Walker Crips' Market Commentary

The UK economy is showing mixed signals amid ongoing inflationary pressures and signs of slowing growth. Bank of England (“BoE”) Monetary Policy Committee member Megan Greene highlighted that inflation remains sticky, driven by persistent wage growth and weaker supply conditions that could keep prices elevated over the medium term. Despite a recent rise in the minimum wage, wage growth has eased slightly, and retail sales have slowed sharply to their weakest pace in over a year. Consumer confidence remained fragile amid ongoing cost-of-living concerns, while April’s gross domestic product (“GDP”) contracted by 0.3%, exceeding expectations for a mild decline. Employment indicators showed softer hiring activity and retail footfall fell despite seasonal factors, reflecting cautious household spending. The BoE also warned banks to prepare for tighter liquidity conditions as reserves approach lower thresholds and noted that households have increased cash hoarding amid global uncertainties...Stocks featured:BT Group, easyJet and Melrose IndustriesTo 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 (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

The UK economy is showing mixed signals amid ongoing inflationary pressures and signs of slowing growth. Bank of England (“BoE”) Monetary Policy Committee member Megan Greene highlighted that inflation remains sticky, driven by persistent wage growth and weaker supply conditions that could keep prices elevated over the medium term. Despite a recent rise in the minimum wage, wage growth has eased slightly, and retail sales have slowed sharply to their weakest pace in over a year. Consumer confidence remained fragile amid ongoing cost-of-living concerns, while April’s gross domestic product (“GDP”) contracted by 0.3%, exceeding expectations for a mild decline. Employment indicators showed softer hiring activity and retail footfall fell despite seasonal factors, reflecting cautious household spending. The BoE also warned banks to prepare for tighter liquidity conditions as reserves approach lower thresholds and noted that households have increased cash hoarding amid global uncertainties...Stocks featured:BP, easyJet and PersimmonTo 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 (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

UK economic indicators pointed to persistent disinflation trends last week, even as uncertainty remained elevated. Bank of England ("BoE") Deputy Governor, Sarah Breeden, reinforced the case for policy easing, noting inflationary pressures are fading and labour market risks warrant caution. Several Monetary Policy Committee members echoed this sentiment in parliamentary appearances, with Swati Dhingra flagging downside risks to growth and Catherine Mann warning of tensions between rate cuts and quantitative tightening. The final composite Purchasing Managers' Index (“PMI”) in May improved to 50.3, led by a rebound in services, but backlogs declined and cost pressures persisted. The Confederation of British Industry’s (“CBI”) private sector growth indicator slipped to a two-year low, and BoE’s Decision Maker Panel survey saw little movement in inflation expectations...Stocks featured:Antofagasta, Fresnillo and WPPTo 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 (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

UK economic data last week highlighted renewed inflation pressures and persistent uncertainty. Food inflation hit a one-year high in May, rising 2.8% year-on-year. Kantar reported that grocery prices surged 4.1%, the highest in 15 months, driven by higher payroll taxes and minimum wage hikes. Business confidence slumped, with Confederation of British Industry (“CBI”) surveys showing sharp declines across services, as firms cited rising employment costs and tax burdens. The Bank of England (“BoE”) Governor, Andrew Bailey, urged caution on rate cuts, citing inflation uncertainty and trade risks, while Monetary Policy Committee (“MPC”) member Alan Taylor advocated for easing due to downside risks. Despite headwinds, Lloyds’ business barometer rebounded to 50%, buoyed by Donald Trump’s softened tariff stance and a US-UK trade deal. However, artificial intelligence (“AI”) disruption concerns mounted, with youth unemployment rising to 12.6%...Stocks featured:Auto Trader Group, GSK and M&GTo 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 (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

Last week, UK markets digested a slew of conflicting economic signals. April’s inflation unexpectedly rose to 3.5%, a 15-month high, driven by higher energy costs, tax changes and wage pressures, dampening expectations for further Bank of England (“BoE”) rate cuts. Gilt yields surged and the pound touched a two-year high. BoE Chief Economist Huw Pill warned against aggressive easing, citing persistent services inflation and weakening disinflation momentum, while policymaker Swati Dhingra defended her vote for a 0.5% cut, highlighting a long-term outlook. The Purchasing Managers' Index (“PMI”) data showed the private sector contracted slightly in May, dragged by manufacturing weakness, despite services expansion. Retail sales jumped 1.2% in April, buoyed by sunny weather, supporting first-quarter growth of 0.7%. Consumer confidence improved, helped by better economic prospects and recent trade deals. The outlook remains uncertain as inflation risks challenge the case for monetary easing...Stocks featured:Diploma, Fresnillo and JD Sports FashionTo 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 (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

Global equity markets delivered strong gains last week, with the United States leading the advance following encouraging developments in trade negotiations and solid earnings results. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq moved higher after the US and China reached an agreement to ease trade tensions during talks held in Switzerland. The agreement involves a 90-day suspension of most newly imposed tariffs. As part of the deal, US tariffs on Chinese goods will drop from 145% to 30%, while Chinese tariffs on US imports will fall from 125% to 10%. Markets responded positively to the prospect of a more constructive trade relationship between the world’s two largest economies. Additional optimism stemmed from corporate activity, including confirmation that Saudi Arabia will be permitted to purchase advanced semiconductor chips from major US technology firms. Meanwhile, Qatar Airways placed a record aircraft order worth $96 billion from Boeing. These announcements further boosted sentiment, helping major indices recover above their early April levels by the end of the week...Stocks featured:Airtel Africa, Entain and Imperial BrandsTo 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 (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

Markets rebounded last week, led by the United States (“US”), as global risk sentiment improved amid signs of de-escalating trade tensions. China confirmed it is evaluating recent US overtures, while negotiations with Mexico progressed constructively. The S&P 500 recovered to levels above the early April decline following Donald Trump’s “Liberation Day” tariff announcement...Stocks featured:Associated British Foods, Glencore and Smith & NephewTo 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 (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.

UK economic sentiment weakened sharply last week as global trade tensions intensified. The International Monetary Fund (“IMF”) cut the UK’s 2025 growth outlook to 1.1%, the steepest downgrade among major European economies, but noted the UK may still outpace G7 peers. Economic activity slowed sharply, with the composite Purchasing Managers' Index (“PMI”) falling to a 29-month low of 48.2, signalling a contraction. Consumer confidence deteriorated amid rising cost pressures, though retail sales surprised to the upside. Business leaders voiced concern over red tape costs and the threat of tariffs, warning of imminent job losses unless a US trade deal is struck. However, KPMG’s survey found financial services leaders remain optimistic about London's prospects, planning significant investments despite global uncertainties. The Bank of England (“BoE”) indicated it would weigh the impact of trade shocks at its May meeting, with rate cuts still in play. Overall, markets faced mounting signs of economic stress alongside cautious policymaker rhetoric...Stocks featured:Antofagasta, Croda International and Marks & SpencerTo 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 (FRN: 226344) and is a member of the London Stock Exchange.