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US equities hold steady as hopes of a rate cut build Global stock markets have been buoyed higher by renewed speculation of a December rate cut A late recovery US stocks rallied towards the end of November as rising expectations of a December interest rate cut by the US Federal Reserve (Fed) offset concerns over elevated tech valuations. Markets were buoyed when the chances of a December cut increased after New York Fed President John Williams signalled that rates coul

It’s fair to say that the Autumn Budget 2025 has been anxiously anticipated by British taxpayers and businesses alike, with a large amount of media coverage prior concerned with the Labour government’s reported "fiscal black hole.” This debt is estimated to stand between the range of £20bn to £40bn, and Reeves was predicted by experts to implement a combination of tax increases and spending reductions to meet targets. Reeves' last announcement, the 2025 Spring Statement, incl

Weekly market update

As we approached the 2025 Budget Statement, speculation was rife about how Chancellor Rachel Reeves would increase the tax intake without breaking the Labour Party manifesto. Headlines predicted sweeping changes to capital gains tax, pensions, and more. Our advice was simple: wait for facts, don’t act on rumours. As per last year’s mania, we encouraged clients to take a “wait and see” approach. That patience has been rewarded. The Chancellor delivered no changes to capital ga

As November arrives and the year begins its final act, thoughtful investors turn their attention to a different kind of preparation. While others are distracted by holiday planning and Black Friday sales, the financially literate consider whether there’s anything that needs tidying up in their financial life. Most of the heavy lifting in financial planning happens in the big decisions you've likely already made. These small year-end actions separate good investors from great

Global Equities Rally on Trade Deal Optimism Easing trade tensions and upbeat company earnings results lifted global markets in October Strong start to earnings season Global stock markets rallied in October, buoyed by optimism around corporate earnings and easing trade tensions between the US and China. It was another strong month for US equities after softer-than-expected inflation figures boosted hopes of further rate cuts. Earnings season has got off to a good start, wit

The single most important skill in long-term wealth building isn't predicting what happens next. It's the ability to maintain a proper perspective on what has already happened. Yet even the most rational investors struggle with this. Recent experiences feel more real and urgent than abstract historical data because our brains evolved to prioritise immediate, vivid information over distant statistics. This isn't a lack of intelligence. It's human nature. Behavioural economists

Equities rise despite economic headwinds The US Federal Reserve cut rates for the first time this year against signs of a cooling labour...

When it comes to money, many people think financial planning is a one-time task — something to tick off a to-do list and move on from. In...

Global stock markets rally to record levels Hopes of lower US interest rates and strong company earnings results drive share prices...

Have you ever wished you could peek into the future before making an important financial decision? Many investors have fantasised about...

Global markets posted gains in July, supported by easing trade tensions, resilient corporate earnings, and selective policy support....

100 miles. Two wheels. One great cause. From sun-soaked trails to windswept ridges, this ride had it all. The team tackled everything...

Markets resilient amid Middle East conflict Stocks surge despite geopolitical uncertainty, with the FTSE 100 and US markets leading the...

As we grow and learn, we often discover that the more we understand a subject, the more complex it seems. But go even deeper, and...

Global markets climb on tariff truce A temporary easing in US–China trade tensions and better-than-expected economic data lifted markets....

Markets recover despite ongoing tariff turmoil Investor sentiment improves after early-April volatility sparked by US policy shifts...

Hitchell Financial Planning are raising money for the Openwork Foundation From the 25th of June, Richard Hitchell, James Hitchell, and...

Tariff uncertainty weighs on markets Global share prices fell in March as uncertainty over Trump’s tariffs fuelled recession fears...

In an era of financial complexity, making the right decisions about savings, investments, and tax planning can be overwhelming. The...