As schools return at last and the next generation of financial planners and investment managers can restart their education, markets seem to be in limbo. The last few days have seen a setback in the tech sector and therefore the Index retreating quite sharply from its record level.

Most clients and investors are feeling a little more sanguine about the value of their portfolios, ISAs and Pensions since the depth of the market retreat in March. This of course is despite the pandemic still being a deadly threat and yet to reach its peak in many parts of the world.

Much media and investors attention focusses upon equity markets particularly when they slump as happened when the COVID 19 pandemic went global. The fall in the FTSE 100 became front page news, or whatever the on-line equivalent is these days!

After the global stockmarket rally in April, May has been more settled (so far) although it still feels as if the investment world is in limbo, fighting a two-way pull. Glass half-full – things will get better and equities are forward-looking investments.

Here you will find a copy of our useful 2020/21 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.

As the UK and much of the wider world edges past peak infection, we are constantly reminded that we are not out of the woods yet. As we noted last week, the same can be said for markets, despite the US recording its largest monthly gain since 1987 in April.