News in Review
The IMF has cut global growth forecasts, citing US tariffs and rising uncertainty. UK manufacturing stagnated and consumer confidence plunged due to cost increases. A property rush in March briefly lifted housing activity ahead of a return to higher levels of Stamp Duty.
Policy U-turn prompts market upswing
Following a remarkable week of tariff trauma, on Wednesday President Trump took to social media to announce a 90-day pause on most of the tariffs announced last week and a substantial lowering of Reciprocal Tariffs, to be agreed during this period.