Worldwide Financial Planning

Britain’s mood has been positive as UK gilts joined the equity rally. Better consumer inflation raised hopes of more aggressive rate cuts from the Bank of England. Retail spending picked up, consumer confidence is rising (from a low level) and services and manufacturing output accelerated.

Not for the first time in 37 years, I’m being asked about the ‘next biggest thing’. In this instance, it’s gold. On each occasion, the fear of missing out (FOMO) takes over, as our brains are redirected by what’s called an Amygdala Hijack, which I’ve covered in the past in detail.

Markets have ignored tariffs over the last few months, with sentiment being driven by the growth of AI/tech stocks, despite growing concerns over valuations in this sector. However, a deterioration in US/China relations is a real possibility, with potential adverse effects for the global economy.

Following last week’s column on whether or not to panic into taking tax free cash because of scaremongering budget changes, I thought I would cover the reasonably complicated subject of - just taking your tax-free cash.

Whitehall needs to find low-cost ways of boosting growth in the short-term, and the visit is well timed as India may be more receptive to Starmer as its relationship with the US has cooled. Notably, the trade deal improves market access for UK services firms.

Every year, the rumour mill whirs into overdrive in the run-up to the budget. And every year without fail, for the past 37 in finance, headlines shout about the possible end of something or other. “take it now or lose it forever”. Almost every time, nothing happens.