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Latest news and financial insights
10th August 2026
Week ending 7th August 2026
Reports indicated that China’s trade surplus widened to $112.5bn in July, slightly below June’s level but still ahead of market expectations. Exports in U.S. dollar terms grew more strongly than forecast, supported by robust global demand for AI infrastructure and related Chinese-manufactured goods.
5th August 2026
Market update – 5th August 2026
Markets had a generally positive week this week, with equities rising, oil prices easing, and investors closely watching central bank policy, AI-driven growth, and developments in Japan's currency market.
3rd August 2026
Week ending 31st July 2026
As you can see from the accompanying table it was broadly a positive week for global financial markets. While markets finished the week relatively steady, sentiment shifted repeatedly as investors assessed the outlook for inflation, interest rates and the sustainability of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven earnings growth.
3rd August 2026
Worried about retirement but aren’t taking action ?
Whether retirement is a few milestones away, or round the corner, if you’re not actively engaging with your pensions, you could be missing the chance to improve your financial future. With 38% of employees , fearing they will never be able to retire, why not find out more about your pensions and plan for a future you deserve.
29th July 2026
Market update – 29th July 2026
Comments from President Trump on Monday suggested that diplomatic efforts to repair relations with Iran remain underway, with the US President stating that negotiations had been constructive and a deal could be reached in the near term. Iran, however, denied reports that it had requested talks with the US.
27th July 2026
Week ending 24th July 2026
Market returns were broadly positive across regions, although US equities lagged and Ireland finished marginally lower. Investors digested a generally strong earnings season. However, higher oil prices, concerns about elevated technology investment, and renewed trade tensions contributed to a more cautious market tone.
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UK workers may be risking their retirement by turning to informal and unregulated sources of pension support
UK employees are seeking support with their pensions, but many are turning to informal or unregulated sources, while others are not taking any action at all, according to new research from financial wellbeing and retirement specialist WEALTH at work.
22nd July 2026
Market update – 22nd July 2026
Markets had plenty to digest this week but got off to a positive start. UK inflation unexpectedly fell to 2.6% year-on-year in June from 2.8% in May, driven largely by lower motor fuel prices, particularly diesel, and easing food costs as input prices declined for the first time since January amid lower Brent crude prices.
22nd July 2026
Juggling multiple pension pots is causing confusion for workers
There are a whole host of reasons as to why you may have multiple pension pots. For many UK workers this is now the norm but having multiple pots distorts the visibility of your pension and how you engage with it.
15th July 2026
Market update - 15th July 2026
This week, attention turned to comments from President Donald Trump, who threatened to reinstate restrictions targeting Iranian oil exports and proposed imposing a 20% toll on vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The remarks raised concerns over potential supply disruptions and were enough to send brent crude oil futures up to $87 dollars per barrel. Despite the rally in energy prices, equity markets remained resilient, supported by a softer-than-expected US inflation report.
13th July 2026
Week ending 10th July 2026
As shown in the accompanying table, markets closed the week on a mixed footing. With economic data relatively light and investors awaiting the start of the second-quarter earnings season, it had been shaping up to be a relatively quiet week. However, markets were once again forced to navigate a fresh bout of geopolitical uncertainty as tensions between the United States and Iran intensified.
8th July 2026
Market update – 8th July 2026
Global markets enjoyed a positive start to the week as easing energy prices and continued optimism surrounding artificial intelligence (‘AI’) supported investor sentiment, while attention remained focused on monetary policy, geopolitical developments and political events across Europe.
7th July 2026
The pension gap widens: Employees are unaware their pension savings are invested
There is a growing gap in knowledge and understanding when it comes to pensions and how to retire with confidence. Research from financial wellbeing and retirement specialist WEALTH at work revealed that, of 2,000 UK workers with a defined contribution pension, 27% of employees are unaware that their pension is invested.