Weekly Market Update – 12th January 2026: Global Equities Rally as 2026 Gets Underway

Global equities rallied in the first full week of trading for 2026, as investors largely looked through rising geopolitical tensions. Japanese equities led the gains, while U.S. markets saw a broadening of the rally beyond the large-cap growth stocks that have dominated in recent years. US: Equities rally as investors look past mounting geopolitical tensions …

Stock markets end 2025 on a high

January 2026 | Market update Equity markets closed the year strongly as investors looked past tariff turmoil Equities shrug off uncertainty. Markets finished the year strongly, with major indices ending on a high. Global equities looked past the turmoil caused by President Donald Trump’s tariffs, posting a third consecutive year of double-digit gains in 2025. …

Weekly Market Update – 15th December 2025: Markets Muted as Central Banks Take Centre Stage

A muted week for global equity markets, with few major surprises. The U.S. Federal Reserve cut interest rates by 0.25% as expected, while the European Central Bank is widely anticipated to keep rates on hold at its upcoming meeting. Investor focus remained firmly on central bank guidance and valuation concerns in the technology and AI …

Autumn Budget 2025: Key Announcements Explained

The Autumn Budget 2025 brings a mix of freezes, phased changes and targeted reforms across the UK tax and savings landscape. While some headline rates remain untouched, other adjustments, especially those affecting income brackets, investments and property, will influence financial planning over the coming years. Below, we’ve summarised the key announcements and what they may …

Weekly Market Update – 8th December 2025: Markets Rise Ahead of Expected Rate Cuts

Global equities advanced as expectations for a December U.S. interest rate cut supported risk appetite. Chinese equities outperformed, with investors overlooking weak economic data in favour of the stronger long-term outlook for domestic technology and AI. US: Stocks rise in anticipation of a 0.25% interest rate cut this week U.S. equity markets ended the week …

Weekly Market Update – 1st December

Optimism surrounding a December interest rate cut in the U.S. saw global equities rebound strongly. The rebound was led by U.S. equities, in particular small caps and big tech. US: Small caps and tech stocks rally on December interest rate cut hopes U.S. stock indexes rallied, boosted by dovish comments from Federal Reserve officials and …

Weekly Market Update – 24th November 2025 – Global Markets Drop on AI Valuation Concerns

AI-related valuation concerns see global equity markets fall sharply. Chinese equities were pressured the most, while UK equities held up best due to increased expectations of a December interest rate cut. US: AI valuation concerns outweigh strong corporate earnings and economic data Despite strong corporate earnings reports and government economic data, U.S. equity markets finished …

Weekly Market Update – 17th November 2025: Mixed Market Sentiment as Shutdown Ends

A largely muted week for global equities, despite a significant number of headlines. Investor sentiment was broadly supported by the end of the US government shutdown, however, economic growth concerns and valuation concerns in the artificial intelligence space provided something for both the bulls and the bears. European equities were the standout performer, while Chinese …

The Biggest Financial Mistakes People Make in Their 30s, 40s, and 50s

Each decade brings new financial priorities and new challenges. From getting established in your 30s to planning for retirement in your 50s, avoiding common pitfalls can make a lasting difference to your financial wellbeing. At Albon Financial Planning, we work with clients across every stage of life to help them plan ahead with clarity and …

Monthly Market Update: Global Equities Rally on Trade Optimism

November Update Global stock markets rallied in October, supported by stronger-than-expected corporate earnings and easing tensions between the United States and China. Investor confidence improved further as Japan delivered exceptional equity market performance, marking its strongest monthly gain in more than 30 years. Global Overview: Strong Earnings and Trade Relief Lift Markets Optimism around corporate …