Five charts to start your day

Good morning! It's my last week in London before I head back home to Switzerland. It's a bit weird to say “head back home”, as I'm originally from London.

One of the benefits of being away from your native country is that you notice change. The biggest I’ve noticed is just how expensive the UK has become. And I live in Switzerland!

I’m going to share with you a piece I did recently for one of my clients, Interactive Investor, that expresses this story.

As always, the first chart is free, but the rest is for paid subscribers. Here is what is coming up:

1. Housing costs in the UK are now at their highest in 30 years

2. The ECB’s recent rate hikes might push the eurozone into recession

3. The regional banking crisis in the US visualised

4. Is there a cost of living crisis in the US?

5. Hip-hop rules modern music, but physical albums still rock

Ok, let’s begin…

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1. Housing costs in the UK are now at their highest in 30 years

Source: Interactive Investor, https://www.ii.co.uk/analysis-commentary/uk-household-costs-rocket-highest-30-years-ii528542

• UK household costs are currently at their highest level in 30 years, impacting younger generations who are struggling to manage expenses while dealing with high housing costs and mortgages.

• The three major expenses – housing, food, and energy – consume 66 percent of the average income, leaving only 34 percent for other costs and taxes.

• While housing costs have risen significantly, food expenses have decreased over the past 50 years, and the current economic environment suggests that high housing costs could persist, potentially leading to challenging financial situations for households.