Investment market update: June 2020

Category: News

While countries are beginning to lift lockdown restrictions, we’re still seeing the economic impact of Covid-19 around the world, as businesses get to grips with the consequences and ongoing social distancing.

According to the OECD, the global economy is set to suffer its worst peacetime slump for 100 years. It’s now expected that global GDP will be -6% in 2020.

In response to the impact, businesses have been shedding jobs. Tens of thousands of workers have lost their jobs around the world, including from well-known names. BP, for example, has cut its workforce by 10,000 globally. Unsurprisingly, with travel being restricted, the airline industry has been one of the hardest hit. IATA, predicts that the industry is heading for a $100 billion loss in 2020/21. Although, travel corridors between countries could provide some relief for the second half of the year.

UK

The UK has seen economic forecasts fall over the last few months, as lockdown has led to businesses closing or needing to change the way they work. However, Bank of England’s chief economist Andy Haldane has suggested things could start looking up. He said we’re now in the ‘recovery phase’ and were on track for a V-shaped recovery, where a sharp decline is followed by a sharp incline. However, he cautioned that it’s still early days and the risk of a surge in unemployment could hamper recovery.

In line with this, the Bank of England announced more economic stimulus, expanding its quantitative easing programme by adding a further £100 billion to help stave off an economic downturn. This addition takes the total programme to £745 billion.

The PMI figures released in June still paint a gloomy picture but do show signs of recovery when compared to a month earlier:

  • The UK manufacturing PMI was little changed from May, at 40.7
  • The construction sector is also struggling but the PMI did climb from the record low of 8.2 in April to 28.9 in May
  • An economic snapshot for the service sector was also gloomy. The May PMI was far higher in May than April, at 29 rather than 13.4, but still far below growth

Consumer debt also indicates that consumers are worried about their financial security. Credit card lending fell by -7.8% in April, as households cut back on their spending. This negative outlook and ongoing restrictions are also affecting the housing market. Mortgage approvals have fallen 90% since February.

While retailers took steps in June, pessimism continued. Some 60% expect consumer demand to be weaker than last year, though the impact isn’t expected to be as severe as it was in May.

Unemployment remained steady in May at 3.9% but it’s thought the government furlough scheme is masking the full damage. Several big companies announced deep job cuts including:

  • British Gas owner Centrica is to cut 5,000 jobs
  • Aston Martin axes 500 jobs following a slump in sales
  • Airbus cuts 15,000 jobs globally, including 1,700 in the UK
  • Intu falls into administration, putting thousands of jobs on the line
  • HSBC pushes ahead with its redundancy programme that was started before the Covid-19 outbreak. Globally 35,000 jobs will be lost

It seems impossible that Brexit has barely made the headlines in recent months. But the deadline is fast approaching. Boris Johnson has said that Brexit talks will enter ‘hot phase’ from September, with both sides keen to secure a deal this year. So, expect Brexit and the implications to feature more heavily in the coming months and affect markets as a result.

Europe

Figures from Europe painted a similar picture to the UK.

Eurozone GDP fell 3.6% in the first quarter of the year, as the impact of restrictions were felt across the region. Unemployment also rose by 7.3% in April, the latest figure available. However, early signs suggest the slump is easing in some sectors, the manufacturing PMI increased by just 0.1 but remains below the 50 figure that represents growth, at 39.4 in May.

In response to the current uncertainty, the European Central Bank has expanded its quantitative easing programme. It unveiled a €600 billion bond-buying programme, larger than many expected. Purchases will continue until the end of June 2021.

US

The US is continuing to grapple with high levels of coronavirus, affecting business operations. However, unemployment figures fell in June, suggesting businesses are reopening as restrictions are lifted, whether the numbers will fluctuate as some states reimpose measures remains to be seen. With the presidential campaigns underway for the election later this year, unemployment figures are likely to be a key focus in the coming months.

