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HL LIVE

Updated Thursday 8th May 2025

Live blog covering today's important financial market events and news

The Bank of England has cut interest rates to 4.25%

Oil climbs but still sits at depressed levels

UK interest rates expected to see a cut after US holds firm

Oil prices rise amid hopes for China-US talks and indications of lower US production.

The US Federal Reserve is widely expected to keep rates on hold later.

China brings in stimulus measures ahead of trade talks with the US.

FTSE 100 fluctuates in early trade after eking out a 16th winning session in a row.

Oil price stage a mini recovery

US equity slip-up gives gold a fresh bump

UK markets eye up March’s all-time high

Brent crude prices flat at $67 per barrel

US PMI drops to 48.7 in April, jobs data in focus

China hints at open door to US trade talks

FTSE off to a strong start

Investing insights

3 UK stocks that could benefit from interest rate cuts

City of London with Thames river at sunset

Most bought shares in Stocks and Shares ISA in April 2025

Most bought Stocks and Shares ISA funds since the new tax year

Personal finance

Bank of England cuts interest rates – what does it mean for your money?

Inheritance tax (IHT) hits new record – how to cut your family’s IHT bill?

Annuities hit decade high, but rate cuts coming - is now the time to buy an annuity?

Investing during market uncertainty

Financial data analysis graph showing global market trends - Gettyimages

3 fund ideas for volatile times

From Trump’s tariffs to talk of higher inflation and a possible recession, how can investors shelter their portfolio in volatile markets? Plus we share 3 fund ideas.

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Make the most of your pension

Pensioner couple reviewing finances using laptop and paperwork.jpg

5 tips to turbocharge your pension this tax year

Are you on track for the retirement you want? Here are 5 easy tips to help boost your pension pot.

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Is now a good time to invest in gold?

5 shares to watch in 2025

5 funds for 2025

5 ETFs for 2025

Stock markets today

Prices delayed by at least 15 minutes

Next week on the stock market

5th - 9th May 2025

Markets look to Novo Nordisk for reassurance on full-year outlook
AI platform adoption in focus for Palantir
Next starts the year strong, but will UK retail hold up?

Insights for the week ahead

Fund research

Next: strong Q1, profit guidance upgraded

Dowlais: weaker volumes lead to soft Q1

Fidelity Index World: April 2025 fund update

M&G Global Macro Bond: April 2025 fund update

Shopify: Q1 in-line, guidance disappoints

AB InBev: Q1 profits holds up, guidance maintained

Fund research

Legal & General ESG Global High Yield Bond Index: April 2025 fund update

UK stock market review – where’s done well amidst Trump’s tariff uncertainty?

Fidelity Index World: April 2025 fund update

M&G Global Macro Bond: April 2025 fund update

Legal & General ESG Global High Yield Bond Index: April 2025 fund update

UK stock market review – where’s done well amidst Trump’s tariff uncertainty?

Investment trust research

iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: May 2025 update

SPDR FTSE UK All Share ETF: April 2025 update

BlackRock World Mining Trust: April 2025 update

HgCapital Trust: April 2025 update

Investment trust research

BlackRock World Mining Trust: April 2025 update

HgCapital Trust: April 2025 update

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