SP Financial Management Limited

03/06/2026

Will the U.S. and Iran reach a peace deal?

Here is the latest update from our investment partners RBC Brewin Dolphin.

Guy Foster, Chief Strategist, discusses the latest developments in the U.S.-Iran war and the impact on markets. Plus, Janet Mui, analyses fresh inflation data.

Key highlights

Nuclear negotiations: The U.S. and Iran reached a preliminary agreement to extend the ceasefire in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially easing oil prices.

Energy supply risks: Global oil inventories approached all-time lows as the Strait of Hormuz closure threatens industrial operations.

Inflationary pressures: Central banks face a difficult balancing act as energy-driven inflation persists amid weakening economic growth.

As always, should you like to discuss any of these matters further, please contact your Adviser.

28/05/2026

Stocks rally on hopes for a U.S.-Iran deal and AI enthusiasm

Here is the latest update from our investment Partners RBC Brewin Dolphin.

Global stocks hit new highs this week. Investors were increasingly willing to look past geopolitical volatility, focusing instead on the strength of corporate earnings and the ongoing AI investment cycle.

Key highlights

Economic divergence: U.S. manufacturing showed resilience, while the UK services sector contracted, prompting a recalibration in gilt yields.

Global stocks soar: The global equity market hit new highs as investors looked past geopolitical volatility to focus on the strength of corporate earnings and the ongoing AI investment cycle.

UK inflation cools: UK inflation dropped to 2.8% in April, offering the Bank of England (BoE) temporary relief before energy caps shift.

https://www.brewin.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/10/RBC-Brewin-Dolphin-Markets-in-a-Minute.pdf

We, as always, are happy to discuss any of the issues raised and how they might affect you. Please do not hesitate to contact your Adviser.

20/05/2026

Markets in a Minute

Why UK markets are under the spotlight

Here is the latest update from our investment Partners RBC Brewin Dolphin.

UK markets are under pressure. Chief Strategist Guy Foster unpacks the politics, the Strait standoff, and what it means for your portfolio.

Key highlights

UK political uncertainty: As Sir Keir Starmer holds on to his position as prime minister, the rise of potential challenger Andy Burnham unnerves bond markets.

Strait standoff: Iran's oil export halt tightened markets and drove up inflation.

U.S. inflation: April’s consumer price index (CPI) accelerated, but underlying details suggest less cause for alarm.

We, as always, are happy to discuss any of the issues raised and how they might affect you. Please do not hesitate to contact your Adviser.

13/05/2026

Markets in a Minute

What’s driving market optimism?

Janet Mui, Head of Market Analysis, examines what’s driving market optimism and the health of the U.S. jobs market.

Key highlights

Potential U.S.-Iran deal rallies equities: Equities saw a boost as the U.S. initiated discussions towards a potential deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

UK political changes are afoot: UK elections saw a substantial swing from the Labour Party to Reform – could this lead to the departure of the prime minister and chancellor?

The U.S. jobs market holds up: Job openings have plateaued and a significant number of people are still quitting their jobs – despite this, job cuts increased in April.

We would be happy to discuss any of the issues raised and how they might affect you and your finances. Please call or contact us with any queries.

06/05/2026

Martin Lewis Pension Special

It was great to see Martin Lewis’ pension special on 5th May 2026. Bringing retirement planning into focus can only be a good thing. Far too many people either leave it too late or make expensive mistakes in retirement.

During his pensions special on The Martin Lewis Money Show Live on 5 May 2026, Martin Lewis focused on helping viewers maximize their retirement income through private and state pension advice.

Here are some of the key points raised:-

The "Rule of Thumb" for Savings: Lewis shared a "rule of thumb" to determine how much of your income you should contribute to a private pension for a good retirement: Take your age when you start saving and divide it by two, then save that percentage of your earnings for the rest of your life (e.g., start at 20, save 10%; start at 40, save 20%).

Urgent "Lost" Pension Check: He urged viewers to check for "lost" pensions, noting that over \(£30\) billion is currently unclaimed across the UK, with an average of under \(£10,000\) per person.

Boost Your State Pension: He emphasized that people under 70 should check their National Insurance (NI) records. Buying missing years can be highly lucrative, with some people able to turn roughly \(£800\) to (£1,000\) into \(£3,000\) to \(£5,000\)+ in future state pension income.

State Pension Increase: He highlighted that the full new state pension is set to rise by 4.8% in April 2026, reaching \(£241.30\) per week.

Tax Trap Warning: Lewis warned that due to frozen tax thresholds, many people on the full new state pension will likely start paying income tax on their pension from April 2027, as the payments will exceed the personal allowance.

Pension Credit for Low Incomes: He encouraged pensioners with low income to check if they are eligible for Pension Credit, which is a key tool to boost income and access other benefits.

What is clear from this is that a huge number of people would benefit from professional advice when it comes to pension planning and retirement income.

Remember, you could be retired for 20-30 years+!

Get in touch now to discuss your retirement plans and to see if you would benefit from a full financial review

01/05/2026

Refer a Friend Offer

29/04/2026

Markets in a Minute -

Guy Foster, Chief Strategist, discusses how a tightened energy market could affect investment markets. Plus, our head of Market Analysis, Janet Mui, analyses fresh U.S. economic data.

24/04/2026

Markets in a Minute -

Guy Foster, Chief Strategist, discusses how markets have maintained their resilience amidst the geopolitical uncertainty stemming from the U.S.-Iran conflict.

15/04/2026

Markets in a Minute -

Here is our latest update from our Investment Partners, RBC Brewin Dolphin. This comes just over a year after Trump’s “Liberation Day” which saw markets across the world tumble. Whilst there is still some volatility in markets due to the Iran war, it is worth noting that they are significantly...

15/04/2026

Well done Southend United Football Club for reaching the play-offs! Let's hope for another trip tp Wembley ahead of the FA Vase final on 17th May!

ALWAYS MOVING FORWARD! ✊