Walker Crips' Market Commentary

Equity markets delivered mild returns, despite an array of poor economic data announcements. Bond yields were also relatively flat leading to minor price changes with weakening conditions justifying potentially lower interest rate hikes across multiple developed economies.Figures released from the Office for National Statistics revealed further falls in retail sales by 1% in December as struggling consumers cut back their spending. UK house prices also recorded a sharp decline over the same period according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors survey. This was a reflection of a challenging environment for new buyers following increasing mortgage costs and heightened economic uncertainty...Stocks featured:Alphabet, Amazon, Dignity and MicrosoftTo find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

Equity markets broadly experienced another positive week with the FTSE 100 rising 1.7% over the period, to reach a near all-time high. Investors eagerly awaited the results from the latest US inflation figures which revealed a fall to 6.5% from 7.1% the previous month, in line with expectations. This was the sixth consecutive fall in CPI inflation driven largely by declining oil prices. This helped strengthen the trend that falling prices would persist and reduced the pressure on central banks to tighten monetary policy through interest rate hikes. The announcement helped drive bond yields lower which had a positive impact on prices...Stocks featured:Card Factory, Direct Line and ASOSTo find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

The markets ended 2022 on a high note, following what has been a very tough year for investors. The continued rise of inflation has ultimately led economies into a "once in generation" macro-economic cycle, of the kind last seen in the 1970s. There was a huge sell off in growth assets and fixed interest, to the extent that low risk investors generally performed worse than medium/high risk investors. Whilst we are far from out of the woods, inflation does now seem to be falling across most of the world and, although most central banks remain relatively hawkish on policy, there is an industry consensus that interest rates may not need to go as high as once predicted...Stocks featured:Anglo American, Antofagasta, B&M, Glencore, Greggs, Next, Rio Tinto Group and ShellTo find out more about the investment management services offered by Walker Crips, please visit our website:https://www.walkercrips.co.uk/This podcast is intended to be Walker Crips Investment Management’s own commentary on markets. It is not investment research and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy, sell or trade in any of the investments, sectors or asset classes mentioned. The value of any investment and the income arising from it is not guaranteed and can fall as well as rise, so that you may not get back the amount you originally invested. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Movements in exchange rates can have an adverse effect on the value, price or income of any non-sterling denominated investment. Nothing in this podcast constitutes advice to undertake a transaction, and if you require professional advice you should contact your financial adviser or your usual contact at Walker Crips. Walker Crips Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.