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Sharp swings have marked the first half of 2025 - from AI-driven tech sell-offs and Trump’s tariff turmoil to Middle East conflict and currency shifts. Yet markets have shown resilience, with a tech rebound, strong UK performance, and emerging opportunities beyond the US. We remain cautiously optimistic heading into the second half.

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.

For many young people, studying, getting married and getting onto the property ladder are still beyond reach. Wealth Manager Jack Ingamells talks you through how you can gift to your children and grandchildren tax efficiently, discussing topics like the seven-year rule and CGT implications.

Biden's sudden withdrawal from the 2024 presidential campaign has caused a measure of market volatility. Investors are grappling with heightened political uncertainty, and Biden's endorsement of Kamala Harris as his successor has further complicated market dynamics. The market's response varies across sectors, with some experiencing short-term declines, while others might see a resurgence...

Labour have won the 2024 UK General Election with a significant majority – gaining over 400 seats and an estimated 35% of the vote. From taxes and pensions to how the stock market has reacted, here’s what a new Labour government could mean for you and your money.

2024 will be a record-breaking year for elections. Election years are typically good years for stocks: the S&P 500 alone has generated an average return of 7% during presidential election years since 1952. CIO Peter Lowman brings you what could end up being his last Lowdown before the next government.

What options are available if you consistently max out your pension allowance (£60,000), contribute £20,000 to your ISA each year, and take full advantage of your annual capital gains tax allowance? And what if your income exceeds £260,000 and your annual pension allowance is significantly reduced? Let's talk offshore bonds.

We all want the best for our children but don't necessarily want to throw money at them. Wealth Manager Richard Watson looks at the options available to parents for helping their children financially now, in the medium-term future and further into their professional lives.

Last week saw the release of the much-anticipated US Consumer Price Index report for April. Broadly speaking, the news is positive: inflation has resumed its downward path following a string of hotter-than-expected reports.

The UK stock market hit a record high this week, as shares were lifted by an easing of geopolitical tensions. The FTSE 100 index of blue-chip stocks listed in London hit 8076 points, surpassing a previous high of 8,047 in February 2023. And yet… the picture is decidedly nuanced.

The “100-year life” is no longer a fantasy. Although living longer is a cause for celebration, it does raise the question of how long you need to work before you can afford to retire. If demographic models have changed so much over the past century, we need to revise our understanding of retirement and how we fund it.

Potential interest rate cuts are on the horizon in the UK, following a steady rate of 5.25%. On the other side of the world, Japan's central bank has increased borrowing costs, marking the end of negative interest rates globally. These pivotal changes pose pressing questions for what’s next for the current bull market.

IQ’s quick guide to the 2024 Budget delivered by Jeremy Hunt. Hunt announced a reduction in national insurance contributions which will be offset by the abolition of the “non-dom” tax regime and other tax increases on vapes, tobacco and business-class flights.

Almost nobody is surprised to learn that the UK is now officially in recession. So all eyes are now on the Bank of England, wondering when it is going to cut interest rates and ease pressure on households amid the cost-of-living crisis.

February and March are particularly important months in the tax calendar. Here is a list of all the things you can do to be as tax-efficient as possible before the tax year closes.

Wall Street has recovered well after a setback earlier this month. Too well? Are things overheating? Major shipping companies have stopped using the Red Sea through which almost 15% of global seaborne trade usually passes. How will this disruption impact inflation?

January is an opportunity to make resolutions and commitments. There is no reason why we shouldn't use it to bring order to our finances as well! This week, Tom Fleming takes you through several painless tweaks you can make so you can be sure that your finances are still on track after all the commotion of Christmas.

Our CEO Petronella West takes stock of 2023 and shares some of the highlights of the past year at IQ.

The Bank of England has just voted to hold interest rates at 5.25% for the third time in a row. The US central bank has signalled it could start cutting interest rates next year if inflation continues to fall.

October may have been a month to forget, but November was certainly one to remember. In fact, 2022 was a whole year to forget for investors. This year, on the other hand, has very much been characterised by returns on risk assets – US technology in particular.

Interest rates look as though they are starting to level off, catalysing the emergence of a new investment environment with opportunities that have not existed for a long time. This week, Investment Analyst Nick Harrington considers what 2024 might hold for investors.

As the Treasury and the country more widely gear up for the Autumn Statement, the UK is on a glide path to normal inflation levels. Pay rises are now outstripping inflation by the highest levels for two years, and the current interest rate hike cycle appears to have peaked. It’s been a good month so far – the best this year. Will December deliver further gains?

This week, Nick Rolf considers various factors you should think about before deciding to crack open your pension pot. And when you do, how best to draw on those assets tax-efficiently.

Governor of the Bank of England Andrew Bailey has described the outlook for UK economic growth as “subdued”, but he expects inflation to fall to around 3% and for it to stay at that level throughout most of next year – above the 2% target rate. However, he has warned that if the Israel-Hamas conflict spreads throughout the Middle East, it could have a knock-on effect on energy prices.

