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Latest news and financial insights
11th November 2026
Market update – 11th November 2026
Financial markets enjoyed a welcome improvement in sentiment this week, supported by easing oil prices, a more conciliatory tone from the White House and a broad rebound in global equities, while developments in inflation, consumer spending and international trade also influenced the broader picture.
9th November 2026
Week ending 6th November 2026
It was an eventful week for global equity markets as markets processed the outcome of the U.S. midterm elections, concerns over artificial intelligence (AI) valuations, and the outlook for interest rates. Earlier in the week global equities had welcomed the Democrats’ sweeping victory, which secured control of both chambers of Congress.
4th November 2026
Market update – 4th November 2026
This week’s market narrative has been shaped by fresh PMI data, expectations surrounding the Bank of England’s next interest rate decision, and the U.S. midterm elections, with investors assessing the implications for the economic and geopolitical outlook.
2nd November 2026
Week ending 30th October 2026
As shown in the accompanying table, global equity markets posted a more positive performance over the week, with Europe and the UK proving relatively resilient despite weaker returns from the U.S. and emerging markets. Regional sentiment was supported by strong earnings from energy companies, while results across other sectors were more mixed.
28th October 2026
Autumn Budget 2026
The Chancellor of the Exchequer, John Healey, has today delivered the Autumn Budget.
28th October 2026
Market update – 28th October 2026
Markets have made a mixed start to the week. US equities have rebounded, led by a recovery in technology and AI-related shares as investors look ahead to a busy slate of Big Tech earnings and the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision. In contrast, the FTSE 100 has lagged, weighed down by weakness in HSBC following its latest results and a degree of caution ahead of the UK Budget.
FEATURED
Employers broaden financial wellbeing strategies to tackle wider financial resilience challenges
Employers are taking a more targeted and inclusive approach to financial wellbeing as they look to address the diverse financial challenges facing today's workforce, according to new research from the Reward & Employee Benefits Association (REBA) in partnership with WEALTH at work.
26th October 2026
Week ending 23rd October 2026
Global markets finished the week under pressure as investors reconsidered the cost of artificial intelligence (AI) investment alongside higher energy prices and geopolitical risk. Renewed Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia heightened fears of supply disruption, sending Brent crude above $116 a barrel by Friday’s close.
21st October 2026
Market update – 21st October 2026
UK labour market data offered a mixed picture this week. Unemployment fell to 4.7% in the three months to August, down from 4.9% and below expectations. However, job vacancies continued to decline, reaching their lowest level since 2021, suggesting that employers remain cautious about recruitment.
16th October 2026
AI and social media driving new financial scam risks
Financial wellbeing and retirement specialist WEALTH at work is urging people to stay vigilant as the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), the growing influence of social media and increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics make it harder than ever to distinguish between trustworthy financial information and dangerous scams.
14th October 2026
Market update – 14th October 2026
Markets have had a relatively quiet start to the week, with investors awaiting a series of key economic releases due later in the week. In Japan, wholesale prices rose by 6.8% in the year to September. Although this was a slowdown from the previous month, the increase highlights continued pressure on businesses from rising input costs.
12th October 2026
Week ending 9th October 2026
As you can see from the accompanying table, global equity markets delivered mixed returns last week, amid further volatility in oil prices, government bonds and technology shares. The US index gained 1.24%, while UK equities rose 0.95%, outperforming both broader European markets and Irish equities.
7th October 2026
Market update – 7th October 2026
Markets have made a strong start to the week, with sentiment supported by easing inflationary pressures and lower bond yields. European equities finished mostly higher on Tuesday as softer oil prices and a slight fall in French government bond yields boosted investor confidence.