A strong week for global equities, as favourable economic data supported risk-on sentiment. Japanese equities led the way, rallying strongly following the announcement of Sanae Takaichi as new Prime Minister.

The mortgage market is shifting. Following several cuts to the Bank of England base rate - including a 0.25% cut to 4% in August - tracker mortgages are once again on the radar for borrowers remortgaging in 2025. These rate moves make trackers more appealing, but how do they stack up against other options? Why tracker mortgages matter now - A tracker mortgage mirrors the Bank of England’s base rate plus a fixed margin. This means your monthly payments go down if rates fall and rise if rates go up. - This is different to a fixed rate mortgage where you will pay the same amount each month for a set period - typically two or five years, but with longer fixes also available. - If interest rates change so does the rate on your tracker mortgage, expectations are that interest rates will continue to decrease, which could make a tracker mortgage an attractive option for some borrowers. In fact, Andrew Bailey, the Governor of the Bank of England, recently told the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee that “the path of [interest] rates is still downwards”. - Following the recent base rate cut in August, some experts are predicting further cuts later in the year and perhaps further movement into 2026. - However, the Governor has long stated that any future movement will need to be made gradually and carefully and is heavily reliant on a number of key factors such as inflation, the UK economy and any external geopolitical shocks. - While these factors remain very hard to predict, those who have the means and confidence to ride the wave of future interest rates are exploring tracker rate mortgages. But fixes remain strong too - That said, fixed-rate mortgages do remain very competitive and in some cases are more affordable than trackers – at least in the short term. According to Moneyfacts, average mortgage rates on both two-year and five-year fixed rate products sit at around 5%, with sub-4% rates available on some mortgages for qualifying borrowers. - Fixed rates offer predictable payments and peace of mind, which is especially helpful when budgeting in uncertain times. While you may not reap the benefits of a drop in interest rates, you will always know how much you’re paying and to many borrowers, that is more powerful than any potential saving.  Which might suit you best? - Choose a tracker mortgage if you’re comfortable with potential fluctuations and want to benefit immediately from any further base rate cuts. - Opt for a fixed-rate mortgage if your focus is on stability and knowing exactly what your mortgage will cost, regardless of rate movements. - Discuss whether discount variable options might suit your situation, especially if you’re unsure how long you’ll stay in your home. Get advice before you decide - The right choice depends on your personal situation, risk appetite, and future plans. A mortgage adviser can explain the differences clearly, help you weigh tracker benefits against fixed-rate certainty, and guide you toward a solution that best fits your needs. - Is your fixed term ending soon? We can help you compare your options and choose with confidence. To book your appointment with a mortgage adviser, please get in touch here (email address and phone number). YOUR HOME MAY BE REPOSSESSED IF YOU DO NOT KEEP UP REPAYMENTS ON YOUR MORTGAGE.

Major global stock indices rose modestly for the week, despite US equities lagging on hawkish commentary from the US Federal Reserve. Chinese equities performed best, as domestic investment continued to propel share prices higher.

When your mortgage deal comes to an end, it’s natural to wonder what’s next. Should you stick with your current lender and switch to a new deal—or explore what other providers have to offer? Understanding the difference between a product transfer and a remortgage is the first step. And with expert advice, you can turn uncertainty into confidence. What is a remortgage? A remortgage is when you move your mortgage to a new lender. It’s often done when your current deal ends and you want to avoid being moved onto your lender’s Standard Variable Rate (SVR)—which is usually much higher. Remortgaging can help you: • Access better interest rates • Adjust your loan amount or term • Release equity for home improvements or other needs What is a product transfer? A product transfer is when you switch to a new mortgage deal with your existing lender. You’re not changing providers—just choosing a different product. This option can be quicker and simpler, often with: • No legal work • Fewer checks • Faster turnaround Which option is right for you? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your goals, financial situation, and the deals available. • Product transfers can offer convenience and stability—especially if you’re happy with your lender and want to avoid extra paperwork. • Remortgaging might unlock better rates, more flexibility, or the chance to borrow more. Even if staying put feels like the safest option, it doesn’t always mean you’re getting the right deal for you. That’s why it’s worth comparing both routes. Take the weight off your shoulders with specialist help This is one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll make—and it pays to get it right. As mortgage advisers, we will: • Review deals from your current lender and across the wider market • Help you avoid slipping onto a costly SVR • Talk you through the pros and cons of each option • Tailor our advice to your unique circumstances Whether you’re looking for certainty, flexibility, or a new rate, we’ll help you make a confident, informed choice. Ready to explore your options? Don’t leave it until the last minute. Speak to an adviser around six months before your deal ends to give yourself time to plan and secure the right rate. But don’t worry if you’ve left it a little late—there are still options available. We can act quickly to help you avoid slipping onto your lender’s SVR and find a deal that works for you. Call the office on 01455 817477 or email clientservices@planguardfinance.co.uk to book your appointment.

