Last week, Bank of England Chief Economist, Huw Pill, downplayed any near-term rate cuts, noting the central bank must keep inflation under control. Consequently, policymakers are maintaining a cautious stance, especially as Monetary Policy Committee official Megan Greene signalled a readiness to hike rates if domestic overheating persists. Elsewhere, the International Monetary Fund upgraded the UK’s 2026 growth forecast to 1%, positioning it as the third fastest-growing economy in the G7. However, this contrasted with comments from ratings agency, Fitch, that high debt and inflation-linked servicing costs constrain creditworthiness, while elevated yields reflect monetary expectations and a weaker growth outlook...

Stocks featured:

Vodafone Group, Shell, St James Place

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, Bank of England Governor Andrew Bailey downplayed the possibility of rate cuts this year, noting the central bank is comfortable leaving interest rates on hold. While inflation is expected to return to its 2% target later than preferred, markets have already tightened the bond yield curve. Soaring energy costs remain a concern, with upcoming price cap increases threatening to push millions of households into fuel poverty. Consequently, officials are maintaining a cautious stance, especially as Bank of England Monetary Policy Committee member policymaker Catherine Mann signalled a readiness to hike rates if price pressures persist. Meanwhile, domestic food price inflation hit a multi-month low as retail competition and promotional activity helped keep shop prices in check...

Stocks featured:

BAE Systems, St James's Place and Entain

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.

Last week was marked by the Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer’s resignation on Monday, despite the exit being expected, anxieties still developed and the British economy continued to stall under cost pressures. The initial hit to corporate confidence was laid bare by a sharp contraction in the flash June Purchasing Managers' Index, as it slumped to a 14-month low. Manufacturing orders hit a six-year low, signalling an immediate freeze in business investment during the leadership transition, whilst Monday morning’s weak Confederation of British Industry Growth Indicator further validated this downwards trajectory. Even though some research data offered a silver lining with public inflation expectations cooling down to 3.8% from 4.7%, the Bank of England remains reluctant to cut interest rates as policymakers are keeping a cautious stance, particularly due to a recent data collection error at the Office for National Statistics which clouded their visibility on the true state of the jobs market.

Stocks featured:

Segro, 3i Group and Glencore

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.