The Economy

While the start of the summer may bring a loosening of ties on Wall Street, it’s been the US earnings season that’s been keeping many hot under the collar; the all-important results from some of the world’s largest companies determining the health of markets globally.  

Bonds have had a difficult few months, particularly as inflation expectations have climbed. So why does Nutmeg still hold them, and what role should they play in diversified portfolios? 

Not quite ready to invest at the moment, but want to use this tax-year’s allowance before you lose the opportunity at the end of the tax year on April 5th? Our cash pot feature gives you the chance to hold money in cash within a stocks and shares ISA wrapper until you’re ready to invest it. When you’re comfortable, you can invest it all at once, or drip-feed your money into the markets month-by-month. Here, we explain why drip-feeding can be a sound investment strategy and show how to set it all up.

With UK inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), climbing once again to a 30-year high of 6.2% in the 12 months to February, according to latest ONS statistics, it’s time to take a fresh look at what steps we can all take to protect our wealth from the eroding effect of price rises.  

Saving and investing used to be for scrooges and squares, but they’ve become pastimes for millions of people who know that being financially savvy is far from geeky – it’s the way to fund their best life. Strategising, maximising and squirrelling away more of their income has become a lifestyle for legions of younger Brits, helped along by online communities who share tips on having ‘no-spend’ days or weeks, growing their wealth through investment and potentially reaching complete financial freedom. 

Tapas Sharma, head of brand design at Nutmeg, speaks with our director of investment strategy, Brad Holland about portfolio performance in February, the impact of the long-feared invasion of Ukraine by Russia, and what this has meant for equities, bonds, and commodities markets. 

We’ve all read the stories; from food and energy bills to petrol and air fares, prices are going up. UK consumer price inflation (CPI) is at a 30-year high – as at 5.5% in the 12 months to January – and it’s been tough for us all. But, while near-term increases in the cost of living are never comfortable, we look beyond the headlines to understand whether inflation is here to stay, and what it tells us about the health of the economy.  

In this month’s investor update, Annabelle Williams, personal finance specialist at Nutmeg, speaks with our chief investment officer, James McManus, about turbulent markets in the first weeks of 2022 and what this has meant for Nutmeg portfolios.

While it’s easy to picture loosened ties on a busy trading floor as shellshocked brokers sweat over red digits on stacked screens, serious market movements are these days more often triggered by scheduled announcements made in more austere environments.  

This week the Bank of England increased its base interest rate to 0.5% from 0.25% in a bid to quash the rapidly rising cost of living. Annabelle Williams explains what impact the change could have on your wallet and the economy at large.

In this month’s investor update, Gina Castellheim, PR executive here at Nutmeg, speaks with our director of investment strategy, Brad Holland, about the rebound in markets in December and what this has meant for Nutmeg portfolios.  

After another positive year for Nutmeg portfolios, we turn our attention to the 12 months ahead, highlighting the macro and market challenges and opportunities that we expect will shape our thinking.