As you can see from the accompanying table, global markets staged an encouraging rebound this week, with renewed investor optimism helping to drive gains after U.S. stocks wobbled on Monday. Signs of easing trade tensions provided a key source of support.

Markets have lacked clear direction this week, as a period of relative calm settled over the economic data landscape. With fewer surprises on that front, investor focus shifted toward upcoming earnings from major corporations and the release of key economic indicators that’s kept them cautious so far.

Almost a quarter of UK workers (23%) have had to borrow money from family and friends in the last year because of money worries, and almost a fifth have taken on debt (18%). It seems financial worries have become the new normal. With almost 14.6 million UK adults not coping financially or finding it difficult to cope, many are looking for ways to help ease the strain on their finances.

Money worries are having a detrimental impact on the workplace with our latest research finding that 40% of employees believe that it affects work performance by causing increased stress levels. One in ten (10%) say it has led to increased sick days.