UK Multiple headwinds: the backdrop remained challenging for UK investors during May, and sentiment was damped by persistent geopolitical tensions, rising domestic political uncertainties, a wider focus on AI-related stocks, and concerns over inflationary pressures. The FTSE 100 Index edged 0.3% higher, while the FTSE 250 Index rose by 4.3%. The yield on the benchmark gilt rose as high as 5.19% during the month. Meanwhile, the price of Brent crude oil rose as high as US$115 i

UK Defensive tilt tempers gains: the UK navigated a landscape of shifting sentiment during April as geopolitical unrest and domestic inflation weighed on the outlook. Although the FTSE 100 Index closed the month higher, its defensive bias and exposure to energy stocks meant it lagged broader international markets. Over April, the FTSE 100 Index rose by 2% while the FTSE 250 Index climbed by 5.9%. Inflationary pressures intensify: the UK’s rate of inflation rose from 3% to 3.3

UK UK markets fell in March: Investor sentiment and market movements were dominated in March by unfolding developments in the Middle East as the conflict between the US and Iran intensified. During the month, the FTSE 100 Index dropped by 6.7%, while the FTSE 250 Index fell by 10.7%. Amid speculation over the prospect of interest rate increases – rather than the rate cuts anticipated by many investors before war broke out – the yield on the 10-year gilt breached 5%. The Bank

FTSE hits a fresh record: the FTSE 100 Index ended February at a record high, closing over 10,900 points for the first time ever. Performance was driven by stocks in the defence and mining sectors, which were boosted by escalating tensions in the Middle East, and by the UK’s relatively low exposure to companies in the technology sector. Meanwhile, an agreed bid for asset manager and FTSE 100 constituent Schroders from US investment group Nuveen propelled Schroders’ share pric