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The busiest shipping lanes in the world
The conflict in Iran has brought shipping traffic to a halt in the Strait of Hormuz, a key corridor for global trade. This disruption has highlighted the world’s reliance on this strategic sea route and the vulnerabilities it creates for the global economy. Here we...
Iran conflict: what rising oil prices mean for UK households
Inflation is expected to rise a further 1% by the end of the year as a result of the conflict. This is driven by rising oil and gas prices, which are pushing up costs in other areas for consumers. Remortgaging and buying property has become more expensive as banks...
The tax benefits of owning a home
First time buyers are eligible for one of the biggest tax breaks for homebuyers – zero stamp duty land tax on the first £300,000 of their property value. Homeowners who take a lodger can earn up to £7,500 additional income tax free annually, through the...
2026 Market outlook – themes, opportunities, concerns
It’s been a classic roller coaster year for investors.Returns are being supported by AI and the prospect of lower interest rates.Key concerns are the concentrated returns profile and demanding valuations. 2025 has been a classic rollercoaster year across markets....