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The latest message from JM Finn CEO Hugo Bedford in the autumn edition of Prospects magazine.

The latest message from JM Finn CEO Hugo Bedford in the summer edition of Prospects magazine.

The latest message from JM Finn CEO Hugo Bedford in the spring edition of Prospects magazine.

While UK inflation has come down from a 41-year peak last October, at 6.8% the July rate remains stubbornly above the government’s desired 2% figure.

The last three months have perfectly demonstrated the unpredictability of stock markets.

Following the previous Chancellor’s mini-budget in September, confidence in the UK fell dramatically driving the UK market to a low for the year.

In the commentary that accompanied the periodic statements at the end of the second quarter, we suggested that some of the difficult economic conditions may already be priced in to stock markets.

The terrible events unfolding in Ukraine put much of what we do as a business into perspective and our thoughts go out to all of those impacted, either directly or indirectly.

At the time of writing the market is under some short term pressure over fears of a new strain of COVID-19, which of course we hope can be kept in check to maintain our relatively stable number of…

Writing this from the office, it seems as if we are now entering a new chapter and one we must be thankful for. Whilst the City of London stills seems quiet, the most recent easing of restrictions…

COVID-19 continues to be at the forefront of all of our lives and it has undoubtedly been at the core of our investment decision making over the last quarter.

Global markets have rallied significantly from their low points in March, led by the US and the technology sector in particular, with strong performance from healthcare and pharmaceutical stocks,…

We will of course find out more about the government’s spending plans during the budget.

Over the last few years, we have generally taken an international stance on investment and my belief is that we should continue to do so long-term. It certainly has helped performance in recent years…

The trade tariff war between the United States and China, a slowdown in the Chinese economy and the resulting effect on emerging markets, a 40% fall in the oil price, rising US interest rates, after…

As part of the support that we as investment managers get, our research team make it their jobs to talk to as many people as possible to try and get the inside track on the issues at heart. Over the…

Both previous incumbents of the White House pushed the North Korean issue aside, but Mr Trump has made this a key issue and it will be interesting to see if anything comes of it. 

My current thoughts are that this environment will continue, however, one must be wary of markets running away; but with stock market valuations about 10% above long term averages, I do not believe…

Our head of research, John Royden had his article in place, but felt the election couldn’t be ignored, despite the likelihood of election fatigue amongst readers.

Many of our clients will not yet be aware that we are currently fully immersed in what is probably the biggest regulatory change to the way our business operates, under the guise of MiFID II which…

Last quarter I suggested that it was unlikely that the Bank of England would raise interest rates – how wrong I was, when not only were rates cut to one-quarter of a percentage point, but also…

What a difference a quarter makes