Budget 2012 Overview
Summary
The Chancellor presented his third full Budget since the coalition Government took power on Wednesday, 21st March.
Billed as ‘the budget for working people’ with a promise to ‘back business’, Mr Osborne highlighted the Government’s commitment to three specific areas: a stable economy, a fairer, more efficient and simpler tax system and reforms to support growth. Read more →
March market commentary
On Monday February 27th the German Bundestag approved the Greek bailout by 496 votes to 90. A few days earlier consent had finally been wrung from the Greek politicians, and the €130bn bailout now looks to be in place. Is the Greek debt crisis – the constant theme running through this monthly review – over at last? You would be unwise to bet on it. The move is unpopular with the German electorate (who recognise that they are largely going to pay for it): unpopular in Greece (where the far left are making significant gains in opinion polls) – and still looked on sceptically by many market commentators. Expect to see the words ‘Greece’ and ‘crisis’ in future reviews. Read more →
January market commentary
December saw the death of North Korea’s ‘dear leader’ Kim Jong-il, with command of the country seemingly passing to his youngest son – the ‘great successor’ – Kim Jong-un. But with sundry generals peering over the younger Kim’s shoulder tensions are likely to remain high, especially around the border with South Korea. Read more →
