Worldwide Financial Planning

I WAS to follow up on the potential impacts of people moving away from the dollar toward using other payment clearing systems and what impact that would have, but forgot the Spring statement was coming and so used this opportunity to get some popcorn out, ask a sommelier to wine pair with the popcorn and hey presto, you have my excitement below.

Despite the cautious attitude of central banks, government bonds have continued to rally. Markets are seeing a slightly higher chance of rate cuts later this year, but investor nervousness means defensive assets, including government bonds, remain in demand.

A pub question to me a year back: “Why do countries all use the same money if they’re not the same country?” Smart question, and one the world is beginning to ask itself.

In addition to the confusion caused by US trade policy, there is concern that the US economy is slowing. But despite some quirks in the shortterm US data, the US economy has not changed that dramatically in the last few weeks.

This is a rare, soon-to-disappear opportunity to boost your State Pension by filling in missing years of NI contributions all the way back to 2006. Miss it, and you’ll only be able to backfill the previous six years, which, trust me, you will regret so strap yourself in.

Based on previous experience, it would be no surprise if temporary exemptions become permanent and more industries get a carve out. Markets have been volatile but currency markets, at least, now appear to be looking past short-term distractions.