Ahead of the upcoming budget, journalists will fill many column inches speculating what the chancellor may or may not do, should or shouldn’t do. Instead of speculating, here’s what the government’s finances actually look like, and a helpful rule of thumb.
Trade policy risk, the government’s finances and rising defence spending have shaped financial markets this year. With the first half of the year behind us, now is a good time to reflect on the remainder of 2025. What long-term options does the Chancellor of the Exchequer have to stimulate investment in her Autumn Budget? And after its August interest rate cut, what role can the Bank of England play?
