Oakway Wealth Management

Markets ponder whether interest rate rises have peaked or paused

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-markets-ponder-whether-interest-rate-rises-have-peaked-or-paused/

Weekwatch - Markets ponder whether interest rate rises have peaked or paused - Oakway Established in 1668, Sweden’s Riksbank was the first institution recognised as a central bank. It was one of a host holding rate-setting meetings last week in a bonanza for central bank watchers, as inflation and interest rates continued to preoccupy investors.

Several equity markets bounced last week on positive economic news from China and softer messaging from the European Central Bank (ECB).

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-markets-bounce-on-news-from-china-and-europe/

Weekwatch - Markets bounce on news from China and Europe - Oakway Several equity markets bounced last week on positive economic news from China and softer messaging from the European Central Bank (ECB).

Pension Awareness Week is back. Here’s some insight into what a happy and enjoyable retirement will cost you.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/the-cost-of-a-comfortable-retirement/

The cost of a comfortable retirement - Oakway Whether you’ve got 20 years before you retire or just a few, it’s important to have an idea of just how much money you’ll need for a comfortable standard of living once you’ve finished working.

September is often a tough month for markets. Data going back to 1945 shows that it is, on average, the worst month of the year for the S&P 500 Index.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-global-business-activity-slows-but-the-us-economy-ploughs-on/

Weekwatch - Global business activity slows, but the US economy ploughs on - Oakway September is often a tough month for markets. Data going back to 1945 shows that it is, on average, the worst month of the year for the S&P 500 Index.

As a start-up, knowing what expenses can be tax-deductible will help boost your cash flow significantly. Plus, with the corporation tax rate increasing for some firms – to as much as 25% – many business owners will be looking for legitimate ways of reducing their taxable profits.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/top-misunderstandings-about-tax-deductible-expenses/

Top misunderstandings about tax-deductible expenses - Oakway As a start-up, knowing what expenses can be tax-deductible will help boost your cash flow significantly. Plus, with the corporation tax rate increasing for some firms – to as much as 25% – many business owners will be looking for legitimate ways of reducing their taxable profits.

Weak China sentiment drove market performance in August that lived up to its seasonal fears as stocks registered their worst month so far this year

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-china-worries-take-their-toll-on-markets/

Weekwatch - China worries take their toll on markets - Oakway The food inflation story took a new turn last week when it was revealed that Burger King faces a lawsuit in the US over allegations that its Whopper burger looks bigger on the menu than it is in reality.

Over time, inflation means that even everyday items will become noticeably more expensive. This means it’s important you take care to grow your wealth, with an eye on the long term.

Find out more here: https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-strong-us-results-as-all-eyes-turn-to-the-fed/

Some good company results last week helped US equities before all eyes fell on Jackson Hole, Wyoming

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-strong-us-results-as-all-eyes-turn-to-the-fed/

Weekwatch - Strong US results as all eyes turn to the Fed - Oakway As well as being a popular skiing destination, Jackson Hole is becoming well known for its Economic Symposium. Leading figures from central banks, and decision-makers across the globe, come to this annual event to discuss issues relating to a particular topic, this year’s being ‘Structural Shift...

The Lifetime ISA (LISA) replaced the government’s Help to Buy ISA scheme at the end of 2019. LISAs were designed to help younger savers get on the property ladder or start to save for later life:

Find it more here: https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/what-is-a-lifetime-isa-and-how-do-they-work/

What is a Lifetime ISA and how do they work? - Oakway The Lifetime ISA (LISA) replaced the government’s Help to Buy ISA scheme at the end of 2019. LISAs were designed to help younger savers get on the property ladder or start to save for later life. And they look attractive. For every LISA contribution you make, the government will add 25% – tax-fr...

After more than a year of inflation dominating market performance in Western markets, the past week saw the emergence of deflation, raising its unwelcome head:

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-chinese-economic-woes-weigh-on-global-markets/

Weekwatch - Chinese economic woes weigh on global markets - Oakway After more than a year of inflation dominating market performance in Western markets, the past week saw the emergence of deflation, raising its unwelcome head.

Paying for social care, for as long as you need it, can make a huge hole in your finances. And it can make a big difference to the amount of money you can pass on to your family.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/what-are-the-chances-youll-need-long-term-care-one-day/

What are the chances you’ll need long-term care one day? - Oakway It’s a question that’s very hard to answer, and all too easy to avoid. But in terms of financial wellbeing, it’s the million dollar question. Paying for social care, for as long as you need it, can make a huge hole in your finances. And it can make a big difference to the amount of money you c...