Commentary US: STOCKS RISE TO RECORD HIGHS ON THE BACK OF 0.25 PERCENTAGE POINT INTEREST RATE CUT Major U.S. stock indexes rose to record highs during the week, as the Federal Reserve lowered short-term interest rates for the first time in nine months. With the 0.25 percentage point rate cut in-line with expectations, investors’ attention quickly turned to signals from policymakers around the path forward for interest rates. The Fed’s Summary of Economic Projections indicated that most policymakers expect to lower the central bank’s policy rate by an additional 50 basis points by the end of the year. Expectations for rate cuts in 2026 and 2027 also increased. Trade developments were also in the headlines following a Friday morning call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. In a social media post following the call, Trump announced that they had reached an agreement regarding U.S. ownership of the short-form video platform TikTok and had made progress on several other issues. JAPAN: EQUITIES MIXED ON NEWS THAT THE BANK OF JAPAN PLANS TO SELL ETF AND REIT HOLDINGS Japan’s stock markets registered mixed performance over the week, with the Nikkei 225 Index gaining 0.62% and the broader TOPIX Index falling 0.41%. The Bank of Japan (BoJ) surprised investors by announcing plans to begin selling its holdings of exchange-traded funds and Japanese real estate investment trusts much earlier than markets had anticipated - a move widely seen as a signal toward monetary policy normalization. As had been widely anticipated, the BoJ held interest rates steady at 0.50%, in an environment of domestic political and global trade uncertainty. However, for the first time during Governor Kazuo Ueda’s tenure, two policymakers dissented, preferring a rate hike over holding rates steady. The BoJ continued to assert that it will raise interest rates if the economy and prices develop in line with its forecasts. CHINA: DATA POINTING TO AN ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN SEES INVESTORS TAKE PROFITS Mainland Chinese stock markets declined as investors pocketed gains after a recent rally and a trio of indicators pointed to an economic slowdown. August retail sales rose 3.4% and industrial output gained 5.2% year on year, China’s statistics bureau reported, marking the worst monthly performance for both gauges this year. Fixed asset investment growth slowed to 0.5% in the year’s first eight months, the lowest reading for the period on record except for 2020, a pandemic year, according to Bloomberg. All three readings trailed expectations and pointed to a broad slowdown in China’s economy after it grew a surprisingly strong 5.3% in the year’s first half. EUROPE: MIXED RETURNS FOR EUROPEAN EQUITIES AS INVESTORS ASSESSED A RAFT OF MONETARY POLICY DECISIONS Major stock indexes were mixed. France’s CAC 40 Index gained 0.36%, Germany’s DAX lost 0.25%, while Italy’s FTSE MIB pulled back 0.60%. Norway’s central bank reduced its key policy rate by 0.25% to 4.0% - the second rate cut this year. The Bank of England left interest rates on hold and decided to slow their bond selling programme. Industrial production in the euro bloc rebounded in July by a seasonally adjusted 0.3% sequentially, after shrinking 0.6% in June. Increased output of capital, durable, and non-durable goods, despite tariff-related uncertainty, more than offset a contraction in energy production. UK: UK EQUITIES EASE AS BANK OF ENGLAND LEAVES INTEREST RATE CUTS ON HOLD The Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee voted 7–2 to leave the key interest rate unchanged at 4%, as expected. Policymakers also decided to slow the annual pace at which the BoE sells bonds on its balance sheet to GBP 70 billion from GBP 100 billion, partly to minimise the impact of sales on the gilt market amid higher long-term bond yields. BoE Governor Andrew Bailey said: “Although we expect inflation to return to our 2% target, we’re not out of the woods yet so any future cuts will need to be made gradually and carefully.” The BoE’s decision to keep rates on hold came after economic data showed headline annual inflation stayed at 3.8% in August. Overall wage growth, which includes bonuses, rose to 4.7% in the three months through July - an increase from the 4.6% registered in the three months through June and well above the 3% level seen as consistent with the BoE’s inflation target. Although the unemployment rate remained at 4.7% in the three months through July, tax records showed the number of payrolled employees dropped for a seventh consecutive month in August, according to a preliminary estimate.

