Economic Commentary and Financial Insight

Top 10 Major Stock Indexes of 2026 So Far

The US may dominate the financial headlines, but neither the UK nor the US makes this list of 2026’s strongest-performing major stock markets. Both the FTSE 100 and S&P 500 have delivered positive returns, but several Asian and European markets have performed considerably better.

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War Bonds — A Good Idea Whose Time Has Come?

With Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister and Andy Burnham widely expected to step into Downing Street, attention is already turning to what a Burnham economic agenda might look like. One idea that has caught my eye comes directly from his economic adviser Andy Haldane, who has gone on record advocating for war bonds — government-backed defence bonds available to retail investors — as a way to fund the UK's increasing defence commitments. It's an idea I think deserves serious attention.

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ISA Season

If you’ve been meaning to “sort your finances out,” this is your gentle nudge — the tax year is about to wrap up, and you’ve basically got a week left to make the most of your ISA allowance before it resets.

Read more »

Top 10 Major Stock Indexes of 2026 So Far

The US may dominate the financial headlines, but neither the UK nor the US makes this list of 2026’s strongest-performing major stock markets. Both the FTSE 100 and S&P 500 have delivered positive returns, but several Asian and European markets have performed considerably better.

Read more »

War Bonds — A Good Idea Whose Time Has Come?

With Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister and Andy Burnham widely expected to step into Downing Street, attention is already turning to what a Burnham economic agenda might look like. One idea that has caught my eye comes directly from his economic adviser Andy Haldane, who has gone on record advocating for war bonds — government-backed defence bonds available to retail investors — as a way to fund the UK's increasing defence commitments. It's an idea I think deserves serious attention.

Read more »

ISA Season

If you’ve been meaning to “sort your finances out,” this is your gentle nudge — the tax year is about to wrap up, and you’ve basically got a week left to make the most of your ISA allowance before it resets.

Read more »