Independent News – Summer 2025
Trump’s tariffs, IHT changes, a decade of pension freedoms and a lot more besides.
With summer well and truly with us, we are pleased to bring you our Summer 2025 newsletter.
The first quarter of 2025 has been anything but steady for global markets. With the arrival of President Donald Trump’s new administration in the United States, economic tensions have surged worldwide. Global stock markets have been rattled as sweeping tariffs, intended to bolster the American economy, were introduced. While these measures may aim to stimulate domestic growth, on page 04, we consider their ripple effects that are reshaping global trade, inflation and investor sentiment.
The October 2024 Budget proposed sweeping changes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), significantly tightening the laws that were previously more forgiving for families with trading businesses and farmland. Effective from April 2026, these types of assets will now incur IHT at a reduced rate of 20% on valuations exceeding £1 million. On page 07, we consider why the changes are leaving many families scrambling to reassess their estate planning strategies.
Ten years ago, pension freedoms revolutionised how people access their retirement savings. These changes offered savers over 55 greater options to withdraw and manage their pension pots. However, a decade later, research indicates that many individuals are making critical financial decisions without seeking advice or fully understanding the tax implications. Read the full article on page 06.
There’s a whole host of other articles too, which we hope you find both interesting and useful. Click on the link below to read or download it.
As always, we are here to help and provide advice, so if you would like to discuss any of the matters raised, or if your circumstances have changed and you need financial advice, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Download Kellands summer newsletter 2025