UK markets faced a sharp deterioration in sentiment in the final week of the tax year, as escalating tensions around the Iran conflict weighed heavily on business confidence. The Institute of Directors (“IoD”) index fell to a record low, reinforced by survey evidence from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (“ICAEW”), highlighting a rapid deterioration in corporate outlook. Inflation risks intensified, driven by surging energy prices, with analysts expecting the energy price cap to rise by 18% in July. Food inflation is also projected to accelerate to 9% by year-end from 3.3%, adding further pressure on households. Markets responded by pricing in renewed rate hikes, although Bank of England (“BoE”) Governor Andrew Bailey pushed back, cautioning that markets may be overreacting and signalling that policymakers remain focused on supporting growth through an energy-driven shock.
Stocks featured:
3i Group, Babcock International Group and Berkeley Group Holdings
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