30th March 2026
Weekly Roundup 27.03.26
Hi Ladies,
Markets are still moving. Oil prices, interest rates and global tensions are all in play. But there’s a noticeable pause in momentum as investors take stock of what’s already happened this year.
And sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed.
Not every week is about reacting or repositioning. Some weeks are about stepping back, reassessing and making sure your strategy still makes sense.
That applies to markets. And it applies to how you manage your money.
Here’s what actually matters this week.
When you invest, your capital is at risk.
A word from Ayesha…
Before we look at how the markets have been performing this week, Propelle Founder & CEO, Ayesha Ofori, shares a reflection on stepping back, taking a break and why clarity often comes when you stop trying to do everything at once.
Greetings from Kenya
I’m writing this from Kenya. On a meditation retreat.
I’ve always been what others call a “workaholic.” But to me, it’s about my character. When I decide to do something, I go ALL OUT. I give everything I have to achieve it.
Building Propelle. Raising two kids. Writing a book. Running a household. Often that means I’ve neglected myself. Apparently overwork can manifest as physical symptoms – so I’ve taken a few days to pause and reset. (Though I still found time to write this newsletter. Old habits.)
The Lesson
Here’s what’s hit me while sitting in silence: the same principle that makes good investment strategies also applies to life.
Good investment strategies work even when you’re not watching them. Actually, they often work BETTER when you’re not watching them. Because you’re not making emotional decisions based on daily noise.
I’ve built Propelle to work even when I’m not there every second. The investments are diversified. The strategy is sound. The systems run without me micromanaging every detail.
I can keep this pace – I just need to remember to pause and breathe every now and then.
Your Health IS Your Wealth
If you’re too exhausted to think clearly, you make bad money decisions. If you neglect your health, the costs eventually catch up with you.
Your health is your wealth-building engine. And engines need maintenance. What’s the point of building wealth if you can’t enjoy it?
Sometimes Doing Nothing IS the Strategy
The world doesn’t fall apart when you step away.
Propelle is still running. The markets are doing whatever markets do. My investments are working even though I’m not checking them.
Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is nothing.
Let your investments work without constant interference. Let your body rest without guilt. Let systems do what they’re designed to do.
Your strategy – whether it’s for your business, your investments, or your life – should include rest. If you’re only productive when you’re running at 100% every single second, you’re leaving performance on the table.
Check on yourself the way you’d check on your portfolio. Are you managing risk? Are you building something that can last?
Your future self will thank you. And your portfolio will be just fine.
When you invest, your capital is at risk.
Top 5 Market Headlines of the Week
Here are some of the biggest headlines we’ve seen this past week.
🛢️ Oil prices remain elevated as geopolitical tensions persist
Oil prices stayed high this week as markets continued to monitor conflict in the Middle East and the potential for supply disruption.
🏦 Bank of England expected to hold rates as inflation proves sticky
Policymakers are expected to keep rates unchanged as inflation remains above target and economic signals remain mixed.
📊 UK economy shows modest growth despite pressure
Recent data suggests the UK economy is stabilising, though growth remains slow and uneven across sectors.
📈 Gold holds near record levels as investors seek stability
Gold prices have remained elevated as investors continue to look for safe-haven assets during periods of uncertainty.
🌍 Global stocks steady as investors pause after recent volatility
Global markets have remained relatively stable this week as investors digest recent economic data and geopolitical developments.
Sources: FT, BBC, Guardian, CNBC, Bloomberg
When you invest, your capital is at risk.
Little learn of the week
💡 Little Learn of the Week:
Why doing nothing is sometimes the right move
There is a common belief that successful investing requires constant action. Buying, selling, reacting.
In reality, some of the best decisions investors make are the ones where they choose not to act.
If your portfolio is well diversified and aligned with your long-term goals, reacting to every headline can do more harm than good.
Markets will move. News will change. But your strategy should not be rebuilt every time something new happens.
Taking a step back, reviewing your plan and staying consistent is often far more powerful than trying to respond to every shift.
Sometimes the most productive move is simply staying the course.
When you invest, your capital is at risk.
A quick reminder
With the end of the tax year approaching on 5 April, many investors are reviewing their plans and making sure they are using their ISA allowance.
It does not need to be a big decision. Even small, consistent contributions can make a meaningful difference over time
When you invest, your capital is at risk. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may change in the future.
Major Indices
Last Week’s Major Indexes
Before we dive in…
Indices are lists of major sections of a market. Basically, they give a gauge of the health of a certain financial market. You’ll see below the value of some major global indices, as well as how much it changed from opening, with a percentage.
FTSE 100 (UK): 9,955.84 -0.16%
S&P 500 (US): 6,407.68 -1.07%
Euro Stoxx 50 (Europe): 5,502.84 -1.13%
Nasdaq (US): 21,094.25 -1.47%
Dow Jones (US): 45,451.25 -1.11%
Accurate as of Friday 27th March 16:45 pm
If you invest, your capital is at risk
Mini Market Deep Dive
Why markets sometimes pause and why that matters
Not every market move is dramatic.
After periods of volatility or big headlines, markets often enter a phase where they pause. Investors reassess the situation, review data and adjust expectations more gradually.
This week feels like one of those moments.
Oil prices remain high. Inflation is still a concern. Central banks are cautious. But instead of sharp reactions, markets are processing all of this more slowly.
For investors, this kind of environment can feel uneventful. But it is often where long-term decisions are made.
Periods of calm or consolidation are not a signal to do nothing. They are a chance to check whether your strategy still aligns with your goals.
If you invest, your capital is at risk
Fear & Greed
The Fear & Greed Index is a way to gauge stock market movements and investor attitudes. The theory is based on the idea that excessive fear tends to drive down share prices, and greed tends to see share prices rise.
Whilst it’s based on the US, it matters to us in the UK because it helps us understand where general sentiment of the US market sits, which often has very close ties to other global markets and investment portfolios.
Fear and Greed Index
The index has moved from 31 to 24 moving into Extreme Fear Territory.
As always, we see this as a useful pulse check, not a forecast.
Keep your eyes open for next week’s index and how these market movements affect your finances and investments.
Source: CNN
If you invest, your capital is at risk and your investments can go down as well as up. Past performance is not an indicator of the future.
Have a great weekend!
Love, The Propelle team
PS: Full list of Sources available below.