Global equities ease amid concerns surrounding geopolitical tensions and the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Chinese equities were again the standout performer for the week, rallying another 2.71%. Last week’s performance – major stock markets Commentary US: STOCKS ENDED THE WEEK MODESTLY LOWER AS MARKETS HEADED INTO A HOLIDAY WEEKEND Small-cap stocks performed best, with the Russell 2000 Index posting moderate gains and outperforming the S&P 500 Index for the third week in a row. Much of the attention was focused on chipmaker, NVIDIA’s, earnings release after the market closed on Wednesday. NVIDIA posted earnings that were better than expected and while the stock pulled back, the numbers appeared strong enough to ease recent concerns around the artificial intelligence-driven rally. Concerns about the potential erosion of the Federal Reserve’s independence also garnered attention during the week following President Donald Trump’s announcement that he would be firing Fed Governor Lisa Cook, citing allegations that she committed mortgage fraud. Cook filed a lawsuit seeking to block the firing on Thursday, and a spokesperson for the Fed said the central bank will abide by any court decision. Inflation held steady month over month in July, according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis’s (BEA) core personal consumption expenditures (PCE) price index—which excludes food and energy costs and is the Fed’s preferred measure of inflation. JAPAN: PROFIT TAKING BY INSTITUTIONS SAW STOCK PERFORMANCE AS MIXED Japan’s stock markets ended the week mixed, with the Nikkei 225 Index gaining 0.20% and the broader TOPIX Index down 0.83%. Profit taking tied to month-end portfolio rebalancing by institutions that seemed to favour bonds more than equities was cited as a major reason, although equity markets also steadied ahead of a U.S. inflation report. In addition, trade talks with the U.S. were further delayed after chief trade negotiator Ryosei Akazawa cancelled a trip to Washington at the last minute, apparently due to unresolved issues that stand in the way of finalising an agreement. CHINA: STRONG DOMESTIC LIQUIDITY UNDERPINNED FURTHER EQUITY MARKET STRENGTH Mainland Chinese stock markets advanced, extending the recent rally, with the onshore benchmark CSI 300 Index rising 2.71%. China’s stock markets have been on a tear in recent weeks. The CSI 300 gained almost 10% in August, ranking among the best-performing major indexes, and average daily turnover volume so far this month is on track for a record high, according to Bloomberg. Many analysts believe that ample domestic liquidity, rather than a strong economy, is fuelling the rally as cash-rich households in China seek higher returns amid low interest rates and a lack of compelling investment options. The amount of margin debt taken out to buy stocks climbed to its highest level since 2015, according to Bloomberg, suggesting elevated retail interest in the stock market. On the economics front, China reported that industrial profits fell a less-than-expected 1.5% in July, as strong tech sector earnings outweighed weakness in industries straining under weak demand and deflationary pressures. EUROPE: EUROPEAN STOCKS PULLBACK AMID ONGOING GEOPOLITICAL INSTABILITY European equities fell for the week amid worries about the independence of the U.S. Federal Reserve. Renewed tariff uncertainty, political instability in France, and fading hopes of peace between Russia and Ukraine also weighed on sentiment. Major countries’ stock indexes fell as well. France’s CAC 40 Index dropped 3.33%, Italy’s FTSE MIB lost 2.57%, and Germany’s DAX declined 1.89%. European Central Bank (ECB) policymakers kept the deposit facility rate at 2.0% in July but were split over the outlook for inflation. Several rate setters argued that risks were tilted to the downside at least for the next two years, citing weaker growth prospects, the impact of U.S. tariffs, and a strong euro. A few members warned that inflation risks could still be tilted to the upside, especially over the longer term, given uncertainties around energy prices and currency movements. UK: EQUITIES EASE FROM ALL-TIME HIGHS ON THE BACK OF SHARE PRICE WEAKNESS IN THE BANKING SECTOR UK equities slid for the week, largely driven by selling in the banking sector. This was on the back of the Institute for Public Policy Research recommending a new tax on lenders. NatWest and Lloyds fell -4.8% and -3.4%, respectively, while Barclays pulled back -2.2%. Retail sales volumes weakened for an 11th consecutive month in August. Meanwhile, shops raised prices by the most since the end of 2023, according to the Confederation of British Industry distributive trades survey.

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We can help with plenty of different options to best suit your needs and wants. Get in touch today either by telephone on 01455 817477 or by email which is clientservices@planguardfinance.co.uk

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