It was also reported that the US is considering imposing new tariffs on $3.1 billion worth of imports for the EU and UK. Goods under consideration include olives, coffee, chocolate, beer, gin and some machinery. It’s a move that’s likely to exacerbate tensions on both sides of the Atlantic.

Asia

China’s PMI rises after the country has suffered three months of contraction. It went from 44.4 in April to 55 in May, with figures about the 50-mark indicating growth. After the country ended lockdown in February, it has continued to post modest growth in factory output, PMIs show.

However, one area of risk to the Chinese economy is the geopolitical tensions with Hong Kong. Earlier this year, this was marked by mass demonstrations and protests in Hong Kong. Now the immediate health concerns of Covid-19 have abated, the protests have begun again.

Please note: The value of your investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.

What our clients say

Having dealt with various financial advisers in the past, both Gary and Kate give a far more personal service and explain things clearly. They take the time to understand what we want from financial planning and they have the knowledge to advise us in a variety of different aspects. Although we have only been clients from just before retirement, I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone of any age and we have absolutely no regrets in switching to Lifeplan.

Colin, Nottingham

A client since 2016

On my first visit to Lifeplan several years ago, Gary took lots of time to get to know my background, my financial objectives and me. There was never any sales push or persuasion to get my business. We’ve always discussed issues; Lifeplan give me options and I decide what to do. I don’t feel any pressure to do anything that I’m not comfortable with. I feel as though we have a personal relationship, rather than just being another business transaction. That's why I’m happy with Lifeplan’s guidance with my life savings.

Anthony, Northumberland

A client since 2014

We have been with Lifeplan for a few years now. Kate has been brilliant in helping us understand our level of risk and planning for retirement. Before we spoke to Kate, it was always something we would just say we’d get around to at some point! It’s really important to have a plan and I feel more secure about our finances now.

Kate, Gateshead

A client since 2015

I initially approached Lifeplan as my parents had used them in the past. I received excellent financial planning advice, and as I am still quite young and newly-qualified, this was invaluable. I also approached Lifeplan to help me find a suitable mortgage and again they were fantastic. They took a lot of pressure off me by dealing with lenders as well as solicitors. First class!

Jamie, Northumberland

A client since 2017

I would recommend Lifeplan to anyone, as they provide an excellent and honest service.

Philip, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2016

Initially we were unsure about contacting Lifeplan, as we were wary that any advice given may not be impartial or even to our benefit. We needn't have worried as we now have every confidence in the planning, investments as well as the will and trust Lifeplan helped us with. It is a great relief knowing we can trust the people dealing with our finances. We are always kept fully up to date and have annual meetings where everything is explained in clear and concise ways.

June, Northumberland

A client since 2016

I have more in my pot now than when I retired 11 years ago, even though I joined at the beginning of the banking crisis.”

Derek, Consett

A client since 2011

I have had nothing but the best advice from Kate Boon over the last 12 years, in relation to mortgages, investments and financial planning for later life. She’s always down to earth in her approach, but very knowledgeable and a real professional.

Irene, Hexham

A client since 2012

In the five years that Lifeplan has looked after our investments, we have received an excellent, friendly, professional service, which has given us very satisfactory returns on our savings.

Pauline, Lanchester

A client since 2011

Our family has worked with Gary and Kate for many years and have built up a good trusting working relationship with this professional, efficient and caring company. We feel that they always consider our specific financial needs and provide advice accordingly. We definitely feel we are in safe hands with Lifeplan.

Julie, Consett

A client since 2010

As retirement approached, I was uncertain how to proceed. Advice from Lifeplan set us on the right track and we are now enjoying a very comfortable lifestyle. Good advice was provided regarding our wills and Powers of Attorney. We appreciate the guidance given and feel happy and secure in our retirement.

Albion, Tyne and Wear

A client since 2015

Lifeplan is an approachable and plain-speaking business. They are always there to help and assist, as well as provide annual reviews of my current finances and what can be changed to benefit me in readiness for retirement.

