UK economic indicators pointed to persistent disinflation trends last week, even as uncertainty remained elevated. Bank of England ("BoE") Deputy Governor, Sarah Breeden, reinforced the case for policy easing, noting inflationary pressures are fading and labour market risks warrant caution. Several Monetary Policy Committee members echoed this sentiment in parliamentary appearances, with Swati Dhingra flagging downside risks to growth and Catherine Mann warning of tensions between rate cuts and quantitative tightening. The final composite Purchasing Managers' Index (“PMI”) in May improved to 50.3, led by a rebound in services, but backlogs declined and cost pressures persisted. The Confederation of British Industry’s (“CBI”) private sector growth indicator slipped to a two-year low, and BoE’s Decision Maker Panel survey saw little movement in inflation expectations...

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Antofagasta, Fresnillo and WPP

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This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

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UK economic data last week highlighted renewed inflation pressures and persistent uncertainty. Food inflation hit a one-year high in May, rising 2.8% year-on-year. Kantar reported that grocery prices surged 4.1%, the highest in 15 months, driven by higher payroll taxes and minimum wage hikes. Business confidence slumped, with Confederation of British Industry (“CBI”) surveys showing sharp declines across services, as firms cited rising employment costs and tax burdens. The Bank of England (“BoE”) Governor, Andrew Bailey, urged caution on rate cuts, citing inflation uncertainty and trade risks, while Monetary Policy Committee (“MPC”) member Alan Taylor advocated for easing due to downside risks. Despite headwinds, Lloyds’ business barometer rebounded to 50%, buoyed by Donald Trump’s softened tariff stance and a US-UK trade deal. However, artificial intelligence (“AI”) disruption concerns mounted, with youth unemployment rising to 12.6%...

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Auto Trader Group, GSK and M&G

To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:

https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/

This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

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Last week, UK markets digested a slew of conflicting economic signals. April’s inflation unexpectedly rose to 3.5%, a 15-month high, driven by higher energy costs, tax changes and wage pressures, dampening expectations for further Bank of England (“BoE”) rate cuts. Gilt yields surged and the pound touched a two-year high. BoE Chief Economist Huw Pill warned against aggressive easing, citing persistent services inflation and weakening disinflation momentum, while policymaker Swati Dhingra defended her vote for a 0.5% cut, highlighting a long-term outlook. The Purchasing Managers' Index (“PMI”) data showed the private sector contracted slightly in May, dragged by manufacturing weakness, despite services expansion. Retail sales jumped 1.2% in April, buoyed by sunny weather, supporting first-quarter growth of 0.7%. Consumer confidence improved, helped by better economic prospects and recent trade deals. The outlook remains uncertain as inflation risks challenge the case for monetary easing...

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Diploma, Fresnillo and JD Sports Fashion

To find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:

https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/

This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.