CNBC's UK Exchange newsletter: Reeves of Britain presents a perplexing scenario amid mounting pressure from various fronts
Upcoming Budget Announcement: Rachel Reeves, the U.K. Chancellor of the Exchequer, is set to unveil her second Budget on November 26, amidst a backdrop of significant leaks and public speculation regarding potential tax increases or spending cuts to address a fiscal shortfall of £25-30 billion.
Market Reactions and Economic Impact: The uncertainty surrounding the Budget has led to fluctuations in the housing market and business confidence, with reports of declining property prices and profit warnings from construction firms due to concerns over potential tax hikes.
Tax Policy Challenges: Reeves faces pressure to balance fiscal responsibilities while adhering to Labour's commitments, with various think tanks suggesting reforms such as freezing benefits, altering property taxes, and addressing high marginal tax rates that could hinder economic growth.
Political Dynamics: The Labour Party's left wing is reportedly resistant to spending cuts, complicating Reeves's ability to fill the fiscal gap, while recent reports indicate a significant U-turn on plans to raise income tax, reflecting the delicate balance of political and economic considerations.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Analyst Views on PWP
About PWP
About the author

- Currency Change Announcement: Compass has announced that starting April 1, 2024, it will change its share trading currency from GBP to USD, aiming to reduce foreign exchange volatility and simplify the investment case for global investors, which is expected to enhance its appeal in international markets.
- Revenue Source Insight: With approximately 75% of Compass's revenue denominated in dollars, this currency shift will align its financial reporting with market performance, thereby boosting investor confidence and potentially attracting more international investments.
- Market Reaction: Despite Compass's commitment to continue paying dividends in GBP, concerns about its potential migration to the New York Stock Exchange have intensified, reflecting a decline in investor confidence in the UK market, which could impact its stock price performance.
- Industry Trend: This decision by Compass mirrors actions taken by other large multinationals like InterContinental Hotels Group, indicating a growing trend among UK companies to adopt USD as their trading currency to better align with global competitors.
- Significant Revenue Growth: Perella Weinberg Partners reported full-year revenues of $751 million and fourth-quarter revenues of $219 million, marking the third-highest revenue year in the firm's 20-year history, demonstrating strong business resilience amid market fluctuations.
- Innovative Talent Investment: The firm added 23 senior bankers in 2025 and two more partners in early 2026, indicating a proactive strategy in recruiting and promoting talent aimed at enhancing service quality and market competitiveness.
- Robust Shareholder Returns: In 2025, the company returned over $163 million to equity holders through dividends, RSU settlements, and share repurchases, retiring 6.5 million shares, reflecting strong capital management practices.
- Optimistic Outlook: Management expressed confidence in 2026, anticipating continued benefits from strong client demand and record-high business pipelines, particularly in large-scale M&A transactions, indicating significant growth potential ahead.
- Quarterly Dividend Announcement: Perella Weinberg Partners has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share, consistent with previous distributions, demonstrating the company's ongoing ability to maintain stable cash flow, which is likely to attract income-seeking investors.
- Dividend Yield: The forward yield of 1.3% reflects the company's appeal in the current market environment, potentially increasing investor interest in its stock, especially in a low-interest-rate context.
- Consistent Dividend Record: The company has now announced a $0.07 dividend for nineteen consecutive quarters, indicating consistency and stability in its dividend policy, which enhances investor confidence in its financial health.
- Shareholder Record Dates: The dividend will be payable on March 9, with a record date of February 17 and an ex-dividend date also on February 17, ensuring shareholders receive their dividends promptly, further solidifying the relationship between the company and its investors.
- Earnings Beat: Perella Weinberg Partners reported a Q4 non-GAAP EPS of $0.17, exceeding expectations by $0.07, indicating the company's ability to maintain profitability in a competitive market.
- Revenue Performance: The company's Q4 revenue reached $219 million, a 3.1% year-over-year decline, yet it surpassed analyst expectations by $47.36 million, demonstrating relative revenue stability amid challenging market conditions.
- Dividend Declaration: The Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.07 per share, payable on March 9, 2026, to Class A common stockholders of record on February 17, 2026, reflecting the company's commitment to shareholder returns.
- Market Environment Challenges: Despite facing year-over-year challenges, the company did not experience significant sequential declines, showcasing its resilience and adaptability in the current economic landscape.
- Earnings Beat: Shell has exceeded earnings expectations in five of the last eight quarters, notably reporting $5.4 billion in Q3 last year, surpassing the $5.1 billion forecast, highlighting its operational resilience amid falling oil prices.
- Share Buyback Program: The company has announced over $3 billion in share buybacks for 16 consecutive quarters, establishing itself as a best-in-class performer in capital discipline, despite the challenges posed by declining crude prices.
- Cost Control Targets: Shell raised its cost reduction target from $2-3 billion to $5-7 billion by 2028 and lowered its capital expenditure target from $22-25 billion to $20-22 billion, indicating a strong focus on maintaining financial health in a volatile market.
- Investment Enthusiasm in Nigeria: Shell's investments in Nigeria have reached $5 billion, including the Bonga North deepwater project and HI gas field, reflecting a strategic pivot towards the region that could enhance its global energy market position.
- Trade Relationship Review: In 2015, then-Chancellor Osborne predicted UK exports to China would exceed £30 billion, yet actual exports in 2020 were only £14.5 billion, a 39% drop from 2019, highlighting the significant impact of Brexit and the pandemic on trade.
- High-Level Visit Context: Starmer's trip marks the first visit by a UK Prime Minister since Theresa May eight years ago, aiming to reset relations with China and attract more investment to support the UK's economic recovery.
- Business Delegation Participation: Accompanying Starmer are executives from top UK firms like BP, Rolls-Royce, and AstraZeneca, underscoring the government's commitment to strengthening economic ties with China, particularly in the green energy sector.
- Human Rights Issues Addressed: Starmer is expected to raise human rights concerns with Xi, including the case of imprisoned Hong Kong businessman Jimmy Lai, indicating that while seeking to reset relations, the UK government remains attentive to moral and security issues with China.








