Worldwide Financial Planning

The trade deal between Japan and the US was welcomed by investors in Japanese equities. Japanese car makers were among the biggest beneficiaries, and a quick glance at recent earnings updates from global car makers shows why.

In 2017, the Residence Nil Rate Band (RNRB) was introduced with a lot of trumpeting and, predictably, a lot of confusion. It promised to help families pass on the family home without a massive tax bill. The small print, as always, tells the real story.

In the face of higher inflation, the Federal Reserve’s wait and see approach appears to be a sensible one as corporate earnings seem to be holding up. This hasn’t spared the Fed from more vitriol from Trump as he continues to call for rapid rate cuts.

A recent FT Adviser campaign is shedding much-needed light on this shadowy corner of the industry, calling for the severing of links between estate agents and their preferred financial services.

Despite the relaxed mood in markets, tariffs are having an effect. We’ve seen EU car makers report slowing sales in the US – particularly among luxury brands – while Japanese clothing retailer Uniqlo has warned that US tariffs would drive up prices and hit sales in the US.

Try explaining to a bank that you’ve just started a freelance career, or that your income comes from a mixture of pensions, rental income, and part-time work. More often than not, you’ll be met with a polite version of “computer says no.”