Explore the five essential steps to accumulate wealth for your future. This includes devising a strategic plan and mastering the art of saving and investing. Learn to handle the intricacies of debt management and tax allowances, and start investing now to benefit from compounding.

An escalation of the Israel-Gaza war into a broader conflict could deliver another shock to world growth and halt disinflationary forces in their tracks. Market reaction has been modest so far… but that could change.

The outbreak of military conflict in the Middle East may leave central bankers battling new inflationary trends as well as deal a blow to economic confidence at a time when they had expressed growing hope about containing the price surge sparked by the pandemic and Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Discover five practical and actionable tips to reduce inheritance tax and safeguard your assets. This article on estate planning will guide you on maximising what you leave for your beneficiaries, ensuring the long-term protection of your hard-earned wealth from the taxman.

Wealth Manager Richard Watson talks about the options you have for making sure that you are in the best possible position to retire from work… but not from life. Richard discusses adjusting your investment strategy from high-risk to lower-risk, the benefits of phased retirement, and how to leverage your state pension, ISA, and other allowances effectively for a secure future.

In a surprise move, UK interest rates have been left unchanged – but at 5.25%, they are still at their highest for 15 years. Price rises appear to be slowing faster than expected, but there are increasing signs that higher rates are starting to hurt the UK economy, according to the Bank of England.

Discover how we can support your business at every stage, from start to exit. Our expert team can provide advice on key man insurance, share protection agreements, EMI schemes, and company pension schemes. We'll ensure your finances are in order before and after selling your business, setting you up for your next venture or a comfortable retirement.

The financial markets remain focused on inflation and the labour market. But rising oil prices are also a factor in an increasingly complex equation. As the end of the UK’s current interest rate hike cycle comes into view, growth looks set to slow dramatically in China as its economic outlook worsens. Meanwhile, a new superpower is being born…

This week, Associate Investment Analyst Nick Harrington discusses the options we have for investing for positive change, and how we can align our investments with social and environmental causes – as well as securing returns.

This week our CIO looks at the aftermath of the Jackson Hole Symposium, such as the Fed's commitment to defeating inflation and maintaining pressure through interest rate hikes. He discusses the BRICS summit and the potential impact of its expansion. Investors should remain disciplined and patient, particularly as we head into September, which is a historically volatile month for the markets.

As China’s economy falters, inflation continues to trend down in the US and there are grounds for optimism on this side of the Atlantic. The UK economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter, and the recent pullback is the perfect buying opportunity for those investors who have been playing it safe up until now.

The UK may have the highest debt interest costs in the developed world. The Bank of Japan made a surprise decision on its bond market and yield curve control, and Germany heavily invests in the semiconductor industry. Overall, the markets are enjoying some stability at last.

Wealth Manager Jack Ingamells takes a look at wealth-building strategies for individuals at all stages of their careers, but especially for young people who are just beginning their professional lives. Consider sharing this guidance with your children to help them establish a strong financial foundation early on.

The US has successfully tamed inflation, unlike the Bank of England which faces the need for further interest rate hikes. The global economy undergoes a shift from a binary state to a more balanced one.

Property vs pensions, which is the better investment decision? Nick Rolf compares investing in property and pensions for retirement funding, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, including tax benefits, potential returns, and risk factors.

2023 has seen significant movement in global financial markets, with AI stock surges, a banking crisis, and relentless interest rate hikes leading to a rollercoaster ride for investors. IQ’s CIO provides a summary at the halfway point of the year.

Investment Analyst, Nick Harrington, explores the importance of choosing the right investment approach during market volatility for optimal returns.

The UK experiences rising interest rates, while the US takes a pause. UK households face increasing pressure as mortgage costs continue to rise. Eurozone recession worries loom while AI shapes Wall Street's potential bull market, offering opportunities and risks.

Unveiling budgeting and saving secrets amidst a cost-of-living crisis. Revolutionise your finances with these top apps and discover how to manage and invest your money with the latest fintech tools.

Wall Street thrills with record-breaking stock market gains, while China's economic recovery falters. Amidst the chaos, the tech sector stages a remarkable comeback, fuelled by AI advancements.

Nick Rolf discusses estate and legacy planning: from writing a will to setting up a trust to minimising inheritance tax, here are the building blocks of an efficient estate plan.

Wall Street, European, and Japanese stock markets are exceeding growth expectations, with the AI boom playing a significant role in Wall Street's remarkable resilience. UK April inflation has dropped to a single digit.

Wealth Manager Melissa Thorogood discusses the renewed popularity of annuities after some 14 years out in the retirement mix cold. Ongoing market volatility and rising interest rates mean that guaranteed income for life is worth considering again.

Financial markets have defied all odds over the first four months of the year, successfully withstanding interest rate hikes, stubbornly high inflation and a banking crisis in the US.

Looking to make the most of your inheritance money? Wealth Manager Jack shares his tips on how to reduce inheritance tax, pay off your debts, invest wisely, maximise your pension pot, and save for your future.

Geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington are threatening to derail the global recovery, despite encouraging inflation figures in the US. In the UK, meanwhile, inflation is proving somewhat more stubborn.

