Late in the year, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecast positive growth in the global economy with GDP estimates at about 4% for 2012. Whilst most pundits suggest that Europe may see a return to a shallow but short-lived recession, the United States is seen as remaining…
20/1/2012
The Chancellor George Osborne’s Autumn Statement realised the nightmare scenario that most economists and pundits alike had predicted. With the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) now being the sole arbiter of official statistics, the Coalition was unable to…
09/1/2012
At the eleventh hour the European leaders of the Eurozone have finally agreed a three-pronged solution (hopefully) to the on-going debt crisis.
23/11/2011
The Eurozone crisis simply won’t go away. Some argue that Greece should never have been allowed into the euro; that they may have been somewhat economical with the truth, in order to qualify…
20/10/2011
The two leading stories during August were the unfolding financial crisis in the Eurozone – not to mention the loss of AAA rating in respect of the USA’s sovereign debt – and the rapid developments in Libya. These are highly relevant to investors for several reasons.
23/9/2011
Once again, the debt crisis in Greece has held the headlines throughout much of the month. The UK may not be directly involved in the €109 billion deal, but our banks are likely to be amongst those private sector investors who have to reduce the interest rates they charge – which had been hiked in anticipation of a default – and will therefore have lower income expectations.
10/8/2011
During the past month or so, the situation in Greece has given considerable cause for concern. It is not just that the country’s economy is deeply in debt – that applies to several others! The main issue is that its population appears not to understand the need for sacrifice if the county is not to go bankrupt.
8/7/2011
Debate over the level of spending cuts is polarising with the left saying that the Chancellor is cutting too far too fast, while the right says he is not doing anything like enough to ‘roll back the state’ à la Thatcher. ….
13/06/2011
Britain simply has too small a manufacturing base. Relative weakness of sterling during 2010 should have led to an export driven recovery; but industrial output is still only about 90% of the 2006 level, while services output is above 100% of its level at that time. ….
10/05/2011
The Budget brought few surprises – other than cancellation of the fuel duty escalator and an immediate 1p cut in duty. This was to be expected because ….
14/04/2011
This report provides an overview of the announcements most likely to affect you and your business.
25/03/2011
Economic review of February 2011. The situation in North Africa and the Middle East is something that is likely to affect us all….
08/03/2011
Economic review of January 2011. That we experienced negative growth during the last quarter of 2010 could lead to fears that we are facing double-dip recession, …
09/02/2011
Economic review of 2010. It is difficult to write a review of December without also looking back over the year and this has been a particularly momentous one.
06/01/2011
The Bank of England Agents’ Summary for November suggests that retail sales continue to ease, although consumer services have strengthened slightly, on higher prices. However, export growth remains robust while global demand continued to rise, albeit unevenly with Asia growing fastest.
07/12/2010
The latest GDP figures, while indicating a slowdown in growth for the third quarter of 2010 to 0.8%, are dramatically better than many economic forecasters had predicted and, since they are frequently revised upwards, we could be in an even stronger position than this result suggests.
11/11/2010
The International Monetary Fund has given strong backing to the coalition’s plans to bring spending under control. That this highly influential body has declared the British economy to be “on the mend” is accompanied by the European Commission also upgrading its forecast growth for the UK. Are we finally on the road to recovery?
20/10/2010
A recurring theme has been the lack of confidence amongst both consumers and businesses. In general, this appears to be based on fears about the impact that falling government spending could have on jobs. Underlying data do not, however, necessarily support pessimism; negative sentiment could do more damage to economic recovery than anything.
08/10/2010
Things are looking up for the UK economy and there are encouraging indications which suggest markets are strengthening. Despite this, interest rates remain disappointing and employment rates unstable. Are we moving forward or are we just standing still?
16/08/2010
With the Budget Report proving to be more positive than many initially thought, we are now beginning to experience the full impact of cut backs and cost increases in a bid to stabilise our country. But with fluctuating Market statistics and inflation rates, it seems we have a way to go…
29/07/2010
June has so far been a month of mixed reviews. With questionable growth forecasts and uncertain predictions over government borrowing, the government is being urged to act now if they stand a chance of hitting targets to cut public debt.
02/07/2010
This Report is based on the Emergency Budget of 22 June 2010, which was the first Budget presented by George Osborne as Chancellor of the Exchequer for the Conservative-Liberal Democrat Coalition Government.
25/06/2010
Issue 6
It’s May already and the Election results have been and gone! But what is really going on in our market? Also in this edition, find out what we do to help you with your taxes, and how the recent election of David Cameron (and his deputy Nick Clegg) will affect you and your finances….
24/05/2010
Issue 5
…With the election just days away and the recent reading of the 2010 Budget Report leaving many in doubt over the country’s future, is it realistic to expect 2010 to be the year of recovery?…
30/04/2010
…As we approach Easter still teetering on the edge of a possible “double-dip” recession we can at least put snow days behind us and look forward to sunnier times!…
25/03/2010
Our Budget Report
…an overview of the announcements in the March Budget that are most likely to affect you and your business…
25/03/2010
…The economy grew by 0.1% in the last quarter of 2009, bringing to an official end the longest recession since records began in 1955, but this is not something that we should get too excited about…
25/02/2010
…In this edition we touch upon the challenges facing the Chancellor as the country comes to terms with 2009’s debt. Interest rates and FTSE statistics indicate…
26/01/2010
…Are we still in recession? In this edition we attempt to dispel rumours surrounding the recession and explore predictions made concerning unemployment rates. We also summarise market activity (FTSE) and inflation rates…
14/12/2009
….As expected, the 2009 PBR included measures aimed at the perceived bonus culture of the banks. This is to take the form of a payroll tax (a 50% levy payable by the bank on bonuses above £25,000) rather than a windfall tax on bank profits or an income tax “surcharge” aimed at the recipient employee…
14/12/2009