Worldwide Financial Planning

UK hiring has fallen as businesses become more cautious. The uncertain outlook means businesses have prioritised temporary jobs over permanent hiring, but the Recruitment and Employment Confederation says temporary hiring is now also slowing and the number of total vacancies continues to decline.

Financial planning for many people can be like licking cardboard but really what it's all about, in simple terms, is about understanding what money you need to set aside for your pantry, fridge and freezer. Making good decisions matters.

Markets started with a bit of new year hangover and slightly weaker jobs data in the US and accelerating inflation in the Eurozone added to the sense that the pre-Christmas enthusiasm for rate cuts was overdone.

For a complimentary mortgage meeting with our mortgage director, please email Worldwide's Mortgage Director Pat Greene on pgreene@wwfp.net or call 01872 222422.

An end to the interest rate hiking cycle would be welcomed by US consumers, who have seen new US mortgage rates spend four weeks above 7% for just the third time this century. Despite this, new home loan applications increased by 2.3% in the week ending August 25.

While the market is easily fooled by headlines so too, unfortunately, are central banks. The true state of the economy won’t be clear for months so policy makers have to make do with the data they have, while the impact of today’s decisions won’t be apparent for another year.