Severn Trent PLC

Jul 16, 2024 | ajbell.co.uk | Severn Trent PLC

“Investors face a tricky situation. On one hand, the US economy is proving to be resilient, with better-than-expected retail sales in June boosting hopes for decent second-quarter GDP figures. On the other hand, a more resilient economy shows that the Fed’s current policy of keeping interest rates high isn’t destabilising the country and therefore there is no rush to cut rates,” says Dan Coatsworth, Investment Analyst at AJ Bell.

Oct 2, 2023 | ajbell.co.uk | Severn Trent PLC

“As the new month kicks off, investors appear to be in a brighter mood judging by how the main indices across Asia and Europe moved higher on Monday. The only exception was Japan where the Nikkei 225 slipped 0.3%,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “It’s been a testing time for markets as investors weigh up the likelihood of sticky inflation and interest rates remaining higher for longer.

Jul 10, 2023 | ajbell.co.uk | BT plc |Severn Trent PLC

“Last week’s big pullback in global equities has hurt investor sentiment and triggered a ‘wait and see’ approach among many people who have become nervous about deploying more money in the markets until there is more clarity on the next central bank interest rate decisions,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “It seems likely the Federal Reserve, ECB and Bank of England will continue to raise rates in the fight against inflation.

Jul 6, 2023 | ajbell.co.uk | Currys PLC |Severn Trent PLC

“You don’t necessarily think of meeting minutes, often associated with the likes of parish council meetings or the AGM of the local bird spotting club, having a big impact but the record of the Federal Reserve’s latest rate-setting summit has put stocks firmly on the back foot,” says AJ Bell Investment Director Russ Mould. “They suggest the Fed remains committed to further rate hikes as it looks to get inflation under control.

Jun 30, 2023 | ajbell.co.uk | Severn Trent PLC

“As we conclude the first half of 2023, investors are taking stock of markets and what might happen next. Essentially last year’s losers have become this year’s winners, with the US market bouncing back fast. The S&P 500 is on track to record a 15% first-half improvement thanks to a handful of tech stocks which account for most of the gains,” says Russ Mould, Investment Director at AJ Bell. “In contrast, the UK has not been able to keep its crown following last year’s decent showing.