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It has not been an easy year for European politicians. In addition to facing a rise in popularity from what were once fringe, far-right parties, they must also now adapt to the US’s shifting approach to foreign policy.

As a society, our reaction to climate change has become increasingly urgent and multifaceted, driven by growing awareness of the impact of climate change on us now and for future generations. However, since Donald Trump took office in the US, we are now looking at a change in policy and looking to see whether his energy initiatives will influence consumers and his global counterparts.

In the October 2024 Budget, Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced significant tax increases aimed at generating £40 billion in additional tax revenue. As tax year end is just a few weeks away, we summarise the incoming tax rule changes.

We explore the reasons for rising geopolitical uncertainty and explain our approach to investing in an uncertain world.

Given that geopolitics has been the source of most headlines in recent weeks, central bank policy has fallen from the top spot, although remains a significant factor impacting markets. As four of the largest developed market central bank have now held their first meetings of the year, it’s important to revisit this topic.

It’s only a slight oversimplification to say that what mattered most in equity markets in 2024 was: how much you were spending on AI, how much your AI clients were buying from you and how close your CEO was to the incoming US president.

Warren Buffett famously stated that he plans to give away 99% of his wealth, leaving his children with enough to do anything, but not too much to do nothing. Many of us grapple with the question of how much to give and when to give it, ensuring that wealth enhances rather than hinders personal and professional development of the next generation.

Earlier this week, a little-known Chinese artificial intelligence (AI) start-up called DeepSeek roiled markets by launching its competitor to ChatGPT. The powerful AI model was created with far less money than AI experts thought possible.

Wetlands play a vital role in our ecosystems and economies: not only are they our planet’s most effective carbon sinks, but they support biodiversity, provide natural flood defences and improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of people across the world. In recognition of the importance of wetland conservation, LGT is proud to partner with the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT).

Last year, we saw how periods of high inflation increased pressure on incumbent governments around the world. However, given President Donald Trump’s America-first agenda has the capacity to exacerbate price pressures, it seems that inflation concerns will take some time to fade.