March 2026 Economic and Market Report
For the month of March….
In February, we learned that UK consumer prices rose 3.0% in the year to January, down from 3.4% in December. GDP growth was sluggish in 4Q25 and unemployment rose to a post‑pandemic high, both dragging down consumer confidence
Global markets were volatile in January as geopolitical tensions rose, beginning with the US‑led removal of Venezuela’s President, followed by a proposed US
In December, we learned that UK consumer prices fell to 3.2% in the year to November, down from 3.6% in October.
In November, we learned that UK consumer prices rose by 3.6% in the year to October, down from September.
Investors are closely watching the Bank of England’s (BoE) upcoming December decision on interest rates, with
markets widely expecting a rate cut amid softening inflation and an uncertain labour market.
In October, we learned that UK consumer prices rose by 3.8% in the year to September, unchanged from the month prior. Investors watched the Bank of England (BoE) for any signs of likely interest rate changes
In September, UK consumer prices rose by 3.8% in the year to August, unchanged from the month prior. Rising prices in
hotels and restaurants as well as food and non-alcoholic beverages saw month-on-month rises, offsetting falling prices of
transport.
In August, we learned that UK consumer prices rose by 3.8% in July, up from 3.6% the month prior. As was the case last month, transport
remained the largest contributor to inflation, primarily due to rising airfares. The Bank of England’s (BoE) Monetary Policy Committee
opted to cut interes
In July, UK consumer prices rose by 3.6% in the year to June, up from 3.4% the month prior. Transport and fuel were the biggest contributors to this increase and were partially offset
In June, it was reported that UK consumer prices rose by 3.4% in the 12 months to May, down from 3.5% in April. The main driver behind this modest decline was a fall in transport costs, though this was partially offset by price increases in food, furniture, and household goods.