce higher-rate tax exposure Early planning helps optimise capital gains and Inheritance Tax allowances A new tax year feels a bit like spring cleaning for your finances – a fresh start, new allowances and a chance to put good […]
News in Review
The latest figures from Nationwide show that UK house prices grew by an annual rise of 2.2% As the Middle East conflict strains the UK-US relationship, urgent plans are underway to strengthen EU economic ties An estimated 2.7 million workers received a pay rise last week, as the national minimum wage increased “Housing market activity […]
Economic Review March 2026
Office for Budget Responsibility warned the Middle East conflict will impact both global and UK economies significantly Last month, Bank of England policymakers unanimously voted to maintain interest rates at their current level of 3.75% Office for National Statistics figures indicate pay growth is slowest for five years and consumer confidence dipped Middle East conflict […]
The gradual retirement trend – making the right choices
Research shows that floral street names can significantly boost the value of a property Uncertainty around pension rules can affect confidence, leading to rushed or potentially regrettable financial decisions Careful planning and professional guidance help ensure retirement choices align with long-term goals and lifestyle New research1 highlights a growing preference among UK workers for a gradual […]
Residential Property Review – March 2026
Muted activity in housing market – according to RICS, new buyer enquiries declined further in February Rental market becomes more balanced – competition for rental properties has slowed to a six-year low, according to Zoopla Local housing markets rebound – research from Yopa indicates that about 70% of local housing markets are in recovery Muted activity in housing market The UK housing market is […]
Commercial Property Review – March 2026
Office demand strong in London – research shows increased activity in the capital, reflecting shift back to office working Industrial and logistics sector – according to Knight Frank the sector appears to be entering a more stable phase Life sciences – figures from CBRE indicate total take-up was almost three times the level recorded in H2 2024 Strong demand for Central London offices Investment into the Central London office sector has […]
Entrepreneurs defy uncertainty with optimism and adaptability
An HSBC report shows that entrepreneurs remain remarkably optimistic despite policy shifts, market volatility and trade disruption Entrepreneurial optimism tends to translate into investment, innovation and job creation across the broader economy Entrepreneurs’ appetite to harness long-term trends, from AI to global wealth flows, underpins continued growth and resilience Almost 3,000 entrepreneurs across 15 markets […]
