Laura Pike - Director of the Pike Partnership Ltd

22/10/2026

AI chip makers faltered, US inflation picked up, and UK growth showed unexpected resilience ahead of next week's Budget.

Here is what moved markets this week:

• AI & Chip Makers: TSMC reported record Q3 profits up 69%, but shares dropped over 7%. Samsung fell nearly 15% across five days, sitting down over 30% from its June peak. Meanwhile, data centre operators Firmus and AirTrunk paused or delayed planned IPOs, and questions mounted over debt levels across AI neoclouds.

• US Inflation & Treasuries: US CPI rose to 3.7% in September, driven by gasoline jumping 34% over the past year. Core inflation ticked up to 2.6%. Despite rate hike expectations rising, Treasury yields ended the week lower as investors sought a haven from tech volatility.

• UK Economy & Budget: August GDP grew 0.1%, beating contraction forecasts, while the IMF upgraded 2026 UK growth to 1.3%. However, Brent crude jumping to near $110 a barrel adds immediate pressure for Chancellor John Healey ahead of his inaugural Budget.

Read the full article here: https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-19-10-2026

13/10/2026

When markets face pressure from several directions at once, my focus is on looking past the noise to understand the real mechanics driving this.Here is what moved markets this week:

• Oil amp; Diesel: Despite a deal to release 13.5m barrels of Russian diesel, Octobers 2.3m shipment barely touches 30m daily global demand. US retail diesel sits at $6.28/gallon (up from $3.68 last year), and Brent crude is up 66% year-to-date, remaining above $100.

• Shipping amp; Gulf risks: Tanker attacks in the Strait of Hormuz (9 in October, 15 in September) and strikes on Gulf energy assets have driven up costs. Shipping crude from the Middle East to Europe added $35 per barrel in September, compared to $2 in 2025.

• US Mid-terms: With under three weeks to go, inflation and war are weighing heavily on polling. Democrats need a net gain of 3 seats to take the House, while the Senate (currently 53 to 47 Republican) requires a 5-seat net swing.

• Eurozone debt: Bond spreads for France, Italy, and Spain against German bunds have widened, echoing 2010 to 2012 jitters. But stronger bank capital rules, ECB backstops, and Frances diversified economy provide key buffers.

Read the full article here: https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-12-10-2026

13/10/2026

People often ask what its like working with my daughter.

Honestly? Its one of the best decisions I've made.

Hannah brings a different perspective. She challenges me. She keeps us moving forward. And she's far better at some things than I'll ever be.

But the best part isn't the business stuff.

It's knowing we are building something together. Something that matters to both of us. Something that helps families plan for their future.

Not everyone gets to work alongside their family. I don't take it for granted.

10/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day 💚

Sometimes, something as simple as asking “Are you okay?” can make a world of difference.

I feel so lucky to come from a family, and a wider group of people, where checking in on each other is just part of who we are. We’re a talking family, and we know that sometimes, having someone to listen is all it takes. ❤️

You don’t always need the right words or all the answers. Sometimes, you just need to show up, ask the question and remind someone they’re not alone.So today, and every day, check in on your people.

You never know how much a simple “Are you okay?” might mean. 💚

09/10/2026

So blessed to be leading the Alumni Choir again! ❤️

Friends of ANCHOR’s 30th anniversary next year will bring familiar faces back to the catwalk for an emotional reunion, and a time to remember those no longer here.

02/10/2026

US 10-year Treasury yields reached 5.1% this week, a level last seen during the global financial crisis in 2007.

At the same time, the 30-year Treasury yield climbed even higher, exceeding its level in 2004.

Here is what you need to know from this week across the markets:

• US economy and bonds: US business activity in September accelerated to its fastest rate in over five years. While economic resilience continues, persistent inflation pressures and the higher for longer interest rate narrative pushed bond prices, shares, and the gold price lower.

• Oil and energy: Brent crude oil spiked to $105 a barrel, rising 17% over the month amid elevated Middle East tensions. US diesel prices are almost 80% higher than last year, with sentiment also weighed down by reports that President Trump has been considering a curb or ban on US diesel exports.

• European crossroads: Traditional sectors remain under pressure, highlighted by VW forecasting an operating profit margin of only 1% this year, down from a previous forecast of 4%. Yet European equities are trading at a price-earnings ratio of around 14x compared to 21x for global markets, with July economic activity and sentiment reaching a five-month high.

https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-28-09-2026

28/09/2026

Today is our quarterly strategy meeting - and the planning is officially afoot!

A chance to step back, look at where we are, where we’re heading and, most importantly, what we want to achieve next.

There are plenty of ideas being discussed, plans taking shape and a few exciting things in the pipeline… 👀

Watch this space! Here’s to another quarter of making things happen. ✨

24/09/2026

Last week, we were talking about making memories with family and how important it is to make time for the people who matter most. ❤️

This week, we’re celebrating a rather exciting new beginning…

Hannah has officially moved out and into her very first purchased flat! 🏡

For me, this is a huge change. Over the last 17 years, Hannah and I have been through so many changes together - life changes, different chapters and moving homes more times than we can probably count! Through it all, we’ve always stuck together, supported each other and somehow managed to navigate every new chapter side by side.

So seeing her now take this next big step, putting down her own roots and buying her first home is a very proud moment. I’m incredibly chuffed for her and excited to see what this next chapter brings. ❤️

Although… despite having her own place now, she still came home for breakfast this morning! 😂 So perhaps things haven’t changed quite as much as I thought!

Life is full of new beginnings, and while some changes can feel strange at first, they’re also a reminder of just how far we’ve come.

Love you HP x

22/09/2026

The US Federal Reserve raised interest rates for the first time in three years.

It was a significant week for central bank watchers.

Here are the key developments:

• United States: The FOMC voted unanimously to raise rates by 0.25%. Under new chair Kevin Warsh, markets took confidence in the commitment to target inflation, sending shares and bonds higher.

• Japan: The Bank of Japan raised rates by 0.25% to 1.25%, reaching their highest level in 30 years.

• United Kingdom: The Bank of England held rates at 3.75% and halted active sales of 30-year gilts, choosing to let them mature to ease pressure on long-term borrowing costs.

• Energy: US diesel reached a record $6.29 per gallon, up 76% since the start of the year, driven by refinery losses and the war in Iran.

https://partnership.sjp.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-21-09-2026.html

18/09/2026

A lovely trip to London for some family time ❤️

We’ve had a lovely few days exploring, laughing, and making some memories together. And while family trips aren’t always relaxing, they’re always worth it.

One of the biggest highlights was Paddington the Musical - such a brilliant show and definitely one we’ll be talking about for a while!

It has been lovely to step away from the usual routine, spend time together and enjoy a bit of London - even if we’re returning home needing a holiday from the holiday! 😂