UK dividends have enjoyed a spectacular start to the year and are expected to continue growing despite the ongoing Middle East conflict. Payouts soared 21.1% to an impressive £16.4 billion in the first three months, according to Computershare*.

Investors often gravitate to large, well-known funds with recognisable brand names. There is security in familiarity. However, smaller, under-the-radar funds can pack a big punch. More nimble than their larger peers, they can reach parts of the market that others cannot.

Investors broadly like bonds because they solve three problems at once – they deliver an income; they traditionally offer diversification from equities; and they also have relative ease of access.

Chelsea Financial Services has had a long, established relationship with the press, and you can see some of these articles from 2026 here.

Markets have been on a strong run, with the MSCI World index up over 7% in the past three months alone*. Yet, while this should be welcome news, the recent surge has left some investors questioning whether the rally can keep up its momentum.

Global stock markets are starting to diversify. We believe a number of factors are likely to become more important.

The FTSE 100 briefly topping the symbolic 9,000 level has got a few pulses racing. Are investors finally starting to appreciate the overlooked charms of the UK stock market?

Technology companies have delivered bumper returns over the past few years due to the enthusiasm for anything linked to artificial intelligence.

The US is still facing a crippling debt burden, higher inflation (from tariffs) and slower growth. Share prices appear, at best, optimistic. 

World Population Day falls on 11th July 2025. It was created by the United Nations with the aim of raising awareness about world population issues.