Ian, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2011

Kate is my financial consultant and has put a lot of work into my investments recently, making it very clear how it has been invested and where. This appears to be honest, up-to-date advice from someone who clearly knows the markets. I receive a pleasant, friendly service, in a nice modern office also.

Andrew, Hexham

A client since 2015

Lifeplan provides a friendly, professional service at reasonable cost. They are very responsive to any request I make and keep my portfolio of investments in line with my ongoing requirements. In 12 years of using Lifeplan, I have never had cause for concern.

Rob, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2006

Gary and Kate have been excellent in understanding our needs and requirements and have given first class advice. They have helped with our financial planning and setting up a trust to ensure our wishes for the future will be met. Nothing is too much bother for them and they provide an excellent service. My wife and I would happily recommend them.

John, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2014

When I retired, I wanted my capital to work for me. I was looking for a reasonable but realistic return on investment, but without a high risk. Lifeplan have provided me with just that. I have an annual review, where we have a frank discussion about current arrangements and any changes that Lifeplan may recommend. There is no jargon and things are explained in an understandable way. Plus, they are thoroughly nice people.

Harry, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2015

I found Gary and Kate very easy to speak to. They listen to your concerns and wishes, then give you the best options on how to invest moving forward. Their choices are always explained to you in understandable terms.

Edward, Hexham

A client since 2014

We have always been given helpful advice in a most professional manner. Every detail was explained fully in a way that was easily understood. We would have no problem in recommending Lifeplan to anyone wishing to invest.

Lisa, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2011

I'd tried several advisers prior to being introduced to Gary and was not happy with their service. Gary was instrumental in organising our pension information, so that we could understand what we were paying in to and why. Sounds easy, but we have had three previous advisers from some of the largest banks that could not do this. Since meeting Gary, we have successfully transferred our pension fund and original property in to a new scheme. In addition to this, Gary has successfully helped our company purchase a new property through our pension.

Bruce, Tyne and Wear

A client since 2013

Gary sorted out my pension by tailoring it to my own specific requirements. Until then, it was with large organisations and I really felt out of control with it. He explained technical financial terms well and I felt that he was not happy until he knew I fully understood all aspects of the business. There was no pressure from him and I always felt very confident that he was doing the best he could do on my behalf. He is fully qualified, takes pride in his job and in my opinion is impeccably trustworthy. His team is also very efficient, keeping me advised on all aspects of our business.

Henry, County Durham

A client since 2009

I was looking for financial planning and not just financial advice. Gary explained options in an easily understandable way and offered an alternative way of looking at the impact on different financial models. Initial advice was exactly what I wanted, and I am satisfied that the options I have now chosen are based on sound advice. I have decided to become a long-term client. What myself and my wife wanted was someone whom we felt we could trust with giving impartial advice on our future financial situation, and this we feel we have achieved with Gary

Colin, Nottingham

A client since 2016

I was recently widowed and wanted to simplify my financial affairs for my children should anything happen to me. Gary was very understanding of my needs and dealt with me patiently and in a simple way. I believe the products he recommended will benefit me.

H Walker, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A client since 2016

I contacted Kate to review my pension arrangements, with a view to changing my then pension provider. She helped and advised me on what I currently had, and helped find something better for my current and future needs. Obviously, it’s too early to say, but Kate clearly explained and showed me on the software what my pension could be like when it comes to retirement under various scenarios.

Richard, County Durham

A client since 2008

Redundancy required a re-think of my finances and future planning. Gary set up an investment portfolio following a detailed discussion, including provision of advice that met our needs. I am very pleased with the overall return over the last six years, balanced against the level of risk we were prepared to take.

Brian, County Durham

A client since 2012

Gary has developed a structured plan to ensure our funds will last in retirement. We are now deciding when to retire or reduce to part-time employment.

K Walker, County Durham

A client since 2010

We made an appointment to discuss the remortgage of properties. Kate understood our requirements and personally sorted the process in a very professional way from the start to a successful conclusion. She dealt with all matters, no matter how small.

Jim, County Durham

A client since 2016

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