Category Archives: Financial News

A lifetime (or pension) annuity is purchased with your pension fund, to provide a regular income for the rest of your life. Sales of annuities dropped significantly when pension freedoms were introduced in April 2015, but the certainty provided by an annuity and recent increases in the rates available mean Read the full article…

Global stock markets had started 2026 in a positive mood following a strong 2025, with the possibility of further gains driven by advancements in Artificial Intelligence and anticipated rate cuts. Concerns remained around elevated valuations, particularly in the tech sector, and the unpredictability of the current US administration. The Iran Read the full article…

The FSCS (Financial Services Compensation Scheme) deposit protection increased from £85,000 to £120,000 on 1 December 2025. This means that if you hold deposits or savings with a UK-authorised bank, building society or credit union and it goes out of business, FSCS can compensate you up to the limit of Read the full article…

This year’s Spring Statement was overtaken by events in the Middle East, with the US and Israel having launched their attacks on Iran just three days before. The low-key statement was delivered by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, on 3 March, with no major new announcements. The main Read the full article…

Speculation over the possibility that the US stock market is in an AI-fuelled bubble has continued during the final quarter of 2025. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) warned of market “complacency”, noting that concentration risk is now “substantially higher than during the dotcom bubble”. The 43-day US government shutdown eventually Read the full article…