Investment market update: September 2022

Category: News
Financial stock market graph on an abstract background.

High levels of inflation and economic uncertainty continue to plague the investment markets. Investment portfolios are likely experiencing volatility – read on to find out what has been influencing markets.

Despite the doom and gloom statistics, financial services firm JP Morgan suggests that a global recession could be avoided as inflationary pressures ease. 

As an investor, you may worry about what the current circumstances mean for your investments and financial goals. Remember, you should invest with a long-term time frame in mind and focus on performance over years, rather than weeks or months.

If you have any questions about your investment portfolio, please contact us. 

UK

There were several pieces of big news in the UK during September.

Liz Truss was appointed prime minister on 6 September after winning the Conservative Party leadership race. Just two days later, Queen Elizabeth II passed away and many businesses chose to close or limit operations as a mark of respect during a period of mourning. 

During the leadership race, Truss said she’d hold an emergency budget to tackle soaring energy bills and address other economic challenges.

Newly appointed chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng delivered the “mini-Budget” on 23 September. Among the announcements were:

  • Confirmation that there will be a cap on household energy bills at £2,500 a year for a household with average use for two years. In addition, the new Energy Bill Relief Scheme will provide support to businesses, voluntary organisations, and public sector organisations. 
  • The cut to the basic-rate of Income Tax from 20% to 19% has been brought forward to April 2023.
  • The plan to raise Corporation Tax in April 2023 from 19% to 25% has been scrapped.
  • The National Insurance hike that was introduced in April has been reversed, as has the Health and Social Care Levy.
  • The Dividend Tax rise will be reversed from April 2023.
  • A Stamp Duty cut means that the tax will not apply to the first £250,000 of a property purchase. The threshold for first-time buyers also increased to £625,000. 

The raft of tax breaks announced by the chancellor led to market volatility and the value of the pound falling against the euro and US dollar.

Inflation also remained high – it was 10.1% in the 12 months to September 2022. In response to inflation, the Bank of England (BoE) increased its base interest rate again to a 14-year high of 2.25%.

The BoE also said that the British economy is now in a recession after contracting for two consecutive quarters. 

Official wage data highlights the pressure many families are facing. While average pay (including bonuses) rose by 5.5% in August, it’s a fall in real terms once you factor in inflation. 

The economic situation is also affecting aspiring home buyers. Not only do rising interest rates mean repayments will be higher, but some mortgage providers have withdrawn products from the market due to concerns about potential defaults.

Many businesses are struggling with rising costs too and data suggests there could be further challenges ahead.:

  • The S&P Global purchasing managers index (PMI) suggests the manufacturing sector suffered its steepest downturn since the first Covid-19 lockdown as domestic and overseas demand fell.
  • The PMI reading for the service sector fell to 49.6 in August, signalling that the sector is contracting. 
  • According to data from the Office for National Statistics, the value of sales by small businesses fell by 10% in July, when compared to the previous month. It’s the largest fall since April 2020, when lockdown restrictions were in place.

With these statistics in mind, it’s not surprising that research from the Confederation of British Industry shows a negative outlook. British manufacturers expect the biggest drop in production since the start of last year in the next three months. 

Europe

European economies face many of the same challenges as the UK.

In the eurozone, inflation reached 9.1% in August. It led to the European Central Bank (ECB) lifting interest rates by a record amount to try and curb inflation – the base interest rate increased by 0.75 percentage points. 

Forecasts for Germany’s economy highlight some of the obstacles to overcome. The Ifo Institute now expects the German economy to contract by 0.3% in 2023. Fears of energy shortages are also fuelling concerns, with a ZEW Institute economic sentiment tracker finding that investor morale is falling.

US

Again, inflation continues to be an issue in the US. Inflation fell slightly when compared to a month earlier in August to 8.3% but it was still higher than expected. Food inflation was also at its highest level since 1979 after a 13.5% year-on-year increase.

However, payroll data indicates that businesses are still confident as employment increased by 315,000 in August. 

Please note:

This blog is for general information only and does not constitute advice. The information is aimed at retail clients only.

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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