News & Insights

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Investment market update: April 2025

Once again, US president Donald Trump’s trade tariffs have affected investment markets throughout April 2025 and could have far-reaching implications over the coming months. Indeed, UN Trade and Development now predicts that global growth will slow to 2.3% in 2025, compared to 2.8% last year. While experiencing volatility can be daunting as an investor, remember to take a long-term view. ...
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A woman pulling a suitcase through an airport.

Why travelling the world is good for you

Seeing the world and exploring new destinations is a goal many people share. Whether you dream about relaxing on a beach, or you prefer to be on the go ticking off sights, travelling might be more beneficial than you first think. If you need an excuse to book your next trip, there’s more than one reason why it could be ...
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A woman walking out of a front door of a colourful row of terraced housing.

Why tariffs and a trade war could mean your mortgage interest rate rises

As inflation stabilised following a period of prices rising more rapidly than usual, there were expectations that the Bank of England’s (BoE) base interest rate would be cut throughout 2025. However, a potential trade war could mean the opposite happens and lead to higher mortgage outgoings for millions of homeowners. Read on to find out how inflation and interest rates ...
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How to use an unexpected windfall to create long-term prosperity

If an unexpected lump sum lands in your bank account, you might be tempted to splash out and treat yourself. However, using a windfall effectively could create long-term prosperity. There are plenty of reasons why you might suddenly receive a cash injection. Perhaps you’ve received a bonus from work or inherited assets. Whatever the reason, before you start making plans, ...
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A woman using a phone and calculator.

5 shrewd ways to avoid paying tax on your savings

24% of people think all their savings are tax-free, according to a Lloyds Bank survey carried out in February 2025. However, they could be in for an unexpected shock, as the interest earned on savings might be liable for Income Tax. The good news is, there are often ways to reduce a potential tax bill on your savings. Read on ...
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Key financial planning challenges couples face and how we could solve them

Creating a financial plan can seem complicated, especially if you need to take into account your partner’s views, assets, and goals. At times, you might have conflicting ideas about what is “right” and it can be a difficult situation to navigate. Working with a financial planner as a couple could help you overcome some of the key challenges you might ...
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Trump tariffs: what’s happening in the markets and how to respond

The global economy is facing significant disruption following President Donald Trump’s recent imposition of trade tariffs. These sweeping measures have triggered sharp declines in stock markets worldwide, leaving many investors and businesses concerned about the potential long-term impact.   Market reactions to tariffs This morning (7th April 2025), the UK’s FTSE 100 index fell by nearly 6%, reflecting widespread unease about ...
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7 things you need to know before you use equity release

Your home may be one of the largest assets you own, and unlocking property wealth using equity release could significantly boost your funds later in life. According to the Equity Release Council, in the final quarter of 2024, homeowners withdrew around £622 million from their homes. The average person withdrawing a lump sum for the first time received £115,243. A ...
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A family with young children crossing a river while hiking.

Majority of parents worry about critical illnesses. Here’s how financial protection could help

As a parent, it’s natural to think about the health of your loved ones. Yet, these types of concerns can weigh on your mind and might mean you’re unable to focus on the positives or enjoy your time together. One step that may offer peace of mind is to consider how financial protection could support you. A February 2025 survey ...
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Workers in a warehouse.

Investment market update: March 2025

Trade wars and fears that tariffs could spark recessions meant investment market volatility continued in March 2025. Read on to find out more about some of the factors that may have affected the value of your investments recently. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development slashed the growth forecast among advanced economies this year due to concerns about trade wars. ...
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