Update: September 2017 – Industrials
Inflation in August jumped to its joint-highest level since the vote to leave the European Union last year, as Brexit continues to push up the cost of living in the UK. Following this jump, the latest Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting signalled that a hike in Bank Rate as soon as November was now a realistic possibility. Provided that this hike materialises, it would be far earlier than economists and financial markets had been expecting.
Despite the ongoing uncertainty with Brexit negotiations, business and consumer activity appears to be more buoyant than many investors had expected. Commercial property remains a popular asset class and the overall fundamentals remain attractive. Further, market indicators suggest a strong second half for 2017, as the Tech & Media sector continues to drive take-up across central London and the regions.