UK economy rebounds in November Official statistics show the economy returned to growth in November, although analysts believe it remains a close call as to whether or not the UK will once again manage to avoid a recession. Figures released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK economy grew by […]
Author archives: charlie
News in Review
“Consumer confidence has started the year well” On Friday, the latest UK consumer confidence data from GfK showed that households are more optimistic about their personal finances. The index recorded a three point increase in January, to a reading of -19, the highest level in two years. This is despite a small untick in the […]
News in Review
“Inflation may give us a slightly bumpy ride during the next couple of months” Last week, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK’s annual inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased by 4% in the year to December. An unexpected uptick from the 3.9% reading in November, […]
Residential Property Review – January 2024
Falling mortgage rates bolster housing market Hope seems to be on the horizon for the housing market as the year gets off to a promising start. The decision from many mortgage lenders to reduce rates seems to have had the desired effect, as buyer interest has noticeably increased. Lenders are competing to offer the best […]
Commercial Property Review – January 2024
Different challenges set to confront investors in 2024 The newly-released UK Commercial Cross Sector Outlook for 2024 from Savills has provided insight for the year ahead. Expectations from Mat Oakley, Director of Commercial Research, suggest that the factors impacting property values and confidence are set to improve this year, but as high inflation and […]
News in Review
“The longer-term picture remains one of an economy that has shown little growth over the last year” New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) has revealed that UK GDP is estimated to have grown by 0.3% in November 2023, this follows a fall of 0.3% in the previous month, and just exceeds a […]
News in Review
“The traditional retailers always tend to do well in the run up to Christmas and this year was no exception” There was good news for supermarkets last week, as new data from market research firm Kantar showed they experienced their busiest Christmas in four years. During the four-week period to Christmas Eve, Britons made 488 […]
Looking ahead – the housing and mortgage markets in 2024
Falling house prices and turbulent mortgage rates made 2023 an unpredictable year for homeowners and movers. As the bells ring out for the start of 2024, is a calmer year on the cards? Three key questions dominate analysts’ minds it seems. First, do house prices have further to fall? Second, will mortgage rates go lower? […]
Preparing your portfolio for resilience in 2024
The past few years have been challenging for investors with a series of unforeseen events and rising geopolitical tensions weighing heavily on global markets and, as a new year dawns, many issues remain unresolved. However, while such times are disconcerting for investors, the best way to achieve financial empowerment is by sticking to a sound […]
Getting the economy “back on track”
With the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicting modest UK economic growth of 0.7% this year and 1.4% in 2025, during the Autumn Statement Chancellor Jeremy Hunt outlined 110 growth measures intended to get more people into work, cut business taxes and raise business investment, to get the economy “back on track.” Contrary to speculation, […]