Smart Money - May 2025

8th May 2025

Welcome to our latest issue. The first quarter of 2025 has been anything but steady for global markets. With the arrival of President Donald Trump's new administration in the United States, economic tensions have surged worldwide. Global stock markets have been rattled as sweeping tariffs, intended to bolster the American economy, were introduced. While these measures may aim to stimulate domestic growth, on page 08, we consider their ripple effects that are reshaping global trade, inflation and investor sentiment.

The October 2024 Budget proposed sweeping changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), significantly tightening the laws that were previously more forgiving for families with trading businesses and farmland. Effective from April 2026, these types of assets will now incur IHT at a reduced rate of 20% on valuations exceeding £1 million. On page 04, we consider why the changes are leaving many families scrambling to reassess their estate planning strategies.

Ten years ago, pension freedoms revolutionised how people access their retirement savings. These changes offered savers over 55 greater options to withdraw and manage their pension pots. However, a decade later, research indicates that many individuals are making critical financial decisions without seeking advice or fully understanding the tax implications. Read the full article on page 03.

A complete list of the articles featured in this issue appears on page 02.

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