Latest articles by Katie Williams
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What are safe-haven assets and should you invest in them?
Investors often look to safe-haven assets like gold in times of market turmoil, but do they live up to the name?
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When is the next Bank of England base rate meeting?
The Bank of England held the base rate at 4.25% in June. When is the next Monetary Policy Committee meeting and will interest rates fall?
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When will UK interest rates fall further? Latest Bank of England predictions
Most economists expect at least one more interest rate cut this year as the labour market slows, but could geopolitical tensions change the outlook?
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Bargain bling: invest in luxury stocks while they are out of style?
Although sellers of luxury goods are more insulated than many industries, economic headwinds have been holding them back too. Is now a good time to pick up a bargain?
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Is the London Stock Exchange in peril?
More than 150 companies have left the London Stock Exchange or moved their primary listing since the start of 2024. What does it mean for investors and the economy?
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CPI vs RPI inflation: what is the difference between ONS measures?
The Office for National Statistics calculates CPI, RPI and CPIH each month. What are they and what do they reveal about UK inflation?
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UK interest rates held at 4.25%
The Bank of England voted to hold interest rates at their current level by a 6-3 majority at its June meeting
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What’s happening with UK house prices? Latest property market moves and forecasts
House prices dropped at the fastest monthly rate in almost four years in April thanks to tax changes, but property analysts claim the market looks resilient overall
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How high earners could boost their pension by thousands and cut childcare costs
Salary sacrifice could boost your pension by thousands, while also helping you save on childcare costs. We delve into the numbers.
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What has changed with employers’ National Insurance – and how will it impact you?
Will you feel the effects of the National Insurance hike, as businesses warn of redundancies, smaller pay rises and higher inflation?
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Steel industry still in limbo as Trump and Starmer finalise parts of trade deal
Donald Trump has signed an order confirming parts of the UK-US trade deal, but 25% steel and aluminium tariffs remain in place
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Paying the grandkids’ school fees could generate a shock IHT bill
Private school fees have soared as a result of the government’s VAT policy, meaning more grandparents are helping out – but what are the tax implications?
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Private schools lose high court challenge over VAT – how much more will you pay?
It looks like higher private school fees are here to stay, after the high court dismissed a legal challenge over the government’s VAT policy
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Autumn Budget 2025: Will taxes rise further – and which areas could Rachel Reeves target?
After announcing cash injections for several departments in her June Spending Review, the chancellor has refused to rule out tax hikes this autumn
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UK economy slumped in April in headache for Rachel Reeves
The economy shrunk by 0.3% in April amid a perfect storm of business tax changes and US tariffs
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Rents rise at slowest pace for four years – is buy-to-let still worth it?
Slowing rental growth and higher property taxes are creating a headache for landlords. Does buy-to-let still offer a good yield?
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Should you bag a bargain with a half-price investment trust?
Twenty-six investment trusts look cheap by historic standards, with some trading at a discount of more than 50%. Are they a bargain or value trap?
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Frozen thresholds could push ‘tax freedom day’ to latest date this century
Tax freedom day is the point in the year you stop earning for the taxman and start earning for yourself. A rising tax burden could push it to 12 June this year – the latest date since 1982.
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How much should I have in emergency savings?
One in ten have no savings at all, while over a fifth have less than £1,000, leaving them vulnerable to unexpected events. How much should you have in emergency savings?
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UK inflation: Consumer Prices Index release dates
When is the next Consumer Prices Index report and what is the outlook for inflation?
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What is the 67% inheritance tax trap on pensions – and can you avoid it?
Your loved ones could find themselves paying an effective tax rate of 67% once pensions are brought into the inheritance tax net from April 2027. The concern has sparked an increase in wealth transfer conversations with financial planners.
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Donald Trump doubles steel and aluminium tariffs – what does it mean for markets?
Donald Trump’s steel and aluminium tariffs will be doubled to 50% from Wednesday. Will the UK be impacted following its trade deal agreement, and what does it mean for markets?
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How do Premium Bonds work?
This popular savings product from NS&I operates differently to a typical account. We look at how Premium Bonds work.
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Is a mortgage in retirement always a bad idea?
A mystery shopper exercise shows high street lenders are “shunning” retirees looking to take out a mortgage. Are they right to do so?
