Expectations of lower interest rates have propelled stock markets around the world to record highs.

Stock markets on a high. Global share prices surged to new highs in March, driven by
expectations that interest rates reductions are on the way. The US Federal Reserve held rates
between 5.25% and 5.5% and upheld its projection for three cuts this year. Similarly, the Bank of
England held rates steady and is optimistic about the economy’s trajectory for cuts.

Inflation continues to fade. Driven by lower food prices, UK inflation dipped to ...

Japan, the US and the UK led major stock markets last week after positive noise over future interest rate policy. Japan increased interest rates for the first time since 2007. In the US and UK, central banks continued to signal to investors that interest rate cuts could soon be on the horizon.

Last week’s performance – major stock markets 

Commentary 

US: Stock...

Considering overpaying your mortgage? It could mean being mortgage-free sooner and saving interest in the long run. But remember to consider the impact on your emergency fund and any potential penalty fees. Let’s discuss your options together.

YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.
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The effect of psychology on investors.........

You should base financial decisions on logic and facts. But psychology can have a much larger effect than you think, and it can lead to you making decisions that aren’t right for you. Read on to find out more about what behavioural finance is and how it could affect you.

“Behavioural finance” was first coined in the 1970s by economist Robert Shiller and psychologists Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky. They used the term to refer to how unconscious biases and previous experiences affect the way ...

Vinyl records return to basket of goods for first time in more than two decades!

The Office for National Statistics (ONS)’s virtual basket contains more than 700 items that are representative of the goods and services that people typically spend money on.

The 'basket' measures the changing cost of products and services over time as well as the changing tastes and habits of UK consumers.

IN items include: 

Sunflower/Pumpkin Seeds 

Take away hot drinks

Gluten Free Bread

Rice Cakes 

and 

Air Fryers.

OUT items include:

Rotisseri...

The Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt has announced the UK Spring Budget, as well as the economic and fiscal forecast by the Office of Budget Responsibility.

These legislative announcements are game-changers for Britain's economy, and Hunt’s announcements included a number of sweeping changes that could potentially affect the personal finances of everyone living and working in the United Kingdom.

In laying out the Spring Budget, Hunt reinforced the government’s dedication to building the British economy while also helping wo...

Tax and Income:

National Insurance is cut by 2p in the pound for employees and the self-employed. It is estimated that this will be worth about £450 a year for someone on a £35,000 full-time salary. 

The chancellor confirms non-dom tax status will be “abolished” and replaced by a “modern, simpler and fairer” system from April 2025.

A new “British ISA”, giving investors a £5,000 extra tax-free allowance to “encourage more people to invest in UK assets” is announced.

Full child benefits will be paid to households where the highest-earning...

Omnis Weekly Market Update – 4th March 2024

Another decent week for equity markets with most major stock indices finishing higher. Highlights included
reassuring inflation data out of the US and continued strength from Japanese equities after comments from the Bank
of Japan’s governor. Stickier inflation data in Europe disappointed investors with mixed returns across stock indices
in the region.

Last week’s performance – major stock markets

S&P 500               +0.95%
Nikkei 225           +2.08%
CSI 300                +1.38%
Euro Stoxx 50     ...