As Spring Starts...

March tends to be a particularly busy time of year for those of us working in finance. The tax year ends brings with it final opportunities to make use of current tax year allowances and the new tax year will bring fresh allowances with it. Aside from the standard end-of-tax-year planning that I have urged you to do in previous issues, there are some other key events for your money coming up soon:

💼 On March 26, Chancellor Rachel Reeves will deliver the Spring Statement, providing insights into the nation's economic health and outlining fiscal policies. While the Treasury has indicated no new tax or borrowing measures, the statement will reflect the latest forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR)

🧧 Additionally, the Bank of England's Monetary Policy Committee is scheduled to meet on March 20 to decide on the base interest rate. Given recent economic indicators, there's speculation about potential rate adjustments, which could influence borrowing costs and savings returns.

🐥 And to add to the springtime sunshine, several costs and charges are due their annual price increases, including:

• Train Fares: Effective March 2, regulated train fares in England have increased by 4.6%, affecting daily commuters and occasional travellers alike. ​

• Council Tax and Other Utilities: April 1 will see rises in council tax, water bills, and TV licenses.

Key Articles I Have Read This Week:

• On a more uplifting, positive story. The BBC cover Martin Sheen’s scheme to buy £1milllion of debt: Read it here

• Being a digital nomad can be a freeing way of working and living in a more flexible way. HMRC might not be a fan of the lost income though. Read it here

Investment Markets This Week:

Best Cash Savings Rates This Week

📈 What Are The Markets Up To?

📉 President Trump's tariffs have introduced increased volatility across major global investment indices. The S&P 500 has faced declines due to concerns over economic growth, while the FTSE 100 has shown resilience amid sector-specific gains. The Stoxx 600's performance underscores the sensitivity of European markets, particularly the automotive sector, to US trade policies.

🇺🇸 S&P 500

In the United States, the S&P 500 has experienced significant volatility. The index has declined over 5% from its recent highs, reflecting investor concerns about the potential negative impacts of the tariffs on economic growth and corporate earnings. Specific sectors, particularly those reliant on international trade, have been notably affected. For instance, companies like General Motors and Tesla have faced challenges due to increased costs and supply chain disruptions resulting from the tariffs.

🇬🇧 FTSE 100

Conversely, the UK's FTSE 100 index has demonstrated resilience. Despite global trade tensions, the FTSE 100 reached an all-time high of 8,779 points on February 10, 2025. This surge is attributed to gains in sectors such as housebuilding and mining, which have benefited from domestic factors and global commodity price movements. However, the UK's steel industry has expressed concerns over potential redirections of excess steel into the UK market due to the US tariffs, which could pose challenges in the future.​

🇪🇺 Stoxx 600

The pan-European Stoxx 600 index has experienced fluctuations in response to the tariffs. While the index reached a record high on March 3, 2025, it subsequently faced a 2.2% decline, marking its most significant daily drop since August of the previous year. This downturn was primarily driven by substantial losses in the automotive sector, which is particularly sensitive to trade policies. Companies like Stellantis and Mercedes-Benz saw their shares fall by 10% and 5%, respectively, as investors reacted to the potential implications of the tariffs on European exports. ​