By mid-August, the UK had already generated 14.1 TWh of solar electricity, surpassing the entire 2024 figur
Each week, we provide you with the latest news that may impact the market and, consequently, your investments. Stay informed with Compare Wealth Managers. Here’s what investors should know:
British Solar Power Surges Past 2024 Total
According to the Financial Times, by mid-August, the UK had already generated 14.08 TWh of solar electricity, surpassing the entire 2024 figure. That’s enough to power 5.2 million homes, with capacity up 20% year-on-year. With record sunshine and growing capacity, solar is becoming a cornerstone of Britain’s energy transition.
Investor Insights:
- Infrastructure Growth: Utility-scale solar and storage projects are drawing strong institutional inflows.
- Green Equities: Renewables and clean-tech firms are gaining relative value under policy support.
- Grid Resilience: Battery storage and grid upgrades present new investable themes.
- Thematic Allocation: Solar aligns with ESG, infrastructure, and long-duration growth portfolios.
UK Construction Hits Steepest Decline Since Covid
Via The Guardian, UK construction activity fell sharply in July, with the sector’s PMI dropping to 44.3 from 48.8 in June, its steepest decline since the pandemic. Housebuilding bore the brunt, raising concerns over supply shortages and the government’s housing targets.
Investor Insights:
- Housing Market Pressure: Supply constraints may push property prices higher.
- Mortgage & Lending Impact: Slowing new builds could reshape mortgage demand.
- Rental Demand: Fewer completions could boost rental yields, though with more regulatory risk.
- Diversification Plays: Some investors are reallocating toward infrastructure, REITs, or alternatives.
Are Defence Stocks the New Big Tech?
As reported by MoneyWeek, retail investors in the UK now rank defence and military industries ahead of AI as a growth theme. Rolls-Royce and BAE Systems have posted double-digit gains, as rising budgets and geopolitical volatility strengthen the sector’s appeal.
Investor Insights:
- Thematic Diversification: Defence offers a hedge against cyclical and tech volatility.
- ETF & Fund Access: New “future of defence” ETFs provide easier diversified entry.
- Budget Trends: Increased NATO and UK commitments underpin long-term order books.
- FX Considerations: Sterling strength versus dollar-based defence revenues shapes allocations.
Markets Summary (as of 22/08/25)
FTSE 100 Index: 9,312.73, up 3.53 points (+0.04%) (Via: ADVFN)
GBP/USD: 1.1609, up 0.0002 (+0.02%) (Via: WSJ)
Brent Crude Oil: $67.76 per barrel, up $0.09 (+0.13%) (Via: Reuters)
This brief is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always consult a qualified adviser before making investment decisions.
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