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Latest news and financial insights
11th May 2026
Week ending 8th May 2026
As can be seen from the accompanying table, markets broadly ended the week in the green. Traders noted that tariffs once again became a key talking point for Donald Trump during the week. He announced that he would extend the European Union’s trade deadline with the US to meet what he considers to be the Union’s obligations with the US.
8th May 2026
Why improving confidence in investing matters at a time of financial pressure
Financial wellbeing experts WEALTH at work says new research shows that, as the cost of living continues to stretch household budgets and economic uncertainty persists, how people save their money is becoming increasingly important for long term financial security.
7th May 2026
Market update - 7th May 2026
This week, global markets have been boosted by renewed hopes of a peace deal between the US and Iran. On Wednesday indices across the UK and Europe jumped 2-3% while the S&P 500 in the US reached a new record high. Trump said he was pausing "Project Freedom", his operation to protect ships moving through the strait, to enable a "complete and final agreement" with Tehran.
5th May 2026
Week ending 1st May 2026
As you can see from the accompanying table. Global equity markets demonstrated resilience against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and shifting monetary policy expectations. Despite a steady flow of headlines related to tensions in the Middle East and oil prices creeping higher, investor sentiment remained supported by solid corporate fundamentals and a broadly constructive earnings season.
29th April 2026
Saving 1% more could boost pension pot by 25%
Financial wellbeing experts WEALTH at work say that while pensions can be one of the most valuable ways of saving for the future, many people don’t realise that saving just a bit more can make a significant difference to the overall size of their pension pot at retirement.
29th April 2026
Market update - 29th April 2026
Markets have traded cautiously this week, with performance remaining fairly mixed as investors weigh shifting economic signals.
FEATURED
How ‘Save As You Earn’ share plan savers can avoid an unnecessary tax bill
Many companies in the UK operate a Save As You Earn (SAYE) share plan often known as Sharesave, which provides employees with a tax efficient way to invest in their company’s shares.
27th April 2026
Week ending 24th April 2026
As shown in the accompanying table, returns were mixed this week. Markets navigated a complex backdrop dominated by ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Markets started the week more cautiously after a strong three week rally, as hopes for a rapid de escalation in the U.S.–Iran conflict faded.
23rd April 2026
Four key ways that financial education can help people get on track with their finances
Almost a third (29%) of workers worry about being unable to afford basic living costs, while 26% are worried about being in debt, according to new research of 2,000 workers from financial wellbeing experts WEALTH at work .
22nd April 2026
Market update - 22nd April 2026
President Donald Trump stepped back from his previously hardline stance on resuming the ceasefire with Iran on Tuesday. At the request of Pakistani authorities, he announced that the current pause in military operations would continue for an indefinite period.
20th April 2026
Week ending 17th April 2026
As you can see from the accompanying table it was another positive week for global financial markets. Year to date, performance across equities has been strong, with markets now having largely recovered the losses seen in March during the escalation of the U.S.–Iran conflict. In the U.S. the S&P 500 reached a new all-time high this week, highlighting how quickly investor sentiment can improve once uncertainty begins to recede.
17th April 2026
New research reveals generational divide in savings and retirement planning
New research from financial wellbeing experts WEALTH at work, conducted among 2,000 UK workers, has uncovered a stark generational divide in people’s financial resilience and outlook.
15th April 2026
Market update - 15th April 2026
China’s trade surplus narrowed sharply in March, falling to $51.13 billion from $213.62 billion in February, as imports rose on stronger demand for items such as AI chips and infrastructure-related goods, while exports declined. Although weaker exports have largely been attributed to seasonal distortions — compounded by recent disruption linked to the Iran conflict affecting shipments — the rise in imports points to encouraging signs of recovering consumer demand.