July 2026 - Market review
UK Oil price subsides on ceasefire: Iran and the US reached a deal during June that allowed the Strait of Hormuz to reopen to commercial shipping. Following the announcement, the price of Brent crude oil fell to US$72.92 per barrel by the end of the month, compared with an intra-day peak of over US$126 during the conflict. The FTSE 100 Index – which has a relatively large exposure to energy companies – rose by 0.8% over June, while the FTSE 250 Index fell by 1.8%. Supply chai
June 2026 - Market review
UK Multiple headwinds: the backdrop remained challenging for UK investors during May, and sentiment was damped by persistent geopolitical tensions, rising domestic political uncertainties, a wider focus on AI-related stocks, and concerns over inflationary pressures. The FTSE 100 Index edged 0.3% higher, while the FTSE 250 Index rose by 4.3%. The yield on the benchmark gilt rose as high as 5.19% during the month. Meanwhile, the price of Brent crude oil rose as high as US$115 i
May 2026 - Market review
UK Defensive tilt tempers gains: the UK navigated a landscape of shifting sentiment during April as geopolitical unrest and domestic inflation weighed on the outlook. Although the FTSE 100 Index closed the month higher, its defensive bias and exposure to energy stocks meant it lagged broader international markets. Over April, the FTSE 100 Index rose by 2% while the FTSE 250 Index climbed by 5.9%. Inflationary pressures intensify: the UK’s rate of inflation rose from 3% to 3.3