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After months of volatility, markets were relatively calm in August, though economic data was mixed. Discover what factors may have affected your investment portfolio throughout August 2026. When markets opened on 3 August, it was a good start to the month. Falling oil prices led to the Stoxx Europe 600 index, which provides a broad measure of the European market, being up 0.5%. Similarly, US markets rose when they opened, with the S&P 500 index up 0.5% (the Guardian, 3 August

From abandoned new year resolutions to yet-to-be-visited bucket list travel destinations, failing to achieve the ambitious goals we set for ourselves is a universal experience. But what if we’re simply thinking about goal-setting the wrong way? A recent article (21 June 2026) in the Guardian suggests that approaching lifestyle goals with an “experimental mindset” may be the key not only to setting goals that actually stick, but also to identifying the goal that’s right for yo

The amount HMRC is forecast to collect through Capital Gains Tax (CGT) is set to more than double between 2024/25 and 2030/31, according to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR, 9 February 2026). The good news is that there might be steps you could take to reduce a potential bill. CGT is a tax you might pay on gains you make when you dispose of certain assets, including: Shares that aren’t held in a tax-efficient wrapper, like an ISA Property that’s not your main home So

A growing number of families are financially supporting their children or grandchildren as they navigate adulthood. A financial plan could help you understand the impact on your finances now and in the future. Stagnant wages, the rising cost of living, and difficulties getting on the property ladder mean younger generations are finding it difficult to achieve financial security. According to IFA Magazine (13 July 2026): 3 in 10 UK adults wouldn’t feel wealthy without the fina

The government will set out its tax, spending and economic plans for the year ahead and beyond on 28 October 2026 in the Autumn Budget. The weeks leading up to an Autumn Budget always feature rumours about what might change and how it could affect personal finances. With this Budget being the first for Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Chancellor John Healey, speculation is particularly rife. You might already have seen headlines declaring that tax rates will increase or allowa

Psychology could be one reason why some people are reluctant to invest, even when it fits into their wider financial plan. Managing risk is an important part of life. You check the road before you cross the street, and you might be encouraged to take out home insurance just in case something happens. So, it’s not surprising that people often seek to minimise financial risk. Yet, data suggests that Brits are more risk-averse when considering investing than other nations, inclu