Lending against UAE foundations: What you need to know
Foundations are becoming a popular tool for families and individuals in the UAE who want to protect their assets and plan for the future. These structures—Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), and RAK International Corporate Centre (RAK ICC)) are well-suited for succession planning and holding real estate, investments, and other valuable […]
Market Review – May 2025
U.S. U.S. markets continued to grapple with the ripple effects of President Trump’s recent trade policy announcements throughout May. Mixed economic signals and a recalibration of interest rate expectations whipsawed investor sentiment. At its May 6–7 policy meeting, the Federal Reserve held interest rates steady at 4.25%–4.50%, maintaining a cautious stance amidst what it described […]
Why long-term investors outperform during market volatility
Understanding What Happened in Early 2025 Between late March and early April 2025, global markets experienced a sharp downturn. Renewed trade tensions and broader geopolitical uncertainty led to a sudden decline in investor confidence. On 3 April, the S&P 500 dropped by 4.84% in a single day. This caused many investors to question whether they […]
Why Australian expats should consider a Superannuation refresh
As retirement nears, many Australians begin to reassess whether their superannuation is still working as hard as it could be. For Australian expats, or those who have made additional contributions after starting a pension, a superannuation refresh could be a simple yet powerful strategy to improve outcomes in retirement. A pension refresh is not about […]
What do expats need to know before relocating to France
France is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for expats, particularly those seeking a better lifestyle, quality healthcare, and a more relaxed pace in retirement. But before making the move, it’s important to understand how the French tax system works and what financial steps are worth taking in advance. Following on from our […]
BoE Cuts Rates to 4.25%: What does it mean for you
The Bank of England (BoE) has reduced the UK base rate to 4.25%. The decision, driven by easing inflation and a modestly improving growth outlook, is designed to support the UK economy, and while widely expected, this reduction will have real consequences for borrowers, savers and the housing market. Here is what Nick Jones, Senior […]
Why diversification matters: 3 investment mistakes to avoid in 2025
Markets in 2025 have shown once again that short-term thinking and overconfidence can lead to disappointment. Some areas have performed well, while others have fallen sharply. Yet many well-diversified portfolios have remained resilient. They did not avoid risk, they managed it wisely. From my work with clients this year, three common mistakes continue to appear: […]
Market Review – April 2025
United States U.S. markets navigated a turbulent April as President Trump enacted his promised sweeping “Liberation Day” tariffs. These included a universal basic tariff of 10% on most trading partners, alongside additional country-specific reciprocal tariffs ranging from 10% to 50%. The unexpectedly large tariffs triggered a decline in the US dollar, decoupling it from interest […]
Trade shocks and market swings: Hold your ground
Recent political developments in the United States have triggered fresh volatility across global markets. On 3 April, the S&P 500 recorded a sharp one-day drop of 4.84 percent, as markets reacted swiftly to news of the US administration’s return to Trump-era tariffs. This turbulence serves as a timely reminder: while markets can shift rapidly and […]
Market Review – March 2025
U.S. March witnessed heightened volatility in U.S. equity markets, driven by investor anxieties surrounding impending U.S. tariff announcements, persistent inflationary pressures, and the Federal Reserve’s policy trajectory. President Trump’s recent indication of “lenient rather than reciprocal” tariffs offered some reassurance, suggesting a potential narrowing of scope and delays in sector-specific duties. However, the S&P 500 […]