“With inflation more than halved we are starting to remove inflationary pressures from the economy” Latest inflation data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) revealed that the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) reduced to 3.9% in the year to November 2023, down from 4.6% recorded in the previous month. Now at a two-year low, the […]
Author archives: charlie
Economic Review – December 2023
Inflation drop sparks rate cut speculation A surprise sharp decline in the rate of inflation has ignited hopes of an interest rate cut by spring, despite the Bank of England (BoE) insisting it is ‘too early’ to speculate about when rates might be reduced. Following its latest meeting, which concluded on 13 December, the BoE’s […]
Residential Property Review – December 2023
Sellers knock £18,000 off asking prices Sellers accepted an average discount of £18,000 on their property sale in November 2023 – the highest average price cut in five years. This is according to property portal Zoopla, which stated that high mortgage rates are continuing to impact housing affordability for buyers – meaning that sellers are […]
Commercial Property Review – December 2023
‘Grey’ warehouse space on the rise According to recent analysis by Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), real estate and investment management services provider, ‘grey’ warehouse space is increasing. Classified as available space unofficially marketed for either sublease or assignment, grey warehouse space has historically been limited to smaller pallet storage space, less frequently associated with warehouses […]
A financial and wellbeing safety net
Life has a funny way of turning out differently to how we expect it. When faced with the unpredictable twists and turns of fate, it is comforting to have the support of the right protection cover for your needs. Rising bills reinforce need for protection Increased household bills, mortgage and rent costs, mean that protection […]
Gender division and money matters
Despite women’s earning power increasing significantly over recent decades, the division of financial responsibilities does not appear to have evolved. A survey1 of 4,000 UK adults earlier this year found that women still typically have greater oversight of domestically focused financial matters, such as household costs (67% of women versus 51% of men) and utility […]
News in Review
“I don’t think that we can say definitively that interest rates have peaked” Last week, during their final meeting of 2023, the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a six to three majority to retain Bank Rate at 5.25%, with the minority voting to the rate by 0.25%. This outcome was […]
News in review
“This balanced proposal provides much-needed predictability and stability to EU car and battery makers at a time of fierce global competitive pressure” Last week the European Commission proposed a three year postponement on the imposition of tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) traded between the UK and the EU. Originally agreed as part of the Brexit […]
News in Review
“A critical turning point” World leaders gathered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), last Thursday for the 28th United Nations climate change conference (COP28). At the invitation of UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, King Charles addressed heads of state, leaders of governments and delegates at the opening ceremony. The King called on […]
Economic Review – November 2023
OBR cuts economic growth forecast Revised forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the UK economy is set to grow more slowly over the next two years than previously predicted. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled the independent fiscal watchdog’s latest projections during his Autumn Statement delivered on 22 November. The updated forecast predicts the […]