Much of 2023 has been fairly bleak for those in the UK. Inflation has remained above its developed market peers, as the cost-of-living crisis has continued for longer than many hoped. At the same time, rising interest rates and weak equity performance have only added to these woes.

Last week, however, there was some good news for the country:

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-uk-economy-beats-expectations-as-italy-rows-back-on-bank-tax-plan/

Weekwatch - UK economy beats expectations as Italy rows back on bank tax plan - Oakway Much of 2023 has been fairly bleak for those in the UK. Inflation has remained above its developed market peers, as the cost-of-living crisis has continued for longer than many hoped. At the same time, rising interest rates and weak equity performance have only added to these woes.

Uncertainty across the macroeconomic environment has filtered through into financial markets, with assets usually considered less risky, like bonds, going through a phase of high volatility earlier in the year.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/where-are-the-investment-opportunities-in-2023/

Where are the investment opportunities in 2023? - Oakway The first half of the year could be described as a bit topsy turvy, with some high-profile failures being reported alongside companies boasting record revenues and profits. Globally, inflation has fallen but still remains high, while the ongoing war in Ukraine, geopolitical uncertainty, and record h...

It’s not certain whether the saying ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea’ really does have nautical origins. But there’s no doubt the Bank of England knows how it feels to be in a tight spot.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-the-bank-of-england-makes-clear-the-battle-against-inflation-is-far-from-over/

Weekwatch - The Bank of England makes clear the battle against inflation is far from over - Oakway It’s not certain whether the saying ‘between the devil and the deep blue sea’ really does have nautical origins. But there’s no doubt the Bank of England knows how it feels to be in a tight spot.

Whether you’re looking to exit your business altogether or just release some value, private equity (PE) firms might be an interesting potential buyer. There are advantages and disadvantages to selling to PE investors, so it’s important to take all considerations into account.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/the-pros-and-cons-of-selling-your-sme-to-private-equity/

The pros and cons of selling your SME to private equity - Oakway Whether you’re looking to exit your business altogether or just release some value, private equity (PE) firms might be an interesting potential buyer. There are advantages and disadvantages to selling to PE investors, so it’s important to take all considerations into account.

US stocks rose last week, as positive economic news in the US combined with falling inflation figures to spur hopes that the US might be able to return inflation to normal while growing the economy.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-hopes-that-the-us-might-be-able-to-return-inflation-to-normal-while-growing-the-economy/

Weekwatch - hopes that the US might be able to return inflation to normal while growing the economy - Oakway US stocks rose last week, as positive economic news in the US combined with falling inflation figures to spur hopes that the US might be able to return inflation to normal while growing the economy.

Arranging social care in later life can burn through money. The cost of residential care now stands at just over £46,000 per year– and that’s without nursing costs. In cities such as London and Brighton, the annual figure is over £50,000.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/can-i-gift-assets-to-avoid-paying-care-home-fees/

Can I gift assets to avoid paying care home fees? - Oakway Arranging social care in later life can burn through money. The cost of residential care now stands at just over £46,000 per year1 – and that’s without nursing costs. In cities such as London and Brighton, the annual figure is over £50,000.1

After disappointing inflationary figures for most of the first half of the year, a notable reduction in June helped lift optimism among UK investors.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-has-the-uk-finally-turned-a-corner-on-inflation/

Weekwatch - Has the UK finally turned a corner on inflation? - Oakway After disappointing inflationary figures for most of the first half of the year, a notable reduction in June helped lift optimism among UK investors.

Up until recently, AI generally remained the realm of science fiction for most people. The past year, however, saw monumental advancements on this front. The likes of ChatGPT and AI chatbots have revolutionised how businesses think and have everyone asking themselves (or an AI) what it means for them.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/quarterly-market-update-us-tech-companies-lead-positive-q2/

Quarterly Market Update: US tech companies lead positive Q2 - Oakway Our fascination with Artificial Intelligence, or AI, goes back well over 100 years at this point. From 2001: A Space Odyssey to The Matrix, questioning the role AI could have on humanity has long been one of Hollywood’s favourite topics.

Has the US Federal Reserve finally got the upper hand in its fight against inflation?

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-markets-gain-on-hopes-that-us-interest-rates-are-peaking-after-positive-inflation-news/

Weekwatch - Markets gain on hopes that US interest rates are peaking after positive inflation news - Oakway Data released on Wednesday provided hope that the succession of interest rate rises may at last have punctured soaring prices. Consumer price inflation rose 3% in the year to June, down from 4% in May. It’s the smallest annual increase in more than two years.

