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Insights | ASAM

Q4 Market Commentary 2024

In the fourth quarter markets were mixed as Donald Trump’s Republican party won the election and control of both houses in the US. In other markets, nervousness and speculation around Trump’s trade tariffs dented confidence. Over the period the European Central Bank cut rates by a further 50bps, the US Federal Reserve cut by 25bps, and the Bank of England remained on hold as some areas of inflation continued to be higher than the Bank would like.

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Insights | ASAM, Market Commentary

Q3 Market Commentary 2024

Over the third quarter, markets on the whole continued to perform well. As central banks reduced rates, the fixed income markets and sectors sensitive to interest rates appreciated in value. Over the period, the European Central Bank cut rates by a further 25bps, and the Bank of England started with a rate cut of 25bps. The Federal Reserve (FED) in the US joined in with a 50bps cut.

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Insights | ASAM

Navigating the financial markets for charities

Has your charity considered investing its money? If not, it is worth reviewing – as long as you follow the correct guidance, investment creates opportunities to maximise your funds and potentially to generate a sustainable income that will help to support your cause in years to come.

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Insights | Market Commentary

Q2 Market Commentary 2024

Over the second quarter of 2024, investor focus has remained on inflation and interest rate policy on each side of the Atlantic. Artificial Intelligence has remained at the fore, becoming increasingly prominent in companies plans. While economies globally look fairly robust, corporate businesses and consumers are continuing to see easing of inflationary pressures.

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Insights | Market Commentary

Q1 Market Commentary 2024

The first quarter of 2024 has remained focused on inflation and interest rate policy on each side of the Atlantic. The previous market view ‘higher for longer’ rotated into a course of easing rates in early January. This view was somewhat diluted over the second half of Q1 while continued resilience in the US employment market and some geopolitical events changed some viewpoints to a more cautionary stance.

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Insights | Market Commentary

Q4 Market Commentary 2023

Over the final quarter of 2023, inflation and interest rates expectations flipped from the view of ‘higher for longer’ to possible hold or easing. November's inflation data came in lower than forecast and the main central banks held rates unchanged, which fuelled the change in sentiment. This gave a strong boost to markets and, particularly the more interest rate sensitive sectors, such as technology and real estate.

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Insights | Financial planning

Navigating the changing terrain of Capital Gains Tax

Capital Gains Tax (‘CGT’) can be triggered when you dispose of an asset and make a profit (‘gain’). The tax due is calculated on the gain that is made rather than the value of the asset itself. This gain is calculated by taking the cost or value of the asset when you acquired it and subtracting this from the proceeds received or value of the assets upon disposal.

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Insights | Market Commentary

Q3 Market Commentary 2023

Over the third quarter to 29th September of 2023, inflation remained elevated in the west with interest rates matching suit. The market narrative in the US flipped from a view of reducing interest rates to them being a higher for longer. The US economy has shown resilience as rates have risen.

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Insights | Market Commentary

Q2 Market Commentary 2023

Over the second quarter to 30 June 2023, inflation remained elevated in the west. Central banks reacted by increasing interest rates in the UK, US, and Europe. Over the coming period we expect inflation to remain as a key focus.

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Insights | Market Commentary

Q4 Market Commentary 2022

Over the fourth quarter, which took us to 31 December 2022, inflation remained elevated and further interest rate increases occurred in the UK, US and Europe. As we enter the new year, investors will be hoping for greater stability with an eye remaining focused on inflation and central bank policy. The combination of rate increases should allow inflation to retreat across the year.

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Insights | Market Commentary

Q3 Market Commentary 2022

The third financial quarter (1 July to 30 September 2022) was dominated by rising inflation and further increases in interest rates in the UK and US. The European Central Bank (ECB) has also started to tighten rates to curb inflation across the region. Central Banks continue to try and strike a difficult balance - the need to control inflation and the need to maintain growth in the economy.

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