2022 began with an optimistic tone which proved short-lived as the year became one of the worst for investors in recent memory. The outbreak of war in Europe and, in the UK, political in-fighting and the crass mishandling of a supposed radical mini-budget were amongst the reasons for the change in outlook.

A brutal second quarter in global equity markets has led to the worst first half of the year for more than a decade.

Here you will find a copy of our useful 2022/23 tax guide. This guide details rates applicable to those resident in England. Some rates for Scottish residents are different and further guidance and advice should be sought.

At the turn of the year, we forecast a period of heightened uncertainty and deliberated on whether the market optimism was justified. Then of course, the Ukraine war was not on the agenda and our thoughts rightly remain with those caught up in the dreadful conflict.

The human tragedy unfolding in Ukraine is fast-moving and uppermost in everyone’s minds and our thoughts go out to the brave people who are directly or indirectly caught up in the fighting.

2021 was the year when economies and markets began the period of ‘living with covid’. Like much to do with the pandemic, this has come about very quickly – even if it does not always feel like it.