TWM Financial Planning

15/06/2026

The US and Iran have agreed on a framework peace agreement, announced late on Sunday and due to be signed later this week. The memorandum of understanding, which sent markets soaring on Monday morning, should see the immediate toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Oil prices fell nearly 4% in early Asian trading, while equity markets jumped.

While the ceasefire news has cheered investors, some uncertainty remains. In some ways, it marks a new phase of negotiations, as the deal now gives the two sides time to haggle on the ‘finer’ points of the deal (including around Iran’s nuclear stockpile). There are also questions about the damage already done to regional infrastructure.

Read more: https://www.twmfinancialplanning.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-15-06-2026

15/06/2026

Witney Music Festival was held over the weekend and by all accounts was another cracking event.... here's Tom Smith showing off our banners. Friends and family all had a lovely time as evidence by some of the photos 😀

09/06/2026

📊 **Markets wobble as strong US jobs data raises rate concerns**

After reaching record highs just days earlier, US markets experienced a sharp pullback last week following stronger-than-expected employment data.

The US economy added **172,000 jobs in May**, almost double forecasts, prompting some analysts to question whether interest rates could remain higher for longer.

💡 **Key market developments:**

• The Nasdaq fell 4.2% and the S&P 500 dropped 2.6% on Friday after concerns that stronger economic data could delay interest rate cuts.

• Bond yields rose as investors reassessed the outlook for US monetary policy.

• Despite the sell-off, US equities remain firmly positive for the year, with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 both delivering strong gains over recent months.

• Questions remain around market concentration, with a relatively small group of AI-related companies continuing to drive a significant proportion of market returns.

The week served as a reminder that markets do not move in a straight line. Periods of volatility are a normal part of investing, particularly when expectations around interest rates, economic growth and corporate earnings begin to shift.

While short-term movements often dominate headlines, long-term outcomes are typically shaped by maintaining perspective through both the good periods and the more challenging ones.

Read more: https://www.twmfinancialplanning.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-08-06-2026

TWM Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

This content is for information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. The value of investments may fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invested.

04/06/2026

You start the day with a carefully planned schedule.

- Then a client calls in a panic about the market.
- Another wants to time the perfect entry point.
- A third has changed their retirement plans... again.
- Someone else read a headline and wants to move everything to cash.

And just when you think you've cleared the road ahead...

🐄

A completely unexpected obstacle appears.

Being a Financial Adviser isn't just about investments. It's about navigating uncertainty, managing emotions, adapting to constant change, and helping clients stay focused on the long-term journey when distractions are everywhere.

The road to financial success is rarely a straight line. Sometimes the biggest value we provide is helping clients slow down, stay calm, and find the best way forward when the path gets blocked.

Because in this profession, you never know what's waiting around the next corner.

TWM Financial Planning Ltd is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

The value of an investment with St. James's Place may fall as well as rise. You may get back less than the amount invested.

Credit: Hannah Street - Financial Adviser at TWM Financial Planning, navigating the roads of the Cotswolds. Peter Jenkins navigating the office and the perfect cup of tea.

02/06/2026

They say black is slimming 👀 Doesn't Tom Smith look awesome donning the awesome black kit at the DEBRA charity game on Sunday at Oxford City. He was joined by a whole host of footballing legends.

01/06/2026

Markets can move quickly, especially when global events dominate the headlines.

Recent weeks have seen investor sentiment improve, with major US markets reaching new highs despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding developments in the Middle East. At the same time, discussions around inflation, interest rates and energy prices continue to influence economic expectations.

One of the key reminders from recent market activity is that short-term events rarely tell the full story. While headlines can create uncertainty, long-term investing is often about staying focused on wider goals rather than reacting to day-to-day developments.

The latest updates have also highlighted how different economies can be affected in different ways. Factors such as energy dependence, industry composition and consumer spending patterns can all influence how markets respond to global events.

For those reviewing their finances, periods of uncertainty can provide a useful opportunity to revisit long-term plans, ensure savings and investments remain aligned with personal goals, and consider whether current arrangements are still suitable for future needs.

Understanding the bigger picture can help provide context during periods of market volatility.

Read more: https://www.twmfinancialplanning.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-01-06-2026.html

28/05/2026

Our very own Tom Smith is playing in the DEBRA charity games this Sunday at Oxford City. Join him as they welcome a whole host of footballing legends to The MGroup Stadium.

Jimmy Bullard, Matt Le Tissier, Razor Ruddock, Graeme Souness and other legends will be there including Tom's father... Oxford legend, Denis Smith.

Tickets can be bought here: https://oxfordcityfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/the_three_horseshoes__debra_charity_cup

Auction prizes can be found here: https://app.galabid.com/debra-charity-auc/items

26/05/2026

Nvidia earnings – excellent but not enough?

Last week was a busy time for markets.

In the US, markets delivered further gains. The S&P 500 rose for the eighth consecutive week. By style, small-cap and value outperformed growth and large-cap.

Chip maker Nvidia, the world’s most valuable company, reported another bumper set of results for the first quarter. Compared to the year before, sales rose by 85%, while net earnings increased threefold. In both cases, results were way ahead of expectations and confirmed high demand for data centres and AI.

Historically, Nvidia’s earnings results have dominated much of the news flow and helped set investor sentiment. Yet, the past few quarters have shown how difficult it has become for the company to wow investors sufficiently to generate a positive share price reaction. Nvidia’s share price eased after results, though it remains about 20% higher year-to-date.

Longer term, some analysts point to Nvidia’s extremely high (70%+) gross profit margins. The rapid roll-out of lower cost AI chips by competitors may not be a direct threat to Nvidia. However, it is likely to keep investors wondering how long it will be able to maintain such high margins. #

Find more: https://www.twmfinancialplanning.co.uk/article/detail/sjpp/weekwatch-26-05-2026

This content is for information only and does not constitute financial or legal advice. The value of investments may fall as well as rise, and you may get back less than you invested.

26/05/2026

In 5 weeks time I will be hiking a 10-peak marathon along the Cotswold Way to raise money for the St. James's Place Charitable Foundation,

I am so happy to confirm that I have already surpassed my fundraising target of £500 and in less than 2 weeks I have raised £766!!

This excludes gift aid and also the matching by St. James's Place.

Can I make it to £1,000 over the bank holiday weekend?!

Please sponsor me via the below Just Giving link:

Help Hannah Street raise money to support St. James's Place Charitable Foundation

22/05/2026

We think Philip wins for the 🏆 for the most beautiful setting for a client meeting... we think the swans were angling for some sound financial planning as well 🦢