Last week, the UK economy grappled with escalating global trade tensions. UK inflation eased more than expected in March, with headline Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) falling to 2.6% from 2.8%, fuelling expectations of a Bank of England (“BoE”) interest rate cut in May. Core and services inflation also edged lower, reinforcing the view that monetary policy may soon shift. Economists noted tariffs might prove disinflationary, especially with weaker domestic growth. Markets are now almost fully pricing in three rate cuts this year. However, policymakers face uncertainty, with BoE policymaker Megan Greene highlighting the unpredictable impact of US tariffs and dollar weakness on UK inflation. Labour market signals remained mixed: claimant count rose and payrolled employment fell, but job postings climbed 3.3%, business sentiment weakened, CFOs grew defensive and the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (“ICAEW”) confidence turned negative...

Stocks featured:

Bunzl, Endeavour Mining and J Sainsbury

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