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HL LIVE

Updated Monday 12th May 2025
Live blog covering today's important financial market events and news
US and China agree sharp tariff reductions
Brent Crude heads near a two-week high
Gold prices fall back more than 1% to $3275 an ounce
Stocks rise after fruitful negotiations between the US and China
Brent Crude bounces to around $63 per barrel
EU plays hardball on trade
Investors eye progress on China trade discussions
FTSE sentiment rises on UK trade agreement with US
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

Investing insights

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

Income tax bills are soaring – what can you do?
Inheritance tax (IHT) hits new record – how to cut your family’s IHT bill?

Investing during market uncertainty

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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.

Read now

Make the most of your pension

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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.

Read now
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

12th - 16th May 2025
  • Will Compass’s sales growth be pointing in the right direction?
  • Alibaba eyes growth amid AI surge and trade tensions
  • TUI looking to stay on course despite economic crosswinds
Insights for the week ahead

Share research

IAG: big Q1 profit beat, guidance reiterated
Next: strong Q1, profit guidance upgraded
Centrica: soft start to the year, but guidance intact
Dowlais: weaker volumes lead to soft Q1

Fund research

Artemis Corporate Bond: May 2025 fund update
FSSA Greater China Growth: May 2025 fund update
Fidelity Index World: April 2025 fund update
M&G Global Macro Bond: April 2025 fund update

ETF research

iShares Core FTSE 100 ETF: May 2025 update
SPDR FTSE UK All Share ETF: April 2025 update

Investment trust research

BlackRock World Mining Trust: April 2025 update
HgCapital Trust: April 2025 update

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Our savings and resilience report

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We’ve partnered with experts at Oxford Economics to explore ways to strengthen household finances, compared which regions are more financially resilient than others, and the potential risks to the nation for 2025.

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Newsroom

Japan's service sentiment worsens in April as US tariffs take toll
Reuters
The US and China have agreed to slash tariffs for 90 days
Business Insider
Bank of England's Lombardelli says caution still needed over inflation risks
Reuters
Starmer vows to ‘take back control of borders’ as he unveils tighter immigration rules
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