May 15, 2025

Investment market update: July 2025

The US struck trade deals with several countries in July 2025, leading to markets rising and putting an end to some of the uncertainty that had plagued investors for months. Read on to find out what else may have affected your investments recently.

While it might seem like 2025 has been a poor year for investors, due to geopolitical tensions and trade wars, the figures paint a different picture.

In the first half of 2025, the FTSE 100, an index of the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, gained 7.2%. It’s the best performance in the first six months of the year since 2021. The data shows how markets often bounce back following short-term market movements, as the index fell sharply in April due to US tariff announcements.

Remember, while markets typically deliver returns over a long-term time frame, they cannot be guaranteed, and it’s important to invest in a way that reflects your risk profile and goals.