Insights

Global markets ended the year in positive territory, but the prospect of rising interest rates in the US and the impact of Omicron remain difficult to predict.

Many of us had hoped that 2021 would see a return to some kind of ‘normality’. Unfortunately, that was far from the case. The past 12 months seem only to have further highlighted the need to plan. John Williams, our head of wealth planning, suggests five ways to get your finances in order – while keeping the unexpected in mind.

Brian Middlemiss, treasury executive, takes a look back at 2021 and how FX markets have fared in post Brexit, post COVID-19 Britain… surely it all went away didn’t it? Read the review.

This is the latest update as to how we as a business are operating during the coronavirus pandemic. We hope that you and your families are well, and are enjoying the festive season.

No year seems to be complete without the obligatory review of events and 2021, for many of us, has been almost as challenging as 2020. Amidst the ongoing coverage of conflict, climate change and COVID-19, however, there were some brighter notes through the year.

Many see Christmas as a time for festivities, others as the time to file tax returns ahead of the 31 January deadline. But while you and Santa are making your lists, and checking them twice, Pippa Vick highlights some pointers to help you with UK self assessment submissions.

The response to COVID-19 showed that many people can act swiftly and spontaneously to support a vital cause. In less frantic times, however, it might pay to take a more considered and structured approach to giving as John Williams explains.

Omicron remains the main factor at play within markets, driving the market movement seen over the near term and accounting for a lot of the uncertainty.

Inheriting a sizeable pension may make you feel you’re set for life. However, the money has come because someone – probably one held dear – has died. So how do you make sure the money will be used wisely given the plethora of choices now open to you? Alex Jeffries explains.

November looked like it was going to be another positive month for risk assets, but it all changed in the final week with the discovery of the Omicron variant of COVID-19.