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Clear, carefully checked UK money guidance, in plain English.
Daily market updates, ISA and tax explainers, pensions, property and small-business know-how — written for UK savers and investors.
FTSE 100 · 1 month
+0.38% today
10,881.90
Prices may be delayed.
Today's Market Updates
ArchiveNikkei
65,324.29
▲ +1.39%
Hang Seng
24,186.83
▲ +0.52%
DAX
25,622.61
▲ +0.95%
Asia-Pacific and European markets mostly closed higher on Friday 16 October, with the Nikkei 225 rising 1.39% and the DAX gaining 0.95%.
18 Oct 2026, 09:15 (UK time)
FTSE 100
10,881.90
▲ +0.38%
FTSE 250
24,533.90
▲ +0.45%
£/$
$1.3333
▲ +0.45%
With markets shut for the weekend, the latest closing figures from Friday show both the FTSE 100 and FTSE 250 finishing higher, while AstraZeneca was the weakest of the stocks we track.
18 Oct 2026, 12:31 (UK time)
S&P 500
7,659.44
▼ -1.09%
Dow
52,002.41
▼ -0.34%
Nasdaq
26,140.03
▼ -2.15%
US markets closed for the weekend with all three major indices down on Friday, led lower by a 2.15% fall in the Nasdaq Composite, whilst the pound edged up against the dollar.
18 Oct 2026, 17:31 (UK time)
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Key UK money dates
31 October 2026
13days
Paper tax return deadline
Self Assessment paper returns for last tax year
31 January 2027
105days
Self Assessment online deadline
File online and pay any tax owed
6 April 2027
170days
New tax year · ISA allowance resets
Fresh £20,000 ISA allowance. From 6 April 2027, under-65s can put no more than £12,000 of it in cash ISAs (65+ keep the full £20,000)
31 July 2027
286days
Second payment on account
For Self Assessment taxpayers
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How to Build an Emergency Fund, and Where to Keep It in the UK
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How to transfer an ISA without losing its tax-free status
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Cash flow for small businesses: how to forecast, plan for tax bills and get paid on time
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The true cost of investing: how to understand and compare share-dealing and fund charges
Small percentages add up over decades. Here is how UK investment charges work, where they hide, and how to compare platforms sensibly.
Sinking Funds Explained: How to Plan for Irregular Bills So They Stop Derailing Your Budget
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