Walker Crips' Market Commentary

Walker Crips Investment Management Limited

This weekly podcast from the team at Walker Crips Investment Management provides an in depth commentary on the macro economic factors driving global markets, whilst also focusing on individual stocks that are making headlines. 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 and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 6d ago

    Oil prices fuel inflation fears

    The UK composite purchasing managers' index ("PMI"), a survey which tracks the health of the UK private-sector economy, eased to 52 in September from 52.5 in August, leaving activity growing but more slowly, and the British Retail Consortium put total footfall down 2.9% in the year to September from 1.7% in August. Gilts moved against that softness, the yield rising 7 basis points to 5.44%, as the market priced the Middle East energy shock's inflationary effect and the fiscal risk ahead of Chancellor John Healey's 28 October budget. The Institute for Fiscal Studies argued that inflation, rather than the chancellor's headroom, is the central problem, since rising prices erode departmental budgets while lifting tax receipts... Stocks featured: Barratt Redrow, Experian and Sage Group To 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  2. Oct 6

    UK economy defies the pressure

    The UK economy grew faster than first thought in the second quarter of 2026, with UK gross domestic product ("GDP") revised up to 0.5% from 0.4% by the Office for National Statistics (“ONS”), with the services sector doing most of the work. The manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index ("PMI"), a survey of how manufacturers themselves see conditions, edged up to 51.9 in September from 51.7, holding above the 50 mark that separates growth from contraction. Households looked less comfortable with Nationwide reporting annual house price growth halved to 0.8% in September from 1.6%, the weakest since December 2025. The 10-year gilt yield was little changed at 5.37%, keeping borrowing costs in focus ahead of the budget in three weeks’ time... Stocks featured: ConvaTec Group, IG Group Holdings and Whitbread To 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  3. Sep 29

    Next month's budget comes into focus

    UK economic activity data has softened as the Budget on 28 October draws closer. The flash composite Purchasing Managers' Index ("PMI") fell to 51.7 in September from 52.5 on weaker services growth, though manufacturing was more resilient at 52 and input cost inflation accelerated on higher fuel costs. The Confederation of British Industry (“CBI”) retail sales balance fell to minus 55 from minus 48, orders placed with suppliers declining at the fastest rate since the survey began in 1983. Public sector net borrowing was above expectations at £18.27 billion in August, from £15.35 billion a year earlier, and the 10-year gilt yield rose eight basis points to 5.37%... Stocks featured: Auto Trader, Kingfisher and Smiths Group To 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  4. Sep 22

    Inflation puts rates under pressure

    The Bank of England held the base interest rate at 3.75% last Thursday by a six to three vote, the dissenters favouring an immediate increase, and warned that rates may need to rise if the energy shock feeds into more persistent inflation. It also slowed balance sheet reduction, giving gilt markets relief and leaving the 10-year yield five basis points lower at 5.29%. The decision followed consumer price index ("CPI") inflation of 3.1% for the year to August, up from 2.9% on higher motor fuel costs, though Core CPI (which excludes energy, food, alcohol and tobacco) held at 2.6% and CPI services at 3.4%. Unemployment held at 4.9% in the three months to July against the 5% expected.... Stocks featured: Airtel Africa, AstraZeneca and Barratt Redrow To 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  5. Sep 15

    Oil prices fuel inflation fears

    Last week, UK investors closely monitored macroeconomic signals while looking ahead to the Bank of England's (“BoE”) forthcoming monetary policy meeting, where expectations remain firm that the base rate will be held at 3.75%. The pressure on central bank decision makers remains intense as the domestic inflation picture continues to present a challenge. Headline Consumer Price Index (“CPI”) inflation reached 2.9% in July, and market participants are awaiting Wednesday's August figures to gauge whether price pressures are broadening. However, domestic economic fundamentals provided a welcome boost at the end of the week, with UK gross domestic product (“GDP”) data outperforming forecasts and indicating resilience in business activity. This positive surprise buoyed overall market sentiment, further supported by perceived political stability under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, whose strong public approval ratings continue to reassure international investors... Stocks featured: Associated British Foods, BP and Sage Group To 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  6. Sep 8

    UK borrowing costs bite

    Surging higher borrowing costs are expected to create further headwinds for the UK economy ahead of the 28 October 2026 budget, threatening to shrink the Treasury headroom by up to £12 billion, due to the 10-year government debt yields surging past 5.2%, as increasing energy prices reignited inflation concerns, prompting calls for the Bank of England (“BoE”) to pause active bond sales. In the consumer sector, demand figures appear mixed across hospitality and travel. Jet2 reported an 8.8% increase in booked passengers over the summer, reflecting resilient holiday spending, perhaps as a result of the recent heatwaves. Whilst Ryanair reduced its annual passenger target for 2027, issuing a warning that unhedged winter fuel will increase ticket prices if the elevated oil prices persist due to the conflict in Iran.... Stocks featured: Airtel Africa, Experian and Vodafone To 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  7. Sep 1

    Pressure builds ahead of the budget

    Last week in the UK, economic data showed that optimism amongst British businesses grew in August as Lloyds Bank’s confidence index rose to 53%, the highest since the start of the Iran conflict. Business inflation expectations fell to a five-year low, whilst the latest Citi/YouGov survey showed an increase in the general public’s expectation of higher inflation, meaning that perhaps households are bracing themselves for higher prices. These contrasting data indicators can leave the Bank of England (“BoE”) in a difficult spot as rising inflation expectations are directly shifting rate forecasts, forcing money markets to push back expectations for the BoE’s next rate hike to February 2027... Stocks featured: BP, Computacenter and Melrose Industries To 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  8. Aug 26

    The UK faces rises in energy price caps and inflation

    Last week, Bank of England policymakers faced expectations of rates holding at 3.75%, with nearly 90% of economists predicting “no change” despite market pricing for increases. Headline Consumer Price Index inflation accelerated to 2.9% in July from 2.6%, while core inflation held at 2.6%. Although food inflation eased to 2.1%, energy price caps are predicted to rise 4% in October, which could cause further pain for the average Brit navigating the cost of living. Elsewhere, UK economic activity surprised on the upside as the composite Purchasing Managers' Index ("PMI") reached a four-month high of 52.5, propelled by Services PMI rising to 52.8... Stocks featured: Endeavour Mining, Fresnillo and JD Sports Fashion To 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. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

About

This weekly podcast from the team at Walker Crips Investment Management provides an in depth commentary on the macro economic factors driving global markets, whilst also focusing on individual stocks that are making headlines. 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 and is a member of the London Stock Exchange. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.