January saw the collapse of infrastructure giant Carillion. The knock on implications of the collapse will be substantial as Carillion held a number of government contracts including the building of the new Royal Liverpool Hospital as well as the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route.

Although Sterling has strengthened the FTSE 100 fell 2.01% through January to 7,533.55. UK inflation eased slightly in December to 3%, however the Average Weekly Earnings still lag behind at 2.4%. This means real wages are falling by 0.6%.

Oil has continued on its upward trajectory rising 3.02% to US$68.89 per barrel.

We expect 2018 to be an unpredictable year until there is a formal plan in place for Brexit.

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Nothing in this communication constitutes advice to undertake a transaction and professional advice should be taken before investing. Any observations are purely commentary on markets.  This material is not investment research and the content should not be treated as an offer or invitation to buy or sell securities. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results and is no guarantee. The value of investments may fall as well as rise. Changes in exchange rates between currencies can cause investments or income to go up or down.