Insights

The 2025 Budget was tabled at the second attempt, though there is still some uncertainty whether it will be approved in current form. Consumers will decry the increase in VAT, while taxpayers might feel aggrieved by the lack of bracket creep relief. However, investors will be moderately pleased with an outcome that focuses on faster economic growth and stabilising government debt.

We are amid big geopolitical changes and unexpected things are happening. Despite a stagnant domestic economy, and the threats of US tariff increases, European shares are flying. What is going on?

Donald Trump’s first month in office as US president has been a firehose of announcements and threats. Will all this boost the US economy or end up undermining it?