By Greg Smith on Monday, January 31st, 2022
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Second rate hike looms with higher inflation The main focus this week will be the Bank of England’s latest monetary policy decision. In December, interest rates were hiked by 15bp to 0.25%. Official data has shown UK economic output returning to its pre-pandemic level. Inflation remains higher than expected, hitting 5.4% in December, […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, January 24th, 2022
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Conservative partygate, inflation continues higher Much of the media focus on the UK has been around the prime minister, partygate and the Conservative party attempts to replace him. The market impact has been limited with no expected change to UK economic policy with a different Conservative in charge. Ongoing geopolitical tension around whether […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, December 20th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
We would like to wish all of our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! GBP – Bank of England hike whilst Omicron rampant The markets and many individuals and businesses are watching how quickly Omicron is spreading. Further rapid acceleration of cases will boost speculation about further restrictions. Parliament is on […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, December 13th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Bank of England decision amid growing Omicron impact The new Omicron variant has now been reported in over fifty countries. Reports suggest that cases in the UK are doubling every two to three days. The government has announced further restrictions in England, including mandatory face masks, working from home if possible and vaccine […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, December 6th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Central bank speakers suggest caution The new omicron Covid-variant continues to be a major concern for the markets and central banks. The variant seems to be spreading rapidly in South Africa, but it will likely be a few weeks before reliable evidence on transmissibility, severity of symptoms and vaccine evasion. This uncertainty and […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, November 29th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Covid variant concerns and restrictions dominate Concerns around Covid have spooked the markets again with the new Covid variant. Travel restrictions have been imposed into the UK from six southern African countries. Further restrictions are expected as scientists rush to understand the new variant. The initial market response was a drop in equities […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, November 22nd, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Bank of England speakers and PMIs A run of positive data has added pressure on the Bank of England to raise interest rates next month. Inflation jumped to a decade high of 4.2% in October, partly due to energy prices. Core inflation, excluding food and energy, also increased to 3.4% with forecasts of […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, November 15th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – All about inflation pressures and consumers This week, the focus in the markets in on current and future inflation pressures. We expect this week’s October inflation report to show another sharp rise. Headline CPI inflation is likely to rise from 3.1% in September to 3.9%. This includes higher energy prices after the price […]
By Vatsal Trivedi on Monday, November 8th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights, Podcasts
Avoiding hidden or unmanaged currency risk in your business model For many businesses operating internationally, recent political and economic events have highlighted the impact on currency market volatility on their business. How can businesses develop effective financial models that factor in currency risk? Business Perspectives host Greg Smith and special guest Lance Rubin from Model […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, November 8th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – UK rates held after ‘finely balanced’ decision The Bank of England didn’t change UK rates last week, surprising the markets. They did signal an increase “over the coming months”. There was a 7-2 majority to keep rates on hold. Ramsden and Saunders did vote for a 15bp increase to 0.25%. Most rate-setters, however, […]
