Knowledge and Insight

May wasn't short of market-moving news - much of it about tariffs. In response, investor sentiment on the US economy soured - and then sweetened (somewhat) again.

The world is a very noisy place at the moment, and it’s increasingly designed to be that way. It doesn’t seem to matter where you go or what you do, someone or something is always trying to attract your attention. The proliferation of media outlets only increases the competition, potentially distracting us in the short term from longer-term goals.

Some calm has returned to markets amid a temporary truce in the tariff wars, but the clock is ticking and there is plenty of potential for further volatility. Meanwhile, things are less rosy in bond land. Still, as John notes, there is reason to relax and enjoy the bank holiday weekend.

Markets have responded positively to the truce in US trade wars with most of the rest of the world. While uncertainty remains, the path ahead is a little clearer. What’s changed, and what does it means for you?

Markets have reacted positively to news of US trade deals with the UK and China. But these are still bad deals compared to the previous status quo, so what could propel equity markets higher from here?

April gave investors a rollercoaster ride but the US stock market ended only modestly down and bonds regained their safe-haven status.

Arguably the best investor of all time has decided to retire at the end of the year. Meanwhile, UK interest rates are forecast to fall in a bid to prop up the economy.

Tune in to the latest episode of the Inspired Sounds podcast, where Rebecca Tunstall, investment manager at Rathbones sits down with Guy Blaskey, founder of Pooch & Mutt. Pooch & Mutt have created an enhanced series of natural meals, treats and supplements that are healthy and tasty to keep our furry friends happy! Guy explains how he harnessed his brand knowledge and expertise to bring Pooch & Mutt to market and why he advocates for any budding entrepreneurs to just get started!
Howard shares the story behind building a luxury gin brand with a mission to become the world's #1. Discover how passion, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to quality drive his entrepreneurial success.

Join Edward Smith, Co-Chief Investment Officer, and other Rathbones’ experts as they dive into the key themes shaping the investment landscape in 2025—from tariff shifts to global trade dynamics—and what it could mean for your portfolio. Don’t miss these expert insights—watch the full recording now.

With Donald Trump’s first 100 days as President coming to an end, his approval ratings – in the polls and in the markets – have taken a beating. Has investor sentiment gone too negative?

Markets continue to recover as US President Donald Trump and his advisers whisper sweet nothings to investors. It’s a brittle sort of recovery though: definitive de-escalation of the global trade war is needed to truly woo investors. Through it all, though, the dollar should still reign supreme.

Lately we’ve had to acknowledge the distinct possibility that some of the content in these weekly updates could be rendered out-of-date before they’ve even been read. The White House’s somewhat arbitrary approach to policymaking suggests that we should brace ourselves for more of this volatile market behaviour, both positive and negative.