You don't need me to tell you that 2017 is not over yet. No doubt there are many diary notes and CPD log reminders that will do that for you, but as we approach November, and with December traditionally not being the most active of business months, how has 2017 been for you?
I think it's fair to suggest that 2017 has not been a 'standard' year, if there ever was such a thing. The bombardment of all things 'Brexit' has been on most clients’ minds, unwisely called General Elections are behind us, MiFID 2, GDPR are on the way, and from a global perspective growth has been firm, although set against various heating geopolitical tensions...and these have not gone away, only deepened and widened (the US / Iran being a good example).
And don't forget that the Budget that was no longer going to happen as a Statement in the autumn is now set for 22 November 2017. I'm pleased that's clear!
Indexes have largely risen, but so has inflation and I think many are agreed that the Bank of England base rate is too low. Is 2017 the turn point for a return to all things 5% of yesteryear? Base rates, inflation, average dividend yields? In my opinion, not for a long time, but change is in the air and it started this year. Change is good, and it's about the only thing that is guaranteed in the money world in which we thrive.
So, how has 2017 been for you, and with it nearly over and the ability to influence it waning (although November is traditionally our best trading month of the year), what does 2018 hold for you? More of the same, or something spookily exciting?
Now's the time to take stock and to look forward. Happy Halloween!
No advice is provided during this blog.
Keith Churchouse CFP Chartered FSCI
Vice-President CISI Southern Committee