The UK economy faced mixed signals last week, with the Bank of England ("BoE") rate cuts struggling to filter through to borrowing costs, partly due to US market influence. Chief Economist Huw Pill warned against assuming inflation is conquered, advocating for a cautious policy approach. Meanwhile, the labour market has weakened significantly, with job vacancies falling at their fastest pace since 2020. Consumer confidence remained shaky, with fears of unemployment dampening spending. However, retail sales surprised positively, driven by health and beauty trends. Gross Domestic Product (“GDP”) data showed unexpected growth of 0.1% in the fourth quarter, defying recession expectations, while housing activity stalled. Despite economic uncertainty, chief executives remained optimistic about business prospects...

Stocks featured:

British American Tobacco, Coca-Cola HBC and Unilever

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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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Last week the Bank of England (“BoE”) cut interest rates by 0.25%, with Governor Andrew Bailey urging caution over the split vote. Markets are still priced in for two more cuts this year, despite inflation forecasts remaining above target until 2027. The UK manufacturing sector contracted for the fourth month, with rising input costs squeezing small firms. Meanwhile, the services Purchasing Managers' Index (“PMI”) edged down, with job cuts accelerating. Grocery inflation slowed, but supermarkets warned of rising costs due to tax and wage increases. Budget retailers struggled, highlighting pressures on low-income consumers...

Stocks featured:

BBGI Global Infrastructure, WAG Payment Solutions and Wizz Air

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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The Bank of England (“BoE”) faces a tough policy decision ahead of its 6th February meeting, as economic pressures mount. Business activity has slumped to its weakest since the Covid-19 pandemic, with firms cutting jobs and raising prices in response to tax hikes. Consumer spending remained fragile, and corporate profit warnings are at a post-dot-com high. Market expectations point to an 80% chance of a 0.25% rate cut to 4.50%, though inflation risks may limit further easing. Employers have tightened wage growth, and firms have depleted pandemic-era cash reserves. While shop price deflation continues, food prices have risen at their fastest rate in nine months. Morgan Stanley has slashed the UK’s growth outlook to 0.9% for 2025, citing weak business confidence. Despite a slight improvement in employer sentiment, overall business confidence has dropped to a 13-month low...

Stocks featured:

Airtel Africa, Glencore and St. James’s 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.

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