The FCA has announced a game-changing shift in the industry with its new Consumer Duty, and we're ready to embrace it. From communication procedures to staff training, we're determined to raise the bar and set a new standard for quality.

As the first quarter of 2023 draws to a close, it’s time to take stock of the markets and see if a strong technology sector has managed to offset the troubles that have hit the banking sector.

AI is revolutionising the workplace by automating mundane tasks and freeing up employees to focus on high-value work. And the exciting news is that AI is just getting started. Read this article to discover what transformative changes we can expect in the future.

FTSE 100 tumbled by more than 3% amid the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS. CIO Peter Lowman reassures investors that nerves are settling.

Nick Rolf discusses business financial planning in a volatile economic environment and shares his top tips for established business owners, as well as people setting up a business.

Following a strong start to the year, volatility has returned to both stocks and bond markets. Upcoming events will be key in determining whether what lies ahead will be more bullish… or more bearish.

This week, our CEO discusses income protection, critical illness cover and various other schemes available to help you maintain your standard of living when things don’t go your way.

What recession? Nearly two months into 2023, the economy is looking fairly resilient and is even surprising us. Geopolitically, meanwhile, the rift between the world’s two remaining superpowers is worsening.

It’s six weeks until the end of the tax year. During market volatility, it’s even more important to take advantage of every possible instrument, allowance and wrapper to shield your hard-earned money from the taxman.

Evidence suggests that inflation has peaked, oil prices are down by around 40% from last year’s highs, and it is looking increasingly as though 13 October 2022 was when the markets bottomed out.

Chartered Financial Planner, Melissa Thorogood, explains how you can boost your retirement income by up to £47,000 by following these steps…

Following a positive start to the year in the financial markets, the last few days have seen a downturn. Regional markets dampen investor sentiment, China’s Covid cases soar and US tech companies slash workforces.

The current tax year will end on the 5 April 2023. You must have used all this year’s tax reliefs and allowances by this date. Don't let them go to waste!

Following a traumatic 2022, the first Lowdown of the year finally brings some good news for investors… China reopened and the FTSE 100 Index hit its highest level for nearly five years.

Our CEO Petronella West takes stock of 2022 and shares some of the highlights of the past year at IQ.

Central banks coordinate interest rate hikes and ongoing conflict means an unstable backdrop for energy. Our CIO makes his predictions for 2023…

Once again, all of our team members took part in the IQ “12 Days of Christmas” charity campaign. Trying our hands in everything from baking, long-distance cycling and volunteering to support causes close to our hearts.

The financial market recovery appears to be gaining momentum and China’s stock market predicts the end of COVID restrictions. But what are the risks as we head into 2023?

Our CIO tells us the impact of the Chancellor’s August Statement on the global financial markets.

Wealth Manager Tom Fleming’s top tips for recession-proofing your finances as energy bills soar and mortgage rates rise.

Are Black Friday sales a sign of increasing consumer confidence and better things to come?

The BoE announces its largest single increase in interest rates in 33 years and warns that the UK is facing its longest recession since records began.

Our goal is to build our clients a financial plan which makes them happier, not just wealthier.

Liz Truss sets a new political record. How will the markets react to the UK’s third prime minister of this year?

When it comes to divorce, you don’t just need your friends. You need a new roadmap, investment advice and pension splitting guidance.

Oil production cuts and low gas supplies spark warnings of power outages this winter. Meanwhile, Kwarteng’s mini-budget turmoil rattles the UK economy.

It’s official… we have been awarded B Corporation status! Recognised for our commitment to accountability, transparency and making a positive impact in the world.

Kwarteng is committed to cutting taxes while the pound hits record low. How quickly will the central banks raise interest rates?

Up and down the country, young people are gearing up for university. How easy will it be for them to manage student debt as the cost-of-living crisis starts to bite?

The Jackson Hole Economic Symposium triggers a market rout and Wall Street indices beat a rapid retreat. Meanwhile, the end of the Conservative party leadership contest draws near.

Fast-growing, women-led businesses are catalysing the emergence of a massive tech subsector. Our investment analyst Holly West lifts the lid on FemTech.

Wall Street is looking resilient and the dollar is soaring. But the CPI registers its first double-digit annual increase in more than four decades. The threat of recession looms…

You’ve spent decades toiling away, conscientiously paying into your pension. Our chartered financial adviser Nick Rolf tells us what to consider before you crack it open.

Global equity markets have had their best month since 2020, but inflation remains a big problem. Can the central banks tame it, while containing the medium-term threat of recession?

“Buy low, sell high”…our Associate Investment Analyst explains how unbiased investors can take advantage of the extreme ups and downs in the stock market.

The world is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic, and the largely untested measures that the world’s governments and central banks applied to deal with it.

Saving for your first house? Or, does your child want to get on the property ladder? Read this article to maximise the chances.

6 months into 2022. Energy and food costs continue to rise. Central banks raise interest rates to curb inflation. The Tories are in turmoil.

IQ’s key principles for successful investing. Trust in your financial plan. Keep some cash. Power of compound interest. Control your emotions.