Worldwide Financial Planning

Long-dated bond yields have moved higher for most developed countries. The move was mostly reversed by the weekend. However, long-dated gilt yields have moved steadily higher this year, and this will be of concern to the government as it attempts to balance its spending commitments with its pledge not to increase income tax, NI and VAT.

Do you ever wonder why central banks target a two per cent inflation rate? You might think it came from a Nobel-winning economic model, or some robust international consensus. Nope.

Market reaction was muted but the US dollar slid as Donald Trump tried to curb the Federal Reserve’s independence. Investors also seem nervous of long-dated treasury bonds as tariffs and a less robust Fed raise fears of higher inflation

Back in the 1970s, Steve Austin could be rebuilt for $6m. Today, thanks to inflation, that same figure would run into tens of millions. Inflation is not just a statistic, it shapes everything from household bills to global politics. In this column, Peter McGahan looks at how we think about inflation, why mainstream and independent voices see it so differently, and what it means for our financial choices.

Should you save into an ISA or a pension? Both offer tax advantages, but with very different rules on access, contributions, and inheritance tax. In this column, Peter McGahan explains the real differences between ISAs and pensions, what the 2027 pension tax changes mean, and how to choose the right mix for your financial future.

This week was a time for re-evaluating lofty expectations. Tech stocks have been climbing since the April Orange Crash pulling the rest of the market with them. It has been a game of high investor expectations, with performance surpassing predictions from AI related companies as they invest heavily to get ahead.