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Economic Review – April 2024

UK economic recovery gains momentum Official statistics published last month showed the UK economy returned to growth in the first two months of 2024, while more recent survey data suggests the recovery from last year’s shallow recession continues to gather momentum. The latest gross domestic product (GDP) figures released by the Office for National Statistics […]

News in Review

“Conditions facing manufacturers have taken a turn for the better” Sentiment in the manufacturing sector took a positive upturn in April, with output expectations hitting a six-month high, according to the latest Industrial Trends Survey, released by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) last week. As demand uncertainty recedes and financing concerns reduce, investment intentions […]

More FTBs later in life

The challenges young people face in getting on the property ladder are a regular feature in the media. A less-often discussed impact of the UK’s housing market, however, is the rising age of first-time buyers (FTBs). Average age rises The biggest increase in FTBs in the last five years has been among older homebuyers, a […]

Where next for the global economy?

While the latest forecast released by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) does suggest global growth is likely to remain below its long-term historic average, the update did strike a relatively optimistic note with the organisation’s Chief Economist saying a global “soft landing” was in sight. Global growth upgraded In its first assessment of world economic […]

The cost of dying

Nearly half (48%) of adults aged 18 to 40 don’t have life insurance1. This puts many in a precarious position, as the unfortunate reality is that the cost of dying is high. Research has found that a premature death can cost surviving family members an average of £195,475 over the course of ten years2. These […]

News in Review

“With UK inflation finally falling below the US, its unwanted outlier status is over” New data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rose by 3.2% in the 12 months to March 2024, down from 3.4% in February. The March CPI rate is the lowest in two and a […]

Residential Property Review – April 2024

Upcoming election has not discouraged potential movers A survey by Savills has found that the prospect of the UK General Election has not put off the majority of home movers. According to the report, 79% of respondents have not changed their intentions to move because of the UK election; in fact, 13% said that they […]

Commercial Property Review – April 2024

Commercial property market update Latest research from Cluttons indicates that vacancy rates hit 4.1% at the end of 2023 – up from 3.8% in September. This is partly due to e-commerce activity remaining strong and the demand for buildings to meet net zero standards. Vacancies are expected to keep increasing as supply continues to be […]

News in Review

“The economy is turning a corner” Last week, positive news came in the form of the latest UK gross domestic product (GDP) data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) which showed the economy grew by 0.1% in February. This extends the economic recovery after growth in January was revised up to 0.3% from 0.2%. […]

Crafting your retirement strategy

Have you developed a retirement strategy yet? Whether you’re nearing retirement, or you still have many years of your working life ahead, careful planning is essential to secure financial stability and peace of mind when you stop working. Active planning is important According to a recent report1, individuals on average begin actively planning for retirement […]