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Welcome to our August newsletter
It’s been an exciting few months for the Wealth Planning team at IPS Capital. Our commitment to delivering exceptional financial planning has been recognised with shortlists for the CISI Certified Financial Planner of the Year Award, the Moneyfacts Awards in both the Tax & Estate Planning Adviser of the Year and Retirement Adviser of the Year categories, and the Advice Firm of the Year (AR) category at the Money Marketing Awards 2026. While awards are never our goal, it’s rewarding to see the dedication of our team and our client-first approach recognised by our industry. We remain focused on what matters most: helping our clients make confident financial decisions through trusted advice and long-term relationships.
In this edition, we look at why betting against the resilience of the US economy continues to be a costly mistake for many investors, explore what the widest performance gap between investment managers in decades tells us about today’s markets, and examine what the latest Pension Commission report could mean for those approaching retirement.
We hope you find this month’s articles both informative and thought-provoking, and if you’d like to discuss any of the topics covered, we’re here to help.
Don’t bet against the US economy
If there’s one lesson investors have been reminded of over the past few years, it’s this: writing off the US economy has been an expensive mistake.
Time and again, forecasts of an imminent slowdown have been pushed back. Despite higher interest rates, geopolitical tensions and stubborn inflation, the US economy has continued to show remarkable resilience. While there are still valid concerns (from the strength of consumer spending and the growth of private credit to the impact of AI on jobs) the bigger picture tells a more encouraging story.
The key question is whether these risks are already reflected in today’s economic data. When you look beyond the headlines, the evidence on growth, employment and corporate earnings suggests an economy that remains fundamentally strong. That resilience could continue to provide a supportive backdrop for equities, even as many investors remain cautious.
Could the biggest investment mistake today be underestimating the resilience of the US economy…
When the tide goes out: Navigating the widest performance gap we have ever seen
Periods of market volatility have a way of separating what really works from what doesn’t. Over the past few months, we’ve seen one of the widest gaps in performance between portfolio managers in decades. That raises an important question: are the investment approaches that worked in the past still the right ones for today’s market?
The investment landscape is changing. The structural shifts, rather than the usual ups and downs of the economic cycle, are increasingly driving returns. From the rapid adoption of AI to changing competitive dynamics across industries, some investment strategies have adapted and thrived, while others have struggled to keep pace.
What does the Pension Commissions Report mean for you?
For years, generous pension tax relief has been one of the most effective ways for higher earners to build wealth for retirement. But with the cost of these incentives now under increasing scrutiny, the government’s latest review suggests the current rules may not remain as generous for much longer. If you’re approaching retirement, particularly as a higher or additional rate taxpayer, it’s worth understanding what could change and why the current system is firmly in policymakers’ sights.
Making an introduction
Many of our new client relationships begin with a simple introduction from someone who already knows and trusts us. We never take those recommendations for granted because choosing someone to manage your wealth is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make.
We’re incredibly proud that 96% of our clients say they would recommend IPS Capital to their family, friends or colleagues. For us, that’s the strongest endorsement we could receive and reflects the long-term relationships we’ve built through personalised advice, clear communication and a genuine commitment to helping our clients achieve their goals.
Our clients describe their experience:
“Anne McClean has been providing me with financial planning advice for the last 20 years. She has developed an excellent and comprehensive investment strategy for my wife and I. I would have no hesitation in recommending Anne to anyone seeking a sound financial planner.”
“Lucy is fab, very open and clear in her advice and goes over the basics for anything we don’t understand. Very glad we’ve found her!”
This is issued by IPS Capital LLP of 4 Eastcheap, London EC3M 1AE; a limited Liability Partnership registered in England OC328405 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It is issued in the UK only. This publication does not constitute advice and is for information purposes only. You should not make any investment decision based on this information alone. The information contained herein is correct to the best of our knowledge and we may not be held liable for any errors or omissions. This information is based on current information in respect of UK Pensions. IPS Capital LLP does not offer tax advice and you should seek professional tax advice for your own circumstances. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and you may not receive back the full amount of your original capital.
