News & Views

Markets held firm last week despite fresh US trade tariff headlines, with the FTSE 100 leading gains. This Weekly Market Review covers the latest UK economic contraction, a record-breaking copper rally, steady inflation expectations, and updates from central banks and global politics. Plus, we look ahead to key inflation data from the US, UK, and EU this week.

Markets gained in May 2025 despite confusion over U.S. tariffs. A brief pause sparked optimism, with Austria and Taiwan surging, but legal wrangling quickly clouded the outlook. Meanwhile, the Bank of England cut interest rates again, the Fed held steady amid inflation concerns, and global sectors like tech and financials led the charge. Read the full review to unpack this complex investment landscape.

Markets gained ground last week, led by tech stocks as nVidia's earnings impressed. Despite a dip in U.S. GDP, investor sentiment held firm amid tame inflation data and rising consumer spending. In Europe, ECB speculation stirred debate, while escalating U.S.-China trade tensions returned to the spotlight. Plus, Google backs a major ESG water-saving project. Here's your essential market breakdown for the week ending 2nd June 2025.

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Global markets stumbled in March amid rising inflation expectations and renewed trade tensions. The Balanced portfolio returned -2.09% as U.S. tariffs sparked fears of a trade war, prompting caution among investors. While Europe cut interest rates and inflation cooled slightly in the UK, pressure remains on central banks. Equity markets were volatile, with tech and key Asian markets underperforming, while some financial sectors showed resilience.

In this Weekly Market Review, U.S. markets saw a steady rebound, led by the Dow Jones, while the FTSE 100 dipped following the Bank of England’s decision to hold rates. Inflation expectations in the UK rose, adding pressure on policymakers. Meanwhile, global events—from copper price surges to Amazon’s new ESG initiative—continue to shape investor sentiment. Read on for insights into the week’s key developments across markets, central banks, and geopolitics.

This week’s review highlights a mixed performance across major markets, a surprise GDP dip in the UK, moderating U.S. inflation, and central bank caution. We also explore key ESG developments, including big tech's nuclear energy pledge, and rising geopolitical tensions as Trump prepares peace talks with Putin. Plus, what to watch ahead of key Fed and Bank of England decisions.

Markets trended sideways in February amid rising inflation and geopolitical uncertainty. The Balanced portfolio returned -0.37% as UK and EU rate cuts contrasted with the US Fed’s cautious stance. Inflation rose across regions, with UK CPI hitting 3.00% and the ECB reassuring that disinflation remains on track. While developed and emerging markets showed mixed performance, China led gains. Volatility persists, but history suggests potential progress as the year unfolds.