Latest News and Updates

Global markets spent last week balancing strong AI-driven optimism against rising inflation and geopolitical risk. While corporate earnings and technology stocks continued to support equities, higher oil prices, rising bond yields, and escalating Middle East tensions reminded investors that the backdrop for markets in 2026 remains increasingly fragile.

Global equities have staged a remarkable recovery, but geopolitical uncertainty hasn't disappeared. Peter unpacks the catalysts, assess whether the optimism is justified, and outline where opportunities may lie from here.

Rising rates make cash look appealing, but taxes can take a big bite, especially for higher-rate taxpayers. Low-coupon gilts offer an alternative, with more of the return coming from tax-efficient capital growth rather than taxable interest.

Markets are on edge as Middle East conflict drives up energy prices and fuels uncertainty. Growth is holding up, but rising inflation risks and geopolitical tensions are starting to weigh on sentiment.

With Easter Sunday falling on tax year-end, this guide highlights the essential steps to use your allowances before 5 April 2026. From ISAs and pensions to gifting, charitable donations, and wills, here’s how to ensure your tax planning is wrapped up in time to enjoy the long weekend.

In a year dominated by AI bubble fears, geopolitical tension and nonstop market noise, the real investing edge isn’t prediction — it’s process. This piece outlines five timeless principles that help investors stay disciplined, diversified and focused on long-term goals, even when headlines feel overwhelming.

February 2026 has seen heightened volatility in US technology stocks, a broadening of corporate earnings, and a notable rotation into traditional “old economy” sectors. With global asset allocations shifting amid policy changes, geopolitical fragmentation, and evolving investor priorities, emerging markets, Japan, Europe and the UK are gaining attention. We assess what’s driving markets - and where opportunities may lie.

Global equity markets continue to reach new highs despite persistent concerns over inflation, interest rates, geopolitical tensions and political uncertainty. This article explores why markets often rise amid adversity, the structural shifts reshaping global trade and security, and what investors should focus on as valuations rise and volatility remains elevated in 2026.

Major changes to Business and Agricultural Relief from April 2026 – and pensions entering the inheritance tax net from 2027 – mean estate planning is more important than ever. Here’s what the new rules mean and what you should be thinking about now.

Petronella shares her views on the year just passed and the principles guiding Investment Quorum into 2026.

Taking a little time now to review a few key financial areas can make the start of the new year feel far more manageable. In this article, we highlight some practical points to consider, including preparing for tax returns, reviewing the performance of your investments, and planning ahead for contributions, withdrawals, and tax-efficient strategies for the year ahead.

Markets slipped despite strong US earnings and upbeat economic data, as investors questioned high valuations and AI profitability. NVIDIA and Walmart beat expectations, but concerns over future revenue growth linger. Attention now turns to the Federal Reserve’s December rate decision. Japan has launched a major stimulus package, UK inflation has eased ahead of the Autumn Budget, and sector rotations are favouring Emerging Markets and undervalued areas.

Many families overlook one of the most powerful inheritance tax exemptions available: gifting from normal expenditure out of income. This rule allows individuals with surplus income to make regular, tax-free gifts without waiting seven years for them to fall outside their estate. With proper structure and documentation, it can form a key part of a well-designed estate plan that benefits both giver and recipient.

US markets extended their rally last week despite renewed geopolitical tensions and a prolonged government shutdown. Strong corporate earnings and cooling inflation data have strengthened expectations for another Federal Reserve rate cut, while the S&P 500 celebrates its third year of bull market gains. Across the globe, UK inflation remains steady, Japan welcomes its first female prime minister with a market-friendly agenda, and gold prices take a brief dip amid profit-taking. Overall, investors are advised to stay diversified and cautiously optimistic heading into 2026.

Two years on, Consumer Duty continues to reshape UK financial advice. At Investment Quorum, it is more than compliance - it’s the foundation of how we deliver clear communication, transparent pricing, and client-focused outcomes.

The summer rally has lifted global markets, with the S&P 500 up 30% since April. As autumn approaches, investors face mixed signals: strong earnings and AI-driven growth against concerns over tariffs, inflation, and consumer sentiment. Will the bull market continue or face a seasonal pause?

Markets surged in July 2025, but rising tariffs, Fed policy risks, and weak job data may weigh on sentiment in the months ahead.

Get the latest mid-2025 market insights: US-China trade tensions, Nvidia’s AI setback, Middle East conflict impact, weakening US dollar, and investor sentiment shifts. Explore global equity performance, monetary policy outlooks, and emerging opportunities in Europe, the UK, and South America.

Global markets have endured a volatile few weeks, with trade tensions, bond market tremors, and geopolitical uncertainty testing investor resolve. While volatility spiked and US bond yields surged, equities have shown surprising strength, led by AI optimism, Japan’s resurgence, and improving US-China relations. As summer approaches, markets may face new challenges, but solid fundamentals keep the outlook cautiously optimistic.

In this week’s edition of The Lowdown, we examine the sharp market rally following easing US-China trade tensions, a UK-US trade agreement, and central bank decisions on both sides of the Atlantic. From Trump's “reset” diplomacy to the Fed's cautious rate stance and the Bank of England's quarter-point cut, we explore the policy pivots, global risks, and why diversified portfolios matter more than ever. Plus: Germany’s industrial uptick, Japan’s trade hopes, and gold's and Bitcoin’s resilience in a volatile world.

Global markets are reeling following President Trump’s sweeping new tariffs, sparking a $5 trillion sell-off and renewed fears of a global trade war. Yet, while the current downturn feels sharp and unsettling, history reminds us that markets are resilient.

Wall Street tumbles as trade tensions escalate, driving investors toward safe havens like gold. IQ's CIO explains the market shift, tariff battles, and what lies ahead.

DeepSeek challenges US tech giants while Trump adds global uncertainty. Markets adjust as Europe outpaces Wall Street and investors look for winners in this new, volatile landscape.

Trump has only just been sworn in as the 47th president, but the global impact of his second term is already being felt. Read more in our CIOs first Lowdown of the year.

Investment Quorum's CEO Petronella West gives us her reflections on a milestone year in her annual End of Year Letter...

IQ's CIO tells us how US tech giants drove Wall Street to record highs in 2024, with insights on global market performance, Trump's impact, and expert predictions for 2025.

Wall Street rallied to fresh record highs and the dollar soared following Donald Trump's victory in the U.S. presidential election. IQ's CIO shares insights on what we should expect next across global markets.

Happy second birthday to our current bull market. All around the world, stock markets have been rising at breakneck speed. Whether you’re in the US, Europe, Japan or India, prices listed on a market near you have spent most of this year reaching dizzying heights. But, will it last? Read what our CIO has to say.

September and October are notoriously volatile months for markets. But despite ongoing geopolitical unrest and uncertainties regarding economic data and the political backdrop, the fundamentals are still in place, consumer confidence seems robust… and house prices in the UK reached a two-year high last month.

Historically, crises have often erupted in late summer, which is why the mini crash earlier this month set alarm bells ringing. Fears of a recession in the US… the biggest one-day fall on the Japanese stock market since 1987… policymakers away on their summer breaks. Our CIO contextualises this month’s sell-off and looks at what it might mean for the rest of the year and beyond.