Many people know that they can gift money to reduce the size of their estate, but not everyone is aware that workplace pensions and death-in-service benefits can also be shielded from IHT.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/dont-leave-your-family-an-avoidable-iht-bill/

Don’t leave your family an avoidable IHT bill - Oakway Many people know that they can gift money to reduce the size of their estate, but not everyone is aware that workplace pensions and death-in-service benefits can also be shielded from IHT.

It was a quiet start to the week as Wall Street was closed for the 4 July celebrations, although global stocks hit a two-week peak on Monday, encouraged by signs that cooling inflation might temper central banks’ appetite to hike interest rates further.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-markets-stumble-on-expectations-that-central-banks-will-drive-up-interest-rates-further/

Weekwatch - Markets stumble on expectations that central banks will drive up interest rates further - Oakway If all the hotdogs eaten by Americans on Independence Day were put end to end, they would stretch from Washington DC to Los Angeles more than five times.

The State Pension is the foundation of many people’s retirement income. Many women will rely on the State Pension even more than men, if they’ve been on a lower income, or have a smaller pension pot due to taking career breaks. And if you’re divorced, it’s even more important to check that you’re getting the correct State Pension

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/state-pension-and-divorce-are-you-missing-out-on-unclaimed-state-pension/

State pension and divorce: Are you missing out on unclaimed State Pension? - Oakway The State Pension is the foundation of many people’s retirement income. Many women will rely on the State Pension even more than men, if they’ve been on a lower income, or have a smaller pension pot due to taking career breaks. And if you’re divorced, it’s even more important to check that y...

Global equities finished the quarter on a high note, with the majority of the major indexes finishing the week in positive territory.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-global-equities-end-mixed-quarter-on-a-high-note/

Weekwatch - Global equities end mixed quarter on a high note - Oakway Global equities finished the quarter on a high note, with the majority of the major indexes finishing the week in positive territory.

Despite the recent increases to the rate of interest, it remains notably below the rate of Consumer Prices Index (CPI) inflation. This means money saved in a cash bank account will lose purchasing power over time.

Find out more here: https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-markets-struggle-on-flat-uk-inflation-figures/

When starting a business, you may hear about the importance of ‘telling your story in numbers’. This means understanding what drives your business by looking at its financial figures, and communicating this effectively. This understanding is not just important to explain your financial position to lenders, investors or other stakeholders. It’s critical for running the business successfully long term.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/business-intelligence-for-start-ups-how-to-tell-your-story-in-numbers/

Business intelligence for start-ups: how to tell your story in numbers - Oakway When starting a business, you may hear about the importance of ‘telling your story in numbers’. This means understanding what drives your business by looking at its financial figures, and communicating this effectively. This understanding is not just important to explain your financial position ...

Not for the first time this year, last week’s economic news was dominated by persistent inflation struggles in the UK.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-markets-struggle-on-flat-uk-inflation-figures/

Weekwatch - Markets struggle on flat UK inflation figures - Oakway Leading up to last week, expectations were for a moderate drop in inflation. The Bank of England (BoE) had already raised central interest rates numerous times to curb inflation. The US and Eurozone both reported drops in their inflation rates the week prior.

With inflation still high, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must prepare for more operating cost increases and squeezes on profit margins.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/how-to-deal-with-rising-costs-six-ways-to-boost-efficiency/

How to deal with rising costs: six ways to boost efficiency - Oakway With inflation still high, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must prepare for more operating cost increases and squeezes on profit margins.

Global markets performed well last week, as investors reacted to inflation and interest rate news from the US.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/weekwatch-markets-bounce-as-us-fed-pauses-interest-rates-rises-for-first-time-in-a-year/

Weekwatch - Markets bounce as US Fed pauses interest rates rises for first time in a year - Oakway US headline inflation fell to 4.1% in May. This compared to 4.9% in April and was less than half of what it was a year ago.

For Pride Month, we explore some of the persistent challenges that LGBTQ+ people face with wealth accumulation – and what can be done.

https://www.oakwaywm.co.uk/resources/financial-factors-impacting-the-lgbtq-community/

Financial factors impacting the LGBTQ+ Community - Oakway For Pride Month, we explore some of the persistent challenges that LGBTQ+ people face with wealth accumulation – and what can be done.