Insights Market views

close

Choose a category.

• All articles
• Sustainability
• Lifestyle
• Business activities
• Charities

Gilts have been weak since the Labour government’s budget in October, although broadly tracked US Treasury movements. But this week, we witnessed sharp moves, with yields on ten-year gilts surpassing 4.8% for the first time in 17 years, and 30-year gilt yields exceeding 5.35% for the first time in 27 years.

2024 saw US economic growth gather steam as the Federal Reserve orchestrated a soft landing, creating an environment where earnings and corporate confidence supported equities and credit markets. Learn more about last quarter's activities in the global market.

Central banks were active this week, as both the Federal Reserve and Bank of England held their final meetings of the year, setting the stage for what is sure to be a very interesting 2025.

In what has been a remarkable year for geopolitics, the final few weeks of 2024 have been truly extraordinary. In the past two weeks alone, we have seen the French government voted down, the declaration of martial law in South Korea, the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria and a confidence vote in Germany.

Historically, December is one of the strongest months for stock markets. For example, in recent years the S&P 500 has registered gains in four of the past five Decembers. This is often attributed to the so-called “Santa Claus rally”, which buoys stocks in the weeks leading up to Christmas. What’s sometimes overlooked, however, is that the “rally” starts before December, right after Thanksgiving.

Last week we discussed which markets and sectors are likely to be impacted under Donald Trump’s administration. This week, we take a closer look at how Trump’s win may impact the UK.

Trump inherits a strong economy with high inflation and a budget deficit. Markets expect his policies—deregulation, tax cuts, and tariffs—to benefit small businesses and financials but could harm renewable energy and tech sectors. Active money management is crucial amid geopolitical volatility and waning globalisation, affecting various sectors differently.

Speak to almost any business manager and they will tell you that attempting to predict their business accurately on a 12-month basis is very hard, and over a quarter is nearly impossible.

What started as an evening of cautious optimism ended in unbridled joy for Republicans as Donald Trump won convincingly to become the 47th president of the United States, four years after he was defeated by Joe Biden.

The historic 30th October budget by the first female Labour Chancellor brought the biggest tax increases since 1993. Find out more about the implications on individuals, businesses and the broader economy.