The latest market updates are brought to you by Investment Managers & Analysts at Wealth at Work Limited which is a member of the Wealth at Work group of companies.
Almost a quarter of UK workers (23%) have had to borrow money from family and friends in the last year because of money worries, and almost a fifth have taken on debt (18%). It seems financial worries have become the new normal. With almost 14.6 million UK adults not coping financially or finding it difficult to cope, many are looking for ways to help ease the strain on their finances.
Money worries are having a detrimental impact on the workplace with our latest research finding that 40% of employees believe that it affects work performance by causing increased stress levels. One in ten (10%) say it has led to increased sick days.
This Debt Awareness Week (24th – 30th March), WEALTH at work - a leading financial wellbeing, retirement and workplace savings specialist, are encouraging employers to support employees to tackle money issues and build a saving safety net.
Markets have lacked clear direction this week, as a period of relative calm settled over the economic data landscape. With fewer surprises on that front, investor focus shifted toward upcoming earnings from major corporations and the release of key economic indicators that’s kept them cautious so far.
Market movements can often seem erratic when viewed day to day – prices rise one day, and fall the next, sometimes without any clear explanation. This short-term volatility is especially noticeable during periods of uncertainty, and it’s natural to feel unsettled.
Market jitters spiked early in the week as President Donald Trump’s aggressive tariff strategy—especially targeting China—collided with his unusually sharp criticism of Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell. Labelling Powell a “loser” and “Mr. Too Late” for not slashing interest rates sooner, Trump stirred uncertainty across financial markets.