By Asset Allocator Journal Staff
Business Matters reports that the UK Government has announced a record £92 billion investment in over 50 major road and rail projects across England and Wales, aiming to boost economic growth, create 42,000 new jobs, and improve journey times. Key initiatives include upgrades to the A66 Northern Trans-Pennine route, the M54 to M6 link road, and the reinstatement of passenger services between Portishead and Bristol.
As discussed in a commentary from Pictet Asset Management on Advisor Perspectives, equities have entered a period of relative stability following recent market volatility. This calm is attributed to easing geopolitical tensions, a slowdown in inflation, and clearer Federal Reserve policies. However, potential risks remain, such as the delayed effects of tariffs on prices. Investors are advised to stay vigilant and monitor key economic indicators.
According to WealthManagement.com, Roundhill Investments is launching the S&P 500 No Dividend Target ETF (XDIV) to track the S&P 500 while avoiding dividend payouts, aiming to reduce investors’ tax liabilities. The fund will sell stocks just before their dividend dates, so ETF shareholders do not receive taxable dividends. This approach reflects a growing trend among asset managers to give investors more control over their tax obligations.
Advisor Perspectives reports that Asian economies are rapidly negotiating tariff agreements with the U.S. to mitigate the impact of impending tariffs set to take effect on August 1, 2025. Countries such as Japan and South Korea are especially active, seeking favorable terms before the deadline. This urgency highlights the importance of the U.S. market for their export-driven economies.
UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ economic plans are under pressure as UK government borrowing costs surge in response to President Trump’s new tariffs, as noted in Business Matters. The yield on 10-year UK gilts has climbed above 4.63%, raising concerns about increased debt and fiscal stability. Higher borrowing costs could force a rethink of public investment plans, as they may add billions to the UK’s annual debt servicing expenses.
According to Advisor Perspectives, the AI race is accelerating as the U.S. government plans executive actions to increase energy supply for AI development. NVIDIA and Foxconn are partnering to deploy humanoid robots and automation in new AI server factories in Houston, while AMD is advancing its Helios server line in collaboration with OpenAI. Chinese firms such as Xiaomi and XPeng are also making significant strides in robotics and automation, fueling global competition.
MedTech Dive reports that Baxter International has named Andrew Hider, previously CEO of ATS Corporation, as its new president and CEO, effective by September 3, 2025. Hider led ATS through a series of acquisitions that fueled revenue growth and expanded its presence in the life sciences sector. Baxter’s leadership highlights a renewed focus on innovation and strategic acquisitions under Hider’s direction.
Per Business Matters, there is a significant digital divide between London-based SMEs and those in other UK regions, with 74% of regional SMEs lacking access to digital support programs while 67% of London SMEs use them. This gap is driven by differences in digital infrastructure, awareness of support schemes, and access to investment networks, resulting in lower confidence and growth for regional businesses. The findings highlight the need for more inclusive digital support across the UK.
