Our Views on the Markets and the Economy
Articles, investment updates and economic analysis
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As part of our ongoing commitment to optimising performance for our clients, we periodically review and adjust our portfolios’ strategic allocations to reflect changing market dynamics and economic conditions for our longer-term views. As one of the key decisions of our latest review, we have increased our US equity exposure across our portfolios – and in a way that makes us more diversified and better equipped to adapt to these changes.
In many ways markets in 2025 have started in the same vein as 2024 ended. Equity markets are pushing higher, amid relentless political noise usually driven by events in the US. Bond markets are finely balanced between the dual concerns of future growth and stubborn inflation rates. However, an important consideration against the 24/7 news spin-cycle is that surveys continue to suggest that people have more confidence in their own financial prospects than in the wider picture.
If you are going through a divorce, financial planning might not be the first thing on your mind. It’s a challenging and emotional process, where your everyday routines and plans will be thrown upside down. However, as a major life event it’s a critical time to take stock of where you are and you might find that by reviewing your position and planning for the future you get some clarity on other difficult decisions that need to be made.
President Trump assumes office this week as the 47th President of the US. All the indications are that he will hit the ground running, with a host of new executive orders. Since his victory in November, the reaction among business and in the US financial markets has been positive. In contrast, outside of the US, there has been concern, focused primarily on his tariff policy.
This column by our chief economic strategist Gerard Lyons appeared in The Times on Monday 6th January, 2025.
We can only guess what 2025 holds for the economy, investment markets, society, and our personal lives. Unexpected events will occur, some with more impact than we anticipate, while others may have a milder effect. However, by adopting certain habits, we can better prepare for both predicted and unforeseen challenges.
Each year the Financial Times publishes the results of their start of the year survey of economists regarding the British economy. My responses are shown below.
In 2024 we again helped to put things in context by writing about the investment, financial planning and economic themes that matter to people – and to help them to make better financial decisions. The articles below are among those that have been read and shared the most.
As we approach the Self-Assessment deadline on January 31, 2025, we should be vigilant against the ever-evolving threat of fraud. HMRC’s recent press release underscores how important this is, revealing a significant increase in scam attempts targeting Self-Assessment customers. With nearly 150,000 scam referrals reported in the past year alone, the stakes remain high and persistent.
Winter is often a time when we try to protect ourselves from feeling poorly, and there are also steps you can take to better safeguard your financial health. Many of us take time to review and adjust our plans – with some attributes being more relevant than others – especially where they can make a meaningful difference to your future.
Team Contributors
Gerard Lyons
Charlotte Ransom
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“I have a £1m house and £500k pension. How can I shield my children from inheritance tax?”
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“How can we limit the tax we pay when taking my partner’s £700k pension?”
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“My wife and I have £200k in our pensions. Are we on track for a good retirement?”
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I’m 68 and retiring soon. How can I limit taxes when I take out my pension?
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“How do I get the highest return taking the lowest risk on my £540,000 pension?”
Thomas Salter
Iain Barnes
Simon McConnell
In The Press
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Read what the press have to say about Netwealth
