Market Commentary – April 2026

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In this Market Commentary, we reflect on a more uncertain start to 2026, with inflationary pressures re-emerging and central banks adopting a cautious stance. We look at the Bank of England’s decision to hold interest rates as rising energy prices complicate the outlook, alongside a downgraded growth forecast for the UK and increasing geopolitical tensions shaping the global economy. We also cover resilient retail sales set against weakening consumer confidence, a more fragile jobs market, and broadly positive, but volatile, performance across global markets.

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