Rachel Reeves’ three-day visit to China ends today. When the Chancellor returns, she will find markets increasingly worried about economic growth and the UK’s fiscal credibility.
Last week, gilt yields reached a 27-year high, the pound fell to its lowest against the dollar in 14 months, and the more domestically focused FTSE 250 share index, which makes about 40pc of its sales at home, suffered its worst week in over a year.
Meanwhile, data from the global funds network Calastone showed investors pulled a net £9.6 billion from UK-focused equity funds in 2024 – the worst year on record.
There is a worrying view that the UK is becoming increasingly irrelevant as an investment destination. With quality companies increasingly being snapped up cheaply, are savers better off sticking with traditional portfolios or making strategic adjustments to protect their financial futures?
On Thursday, a consultation on important changes to pensions ends. The Government will then detail the processes required to implement changes announced in the Budget, by which most unused pension savings and death benefits will be included within the value of a person’s estate for Inheritance Tax purposes — critical for shaping retirement outcomes for millions.
There’s also little over a fortnight to file last year’s tax return or face a £10-a-day late fine.
Thanks for listening.
Gary Parkinson
Media Relations
T: 0345 643 0770 M: 07756 668500
