DTB Investments

16/10/2026

September markets update

Most major global stock market indices ended September lower.

The FTSE 100 fell 2.02%, while the FTSE 250 declined 1.60%. In the US, the Dow Jones fell 4.28%, although the NASDAQ Composite gained 1.86%.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 also recorded a gain, rising 0.67%, while the Euro Stoxx 50 fell 2.35%.

Brent crude oil ended the month up more than 12% at $98.94 a barrel. Gold finished around $4,192 a troy ounce, down more than 6% over the month.

The value of investments can go down as well as up and you may not get back the full amount you invested. The past is not a guide to future performance and past performance may not necessarily be repeated.

Source: September 2026 Economic Review. Information correct at 1 October 2026. UK index movements are measured from 28 August because of the August bank holiday.

If you are thinking about your pension, reviewing your investments or looking at mortgage options and want to explore what is possible, you can reach us on 01384 397260 or at [email protected]

14/10/2026

Consumer confidence reaches a two-year high

The GfK Consumer Confidence Barometer rose by one point to -13 in September.

This was its third consecutive monthly increase and the highest reading since August 2024.

Households reported feeling better about their own finances and the wider economy. However, confidence remained in negative territory, and there were signs of caution.

The Major Purchase Index, which measures appetite for big-ticket spending, slipped one point to -8. Meanwhile, the separate Savings Index rose five points to +27.

Source: September 2026 Economic Review. Information correct at 1 October 2026.

If you are thinking about your pension, reviewing your investments or looking at mortgage options and want to explore what is possible, you can reach us on 01384 397260 or at [email protected]

12/10/2026

Government borrowing rises in August

UK public sector borrowing reached £18.3bn in August, according to the Office for National Statistics.

That was £2.9bn more than a year earlier and £3.5bn above the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast.

Borrowing during the financial year to August totalled £77.3bn, £8.1bn more than forecast.

Debt-interest payments added to the pressure. The government spent £8.8bn servicing its debt in August, the highest August figure since records began in 1997.

Higher borrowing costs leave the Chancellor with less flexibility ahead of October’s Budget.

Source: September 2026 Economic Review. Information correct at 1 October 2026.

If you are thinking about your pension, reviewing your investments or looking at mortgage options and want to explore what is possible, you can reach us on 01384 397260 or at [email protected]

09/10/2026

Interest rates held at 3.75%

The Bank of England kept interest rates unchanged in September, with the Monetary Policy Committee voting six to three to hold Bank Rate at 3.75%.

The three dissenting members wanted an increase to 4%.

The Bank warned that a prolonged period of higher energy prices could lead to a rate rise. However, the Committee has so far seen limited evidence of the energy shock causing sustained increases in wages and prices across the wider economy.

The next interest rate decision will be announced on 5 November.

Source: September 2026 Economic Review. Information correct at 1 October 2026.

If you are thinking about your pension, reviewing your investments or looking at mortgage options and want to explore what is possible, you can reach us on 01384 397260 or at [email protected]

07/10/2026

September’s Economic Review covers the decision to hold interest rates, a slight upgrade to the global economic outlook for 2026, the surge in government borrowing in August and UK consumer confidence reaching a two-year high

If you are thinking about your pension, reviewing your investments or looking at mortgage options and want to explore what is possible, you can reach us on 01384 397260 or at [email protected]

05/10/2026

Economic Review – September 2026

The Bank of England kept interest rates unchanged at 3.75% in September but warned of potential rates rise

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) expects global GDP to grow by 2.9% in 2026

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) reported public sector borrowing of £18.3bn, £2.9bn more than a year earlier

https://dtbinvestments.co.uk/2026/10/02/economic-review-september-2026/

If you are thinking about your pension, reviewing your investments or looking at mortgage options and want to explore what is possible, you can reach us on 01384 397260 or at [email protected]

Read our latest Economic Review: Bank Rate held at 3.75%, the OECD upgraded its 2026 global economic outlook, government borrowing surged in August, UK consumer confidence hits a two-year high

02/10/2026

Whilst many younger adults are proactive on pensions, saving for retirement may slip down the priority list for some, squeezed out by accommodation costs and other everyday bills. Research1 highlights a crucial truth – delaying pension contributions can be far more expensive than most people realise.

https://dtbinvestments.co.uk/2026/09/29/start-early-save-smarter/

https://dtbinvestments.co.uk/2026/09/29/start-early-save-smarter/

30/09/2026

With a clear sense of purpose, your retirement opens a world of possibilities. Getting your finances in order is a crucial step, but it is only one part of a wider plan. Here are some key considerations for a happy and healthy retirement.

https://dtbinvestments.co.uk/2026/09/16/enjoying-your-happy-and-healthy-retirement/

If you are thinking about your pension, reviewing your investments or looking at mortgage options and want to explore what is possible, you can reach us on 01384 397260 or at [email protected]

28/09/2026

The traditional journey of buying a home, paying off a mortgage and entering retirement debt-free is changing. According to UK Finance, first-time buyers are now entering the market later, around age 33 on average.

https://dtbinvestments.co.uk/2026/09/16/a-new-shape-to-homeownership/

If you are thinking about your pension, reviewing your investments or looking at mortgage options and want to explore what is possible, you can reach us on 01384 397260 or at [email protected]

25/09/2026

Changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT) are leading more people to rethink how they pass on wealth. In particular, the tax efficiency of pensions needs to be considered as they will start to fall within the IHT net from April 2027.

https://dtbinvestments.co.uk/2026/09/16/why-is-life-insurance-back-in-focus/

If you are thinking about your pension, reviewing your investments or looking at mortgage options and want to explore what is possible, you can reach us on 01384 397260 or at [email protected]