Unwrapping the Santa Rally: A Merry Phenomenon in the Stock Markets

As the holiday season approaches, investors around the world anticipate the arrival of a peculiar yet festive occurrence in the stock markets – the Santa Rally. This jolly phenomenon has become a topic of interest and speculation among some of our clients, as historical trends suggest that December often brings good tidings for the markets. In this blog post, we’ll unwrap the concept of the Santa Rally, explore its origins, and analyse whether it’s merely a myth or a real gift for investors.

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Navigating the Waves: UK Global Exports in the Post-Brexit Era (2016-2023)

In the wake of the historic Brexit referendum in 2016, the United Kingdom embarked on a journey that reshaped its economic landscape, including its global trade relationships. As the country adjusted to a new era of autonomy, its global exports became a key indicator of its economic prowess and adaptability. In this blog post, we will explore the trajectory of UK global exports from 2016 to 2023, examining the challenges, triumphs, and shifts in trade dynamics that have characterised this period.

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Foundations for the future

In the last Monthly Market Commentary of the year, Raymond James’ European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, looks back over November and discusses a shift in investor sentiment, contrasting economic performances, fiscal policy decisions in the UK and Europe, and more.

Sailing on strange seas

Our latest Investment Strategy Quarterly looks at various geopolitical and macroeconomic themes, including consumer debt and employment, pension planning, and next year’s US election. Read all this and more in Investment Strategy Quarterly: Sailing on strange seas.

The centre holds

In this month’s Market Commentary, Raymond James’ European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, discusses the global financial markets, takes a look at the UK and US economies, plus he examines recent challenges in China.

Great Expectations

July has proved a strong month for investors in the financial markets, particularly across the stock markets of Western developed economies. Returns were generated against a backdrop of economic resilience, especially in the United States where, despite the Federal Reserve having raised interest rates in excess of 5.00%-points in little over a year, growth has persisted and even exceeded expectations.

Moving to the Next Stage

This year marks the 110th edition of the Tour de France, the most prestigious bicycle race in the world. And like the markets, the Tour is always challenging—and evolving. The three-week, grueling 2,200+ mile route changes every year and, surprisingly, starts in different countries—this year in Spain versus the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and Denmark over the previous five years! The point is, just like the Tour, economic and market cycles have different starting points, and no two routes are alike.

Mind the gap!

In this month’s Market Commentary, European Strategist, Jeremy Batstone-Carr, discusses inflation and affordability in the UK, debt ceiling negotiations and compromise in the US, plus how enthusiasm for artificial intelligence has shifted into overdrive, and more.