Handelsbanken Insights Economic Update

A Democrat blue wave crashed across the United States in midterm elections that swept away Republicans' majority in the US Congress. Donald Trump still has two years to run on his presidency so what impact could the new power balance have on interest rates and the US economy? Plus, the Bank of England voted unanimously to raise base rate, does that mean more hikes are to come? Daniel Mahoney and our economics experts James Sproule and Johan Löf unpick the biggest economics stories in a special edition of the podcast.💙 Why not leave us a review if you've enjoyed this week's podcast?

There've been a few days now to digest John Healey's first budget. Our expert panel, UK Chief Economist James Sproule and Christine Ross, Head of Private Office North at Handelsbanken join Daniel Mahoney to discuss the major announcements (as well as what wasn't there), and what those mean for you.Why not subscribe to Handelsbanken Insights so that you don't miss an episode?

November 5 may have more fireworks than usual as the Bank of England releases its interest rate decision - the most closely-watched in some time.On this week's podcast, Daniel Mahoney and James Sproule discuss the many datapoints that will feed into the bank's decision including consumer confidence, inflation, and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Catch up in under 15 minutes.

With two economically significant events coming up on either side of the Atlantic, on this week’s podcast Sonia Rothwell is joined by Senior UK economist Daniel Mahoney and Global Head of Forecasting Johan Löf to discuss the UK budget and the US mid-term elections.What does the economic backdrop look like in the UK and what may and may not be included in John Healey’s budget speech?Plus, as Republicans defend a congressional majority on November 3, the political cliche – it’s the economy stupid – is more relevant than ever. We’ll take a health check on the US economy.Why not drop us a review wherever you listen?

The party conference season is over for 2026 but Labour and the Conservatives both set out some eye-catching economic policies for voters. On this week's podcast Daniel Mahoney and James Sproule pick out some of the key ideas. Plus, is the UK housing market showing signs of life? Subscribe to Handelsbanken Insights wherever you're listening and please leave us a review.

Rises in bond yields across the UK, France and the US among other countries, have sparked concerns among economists, with some yields reaching generational highs. What's driving the movement and what could governments do to bring the exuberance under control?Plus, the UK's economic data is nonetheless looking slightly more upbeat - why is that and will it last?And as we wait to see if the government will move the threshold on its proposed "mansion tax", the team looks at how that and changes to inheritance tax could disproportionately hit families in certain parts of the UK.All on our regular podcast with Daniel Mahoney and James Sproule.Please leave us a review and let us know your thoughts on this week's topics.

On this week's podcast with Sonia Rothwell and James Sproule. The UK gets a mixed scorecard on growth prospects from the OECD – is it a fair assessment?With the UK budget only a month away, pressure is mounting on Chancellor John Healey as the economic data is showing good and bad news. What should he pay most attention to?And home ownership has long been the dream of many – we’ll look at data which shows that lenders are offering higher levels of loans, a trend that started just after the global financial crisis.

The Bank of England held base rate as predicted so thoughts now turn to what its next move will be. In this week's podcast with Daniel Mahoney and James Sproule, the team discusses what is likely to shape November's decision. Plus, the bank also announced a surprise change to its regular quantitative tightening activity. James explains what that was and what it means. And how has the UK suddenly become more productive?Listen now to find out.

Daniel Mahoney, James Sproule and Johan Löf talk about the cautiously positive thinking behind the latest Global Macro Forecast, our flagship research report which is published three times per year.Download and read it here.Do you agree with the outlook analysis?

Our weekly podcast is back for the autumn.Since our last episode the UK has gained a new prime minister and new chancellor but some problems haven't changed much since July.In this week's opening episode, James Sproule and Daniel Mahoney look at the current issues heating up global bond markets. They also turn their attention to commercial property where higher gilt yields have squeezed the premium commercial property typically enjoys over them. What could happen next to valuations and yields? 🎧 Listen in to find out.