Today (October 9th 2024) we were delighted to host our regular ‘Masterclass’ event for professional advisors. Max McKechnie of JP Morgan Asset Management delivered an outstanding presentation that brought together a dynamic mix of lawyers, accountants, and finance professionals.
The event, held at our office in Hale was packed out as attendees gathered to glean insights and engage in discussions about the current and future economic landscape.
Focus on the 2024 US Election
At the heart of the discussion was the upcoming 2024 US election, a pivotal event poised to influence global markets. Max McKechnie, the keynote presenter, broke down key economic indicators, starting with the US labour force data. He highlighted the changing dynamics in employment, particularly over the past 12 months, and examined the ongoing effects of inflation on various sectors.
Insights into Europe, China, and Japan
While the US took centre stage, Max also provided a global perspective, offering valuable insights into Europe, China, and Japan. In Europe, the discussion centred around shifting consumer behaviour, especially in the wake of rising energy costs. The manufacturing sector, in particular, continues to face significant headwinds, with the EV sector in particular grappling to compete for market share against stiff competition from China.
China’s economic slowdown and Japan’s economy were also points of focus. Max emphasised that both economies are experiencing unique challenges that are being closely monitored by JP Morgan.
Upcoming UK Budget
Of particular interest to UK-based professionals was the discussion surrounding the forthcoming Budget announcement later this month. With the Labour government recently installed, the market is closely watching for fiscal policies that could affect everything from corporate taxes to public spending. Attendees were keen to understand how these policies might shape the business environment for the foreseeable future.
Networking for Professionals
Beyond the presentation, our event always provides a valuable opportunity for networking and knowledge sharing.
Jonathan Young, director of Gresham Wealth Management, said:
“It was pleasing to see such a packed crowd at our breakfast event. It’s all part of our drive to connect with professionals, learn from each other, and network. We’d like to thank Michael and Max at JP Morgan and everyone who attended.”
Morven Millar, director of Gresham Wealth Management added:
“The enthusiasm in the room shows that there’s a real appetite for these types of discussions. The insights we gain from events like this not only keep us informed but help us better advise our clients and make strategic decisions.”
As the breakfast wrapped up, attendees left with a deeper understanding of the current market landscape and fresh connections in the professional community. Our breakfast masterclass event once again proved to be a popular event – thank you to everyone who attended.
For more information on upcoming Gresham events contact [email protected]