The stock market has always been a barometer of economic health and investor sentiment. Over the past century, it has experienced dramatic highs and devastating lows, reflecting the impact of various economic, political, and social events. In this blog, we will explore the top 7 stock market falls and their subsequent recoveries since 1900, using the FTSE All-Share and S&P 500 as reference points. By examining these significant events, we can gain insights into the resilience and volatility of financial markets and understand how they have rebounded from major crises.

Investing, like a roller coaster, has its ups and downs. One minute you’re climbing higher and the next a sudden decline makes your stomach drop. A few reminders can help investors to relax amid the turbulence.

Central banks play a crucial role in maintaining the stability and health of a nation's economy. They are responsible for overseeing the monetary system, managing the supply of money, setting interest rates, and ensuring the stability of the financial system. Prominent examples of central banks include the Bank of England, the European Central Bank (ECB), and the US Federal Reserve (often called "the Fed").

Retirement is a significant milestone in life, marking the transition from years of hard work to a period of relaxation and enjoyment. However, achieving a secure and comfortable retirement requires careful planning and strategic decision-making. In the UK, there are various options and resources available to help individuals prepare for this important phase of life. Whether you're just starting to think about retirement or are already well on your way, understanding the key components of retirement planning can make a substantial difference in your financial security and overall well-being.

One of the great challenges that all investors face is that there is no easy or quick way to investment success.  Aesop's fable of the tortoise and the hare is a useful metaphor.  You have to use the time on your side – which could be over multiple decades – to capture the returns of the markets effectively, but often slowly. In the short-term, market returns can be disappointing (as today). The longer you can hold for, the more likely the returns you receive will be at worst survivable, and hopefully far more palatable. It is time that allows small returns to compound into large differences in outcome for the patient investor. The reality is that markets go up and down with regular monotony.

With markets seemingly in freefall – the FTSE All-Share is actually slightly up (+0.63%) compared to the same time (April 4th) last year, but let’s not let that get in the way of a good headline – I have had one or two emails from concerned clients, particularly those in decumulation and that is understandable with all the media “noise”.

As the 5 April deadline approaches, many people are wondering whether they should take action to boost their state pension. With the clock ticking, it's essential to understand the benefits and steps involved in making the most of your pension contributions. Here's a last-minute checklist to help you navigate this crucial decision.

When market returns are kind, as they have been in recent times, it can be too easy to forget that bad times in investing will come along at some stage, leading to large and/or protracted falls in value. We hope markets are kind, but without a crystal ball no investor possesses any ability to accurately forecast the ‘whats, whens and hows’ of such downturns.

Periods of volatile markets can feel unsettling, especially when the news headlines are shouting loud. To own a share in a company means to stake a claim in the future cash flows associated with ownership. Profits can be distributed to stockholders through dividends or share price appreciation. These expected future cash flows carry a high degree of uncertainty in their magnitude and timing. Markets are never a smooth ride.

In life we make probability-driven choices all the time (can I cross the road safely, despite that approaching car? etc.). By-and-large, we weigh up the uncertainty involved, the upside on offer and then dive right in.  Not all our decisions are optimal.  Did we understand the risks fully? Did we know what the up and downside consequences were and, importantly, the likelihood of them happening?

On March 27, 2025, Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered her Spring Statement, aiming to provide stability for the economy and security for working people. This statement continues the theme from Labour’s first Budget in the Autumn.

This shiny metal always glistens most brightly when it has just risen in value. In the past 12 months, the price of gold has nearly doubled. Recency bias and the fear of missing out (FOMO) always results in ‘should it be in my portfolio?’ type questions.  Somewhat bizarrely, investors tend to get excited about assets that have already risen in value.  If one is going to play a market timing game – generally not advisable as even the pros do not have any real track record in being able to do so consistently – a long-term investor should surely be more excited about an asset that has fallen substantially in value, not risen.

In a recent decision, the Bank of England (BoE) has opted to maintain interest rates at 4.5%, a move that comes amid mounting global uncertainty and growing trade tensions sparked by Donald Trump's tariffs. This decision was reached with an 8-1 vote by the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), with one member advocating for a 0.25 percentage point cut.

With the 5th anniversary of the UK's first COVID lockdown on March 23rd, it's a poignant moment to reflect on how the investment markets reacted during this unprecedented time. The S&P 500 and the FTSE All Share serve as prime examples of the market's volatility and resilience during the pandemic.

On January 20, 2025, the United States welcomed back a very familiar face to the Oval Office, Donald Trump. And with him came Elon Musk, making his political debut in a way only he could. Love it or loathe it, the spectacle has been impossible to ignore. But let’s set aside politics and focus on what really moves the needle for investors: the markets.

As the UK tax year draws to a close, it's crucial to ensure that your financial affairs are in order. Here are the top 7 things you need to complete before April 5th, 2025, to maximise your tax benefits and avoid any last-minute stress:

Inheritance Tax (IHT) can often be a complex financial issue for many families to navigate, especially with the upcoming changes set to take effect from next month. To help demystify these updates and their potential impact on your family, here are the four significant upcoming changes to IHT expected to take effect in the next few years:

Managing family finances can be challenging, but with careful planning and smart strategies, you can ensure a secure financial future for your loved ones. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help families plan their finances, including saving for education, managing household expenses, and planning for emergencies.

The concept of Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) in the UK was established under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and came into effect on 1 October 2007. LPAs replaced the former Enduring Powers of Attorney (EPA), which were narrower in scope. The primary purpose of LPAs is to meet the needs of individuals who foresee a time when they may lack the capacity to manage their own affairs.

In a bold move to address low growth and increased pressure to spend more on defense, Chancellor Rachel Reeves is set to launch a £24bn tax raid this year. This decision has sparked significant debate and concern among economists, policymakers, and the general public.