Investors who have stayed the course over the last couple of weeks will have seen values move around all over the place but this week has provided some respite with the US stock market up 4.30% over the last 5 days. Although the 1-month performance is still in the red, over the year so far, markets have done a better job at building wealth than cash.

The UK economy has shown signs of moderate growth, with a 0.6% increase in GDP for the second quarter of 2024. This growth reflects a steady, albeit slow, recovery from previous economic downturns, supported by consumer spending which has helped bolster the economy. Will this change Budget decisions for Rachel Reeves? I’m not sure it will. There’s a big gap in the figures and it still seems likely that there will be some increase in tax or reduction in allowances to help close it.

Key Articles I Have Read This Week:

• My mini break to Norway, with no rush to do anything, just space and time to think, was a great reset. Interesting to see an article this week about ‘Slow Living’: Read it here

• With A-Level results out yesterday, student loans are back in as a topic of discussion. Money Saving Expert have written a good guide about student loans that is not click bait. Have a young person off to or considering university? Read it here

Investment Markets This Week:

Cash Saving Rates This Week

UK Inflation was 2.2% this month. What is used to track the Consumer Price Index?