We loved this article on the future of forecasting because, despite the technology developments in big data and AI, it is still subject to human decisions. To borrow from the French “The more things change, the more they remain the same”. There is no question that technology will have a role to play but it … Continue reading “The future of forecasting…looks much the same”
Jeff Lewis. director at RobMac, summarises the most recent economic outlook. Jeff Lewis, director at RobMac The outlook for growth and inflation has improved markedly in the UK and Europe in recent weeks, largely as a result of tumbling natural gas prices. Lower inflation will boost confidence and should mean that Europe’s consumers begin to … Continue reading “Economy outlook update February 2023”
The recent freeze on the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold is seen by many as another stealth tax by the government. Essentially by keeping the threshold the same, while the value of assets continue to rise will mean more revenue for the treasury. Official figures in January showed the Treasury is on course to collect record … Continue reading “Inheritance tax – planning for the future”
Jeff Lewis, director of RobMac, considers what the impact of the reduction in inflation in December might have on the markets. The UK December annual headline CPI inflation was reported at 10.5% down from 10.7% in November and a peak of 11.1% in October. December annual core inflation (excluding food, energy, alcohol and … Continue reading “The impact of inflation reduction”
RobMac has an excellent track record of sponsoring young people who show great potential in their area of interest. We are therefore absolutely thrilled that Charlie Mitchell skipped the winning Under 18 Triples team in the British Isles Indoor Bowls Championship (BIIBC) at the weekend. His team’s win helped Scotland regain the overall BIIBC title. … Continue reading “Charlie Mitchell wins gold in the Under 18 Triples at the British Isles Indoor Bowls Championship”
Most economic forecasters agree that 2023 is not going to be a great year with a recession predicted until the end of 2023 as output falls by 1.9%. PWC also suggests that pressures on the cost of living will continue with the weekly food shop having doubled to £100 since 2000, house prices estimated to … Continue reading “While the forecast for the coming year looks gloomy, there is light at the end of the tunnel”
Jeff Lewis. director of RobMac signs off the year with a review of the markets in what has undoubtedly been a difficult year. For much of the past 30 years markets have enjoyed a benign backdrop of low inflation, falling interest rates and sustained economic growth. This has been a supportive environment for both … Continue reading “Jeff Lewis gives his final market review of 2022”
Jeff Lewis, director at RobMac, looks at what can happen to investments during a market cycle. In this illustration, it shows the difference between riding out the high and lows of market fluctuations compared with realising your cash and potentially missing out. When investments markets are volatile it’s a natural instinct to head … Continue reading “Investing through a market cycle”
RobMac director, Jeff Lewis takes a look at the interest rates and the market outlook and what it means for the overall economy. It’s not all bad. “Last week was a big one for central banks in the US and UK as both raised rates by 0.75 % in a further attempt to combat … Continue reading “Interest rates and market outlook”
Despite the doom and gloom being expressed around the mortgage market in the UK, there may yet be some good news for first-time buyers when the market settles down. Alison Mitchell reflects on the marketplace and thinks it isn’t all bad. “At present, and remember we are only 6 days since the mini budget sent … Continue reading “Every mortgage cloud may have a silver lining”
