By Greg Smith on Tuesday, June 1st, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Concerns over Indian Covid cases There are concerns over the rise in the number of Indian Covid cases. So far, however, markets have not been impacted. Whilst new cases are 20% higher than a week ago, the Indian Covid variant has not led to a significant rise in hospitalisations. This suggests the vaccine […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, May 24th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Inflation rises in the UK Last week inflation increased to 1.5% for April. This was expected and was much smaller than the surge in the US to 4.2%. Inflation is likely to rise further due to energy costs and will potentially average above the 2% target over the next year. Bank of England […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, May 17th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Restrictions eased in England Restrictions in England have been eased further from this week. Despite the concerns about the new Indian Covid variant, Boris Johnson suggests that all restrictions could still be removed on 21st June. The data will no doubt be watched closely, as there is expected to be a further boost […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, May 10th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – BoE hold steady, SNP almost majority As expected, the Bank of England held policy stable on Thursday. Bank Base Rate remains at 0.1% with asset purchases maintained at £895bn, though the pace of purchases will be reduced. There were upgrades to GDP growth for this year from 5% to a forecast of 7.25%. […]
By Greg Smith on Tuesday, May 4th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – BoE to upgrade forecasts, Scottish election focus In addition to the Bank of England, there will also be a focus on Scottish elections and Welsh parliament and English local elections. There are roughly even odds on the SNP winning a majority in the 129-seat Scottish parliament. As they favour another independence referendum, a […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, April 26th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Economy improves but concerns remain Last week’s data gave further evidence of a rapid economic rebound as lockdown restrictions ease. Retail sales for March rose at the fastest rate for 9 months. Online sales helped retailers which will be further boosted the reopening of shops in April. The April PMIs figures also point […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, April 19th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Economy expanding post lockdown The UK economy has started to expand again after the drop in activity through the lockdown. GDP increased by 0.4% in February after falling 2.2% in January. Output is set to increase again in March ahead of the resumption of economic activity. We expect an overall contraction in the […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, April 12th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Further easing shadowed by vaccine concerns Today we have a further easing of lockdown restrictions in England, despite vaccine concerns and supply. Non-essential retailers and some other consumer businesses are allowed to reopen. Pubs and restaurants will also be allowed to serve customers outside. The suggestion from the government is that the further […]
By Greg Smith on Tuesday, April 6th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Reopening economy points to growth As we move into the second quarter, we expect a return to growth in the UK, with surging US growth but uncertainty in the Eurozone. The US has a further $1.9 trillion fiscal stimulus to provide a further boost, with both the UK and US on target with […]
By Greg Smith on Monday, March 29th, 2021
in Blog, Market Insights
GBP – Slight easing of restrictions The possibility of a strong economic rebound continues to support markets. Concerns remain of a new Covid wave that could lead to further restrictions which would affect this. This week, there is limited data in the run-up to Easter. There is a modest easing of Covid restrictions in England […]
