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

To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:

https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/

This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

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Last week was marked by turmoil, as global trade tensions and market volatility drove a sharp shift in UK interest rate expectations. Investors are now pricing in up to four Bank of England (“BoE”) rate cuts this year, with a 0.25% move likely in May and nearly 0.9% of easing by year-end. Former BoE officials called for bold action, including a 0.5% cut or even an emergency meeting. The BoE flagged financial stability risks from global fragmentation, while deputy governors flagged growth headwinds from US tariffs. UK growth forecasts for 2025 were slashed to 0.8%, and confidence remained fragile despite February’s surprise 0.5% Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) rise. Labour market data showed a rise in candidate availability and soft wage pressures. Consumer sentiment flatlined, and retail footfall declined due to Easter timing and global uncertainty. Inflation implications remained unclear, further complicating the BoE’s policy outlook...

Stocks featured:

BP, Fresnillo and GSK

To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:

https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/

This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

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Donald Trump’s long-anticipated tariff plan was unveiled last week, marking a significant escalation in US trade policy. At its core is a universal 10% tariff on all imports, supplemented by steep country-specific duties including 34% on China, 32% on Taiwan, 46% on Vietnam and 20% on the European Union (“EU”). These rates were calculated using a deficit-to-export ratio methodology. The United Kingdom, which maintains a goods trade surplus with the US, was subject only to the baseline rate, and is expected to prioritise securing a bilateral trade agreement rather than pursuing immediate retaliation. Canada and Mexico retained their existing 25% tariffs, though USMCA (United States - Mexico - Canada Agreement) compliant goods remain exempt. In response, China imposed a blanket 34% tariff on all US imports, intensifying global trade tensions and catalysing a broad market sell-off...

Stocks featured:

Associated British Foods, Glencore and St. James’s Place

To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:

https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/

This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

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The UK economy continued to display mixed signals, with improved business activity but lingering weaknesses. The composite Purchasing Managers' Index (“PMI”) hit a six-month high of 52 in March, led by a rebound in services (53.9), though manufacturing slumped to an 18-month low (44.6). Bank of England (“BoE”) Governor Andrew Bailey emphasised trade and artificial intelligence (“AI”) as key to future growth but warned of weak productivity. Inflation fell more than expected to 2.8% in February, though services inflation remained high at 5%. Consumers are cutting spending amid economic uncertainty, while small businesses plan to pass Chancellor Rachel Reeves' tax hikes onto customers. The Confederation of British Industry (“CBI”) reported a sharp drop in retail sales, highlighting weak consumer demand. Fiscal and trade uncertainties continue to weigh on the UK’s economic outlook...

Stocks featured:

Ferrexpo, Ithaca Energy and Ocado Group

To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:

https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/

This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

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The Bank of England (“BoE”) maintained its base rate at 4.5% last week, prioritising a gradual approach amid persistent inflation and wage pressures. Markets are now assigning a 70% probability of a May rate cut, with only two reductions anticipated this year, fewer than economists forecasted. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (“OECD”) has downgraded UK growth projections for 2025 and 2026, citing global trade risks. Business sentiment remains cautious, with 57% of firms expecting a recession. Manufacturing output has weakened sharply, and insolvencies are rising. Consumer confidence is improving, but investment hesitancy persists due to fiscal uncertainty. Options traders are increasingly betting on more aggressive BoE rate cuts. However, the BoE is facing challenges, balancing weak growth with persistent inflation risks, particularly in the face of global trade tensions...

Stocks featured:

Compass Group, Kingfisher and Prudential

To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:

https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/

This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

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The UK economy showed signs of strain last week, with a cooling jobs market, weak consumer spending and rising corporate distress. Hiring slowed in February, with the smallest increase in starting salaries in four years, while permanent job appointments declined for the 29th month. Consumer spending growth lagged behind inflation, signalling cautious sentiment amid economic uncertainty. Business distress hit a post-pandemic high, with 11.2% of firms struggling due to high debt costs. The economy contracted 0.1% in January, driven by a manufacturing downturn, adding pressure on Chancellor Rachel Reeves ahead of the Spring Statement. Meanwhile, the government faces economic challenges as growth remains sluggish, casting doubt on its ambitious targets...

Stocks featured:

IAG, Melrose Industries and Tesco

To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:

https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/

This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

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The UK economy faced continued headwinds last week, with slowing growth and persistent inflation concerns. The British Chamber of Commerce cut its 2025 gross domestic product (“GDP”) growth forecast to 0.9% from 1.3%, citing rising cost pressures. The Bank of England (“BoE”) monthly survey of UK Chief Financial Officers (“CFOs”) showed inflation expectations ticking up, with year-ahead consumer price index (“CPI”) at 3.1% from 3.0%, whilst most economists expect gradual cuts, bringing rates to 3.75% by year-end. Investor sentiment remained fragile, with UK takeovers by foreign firms plunging to £4.5 billion in Q4 2024, the lowest since the Covid-19 pandemic. However, domestic mergers and acquisitions surged to £8.6 billion from £1.9 billion in Q3, reflecting a shift towards local consolidation. In fiscal policy, Chancellor Rachel Reeves hinted at further public spending cuts to remain within fiscal constraints, as higher borrowing costs, increased future defence spending and downgraded growth forecasts limit fiscal flexibility. The Treasury is now preparing deep budgetary reductions, with several billion pounds in spending cuts under review ahead of the Spring Budget, with the Institute of Fiscal Studies saying that the chancellor could even be forced to raise taxes to plug any gap in finance...

Stocks featured:

Fresnillo, Melrose Industries and Rentokil Initial

To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:

https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/

This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UK economy showed further signs of strain last week, with job postings hitting a four-year low in January. Wages continued to rise, reaching a record average of £40,846, adding to the Bank of England’s (“BoE”) inflationary concerns. Retailers warned of price increases due to higher national insurance and minimum wage hikes, particularly in the food sector. Meanwhile, a Reuters poll suggested the BoE could cut rates to 3.75% this year, with housing prices expected to rise as borrowing costs fall. The net-zero economy remained a bright spot, growing three times faster than the overall economy and contributing £83 billion in Gross Value Added (“GVA”). However, higher energy bills and taxation concerns are weighing on businesses, with two-thirds of hospitality firms set to cut jobs. Despite economic pressures, Lloyd's business barometer showed optimism, rebounding to its highest level since August 2024...

Stocks featured:

BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce and WPP

To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:

https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/

This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.