As the economic situation appears to be easing at home, there is a sense that the global picture is generally improving too. Elsewhere, commodities have been the worst-performing asset class so far this year and despite some respite from positive Chinese economic data earlier this month, look likely to slide even further.

George Osborne must have felt like Harry Houdini last week after the UK economy escaped falling into the dreaded triple-dip recession so many people had feared. The view from the square mile is that Osborne must now turn this modest growth into a sustainable recovery.

A nation remembers Baroness Thatcher – acknowledged as the force behind the most significant economic reforms in post-war Britain and a formidable political figure. The Iron Lady earned her place in history, not least for being the first female Prime Minister. Her legacy continues to inform today’s politics and today’s Britain.

Britain’s economy is growing less than expected; borrowing remains sky high and ratings agency Fitch has the country on negative watch. Yet it seems as though the Coalition has emerged with some credit from last week’s budget.

This month Zak interviews self proclaimed spread betting guru Vince Stanzione.

The primary problem however with stops is the knowing just where to place them. But the purpose of this piece is not to suggest at what percentage level a stop should be placed. No, the idea behind this is to illustrate one prime trading strategy where a stop loss can actually be detrimental to your account.

In terms of commodities, gold is on its worse monthly streak for 16 years. Elsewhere, the eurozone came back to life after Italy failed to choose a clear winner in its general election.

The more regular readers amongst you will know that I hold a lot of participants in the financial markets industry in extremely low regard. This is not without reason or experience however.

A currency war is essentially a competitive devaluation of a country’s currency relative to others or against a basket of currencies in an attempt to boost exports (external demand) and so add impetus to that country’s industry. It is, traditionally, the easiest way to become competitive…

Many of these traders shocked the world by virtue of the sheer magnitude of their losses and all ended up in prison. The one common theme from each of the trader’s stories is hubris – an all too common human emotion. That coupled with greed, ego and inability to accept that they are wrong were the other common ingredients.