13:35 · 26 March 2025

Spring Statement: Market Reaction

Join our research director, Kathleen Brooks at 13:00 GMT here

The Chancellor has said that this is not a fiscal event, however, she is expected to announce a swathe of spending cuts that have been well signaled in recent days. Big cuts are expected across government budgets, the civil service is expected to see a large reduction in costs and in personnel, and £5bn is expected to be shaved off of the disability benefits bill. Reports suggest that there could be further cuts to benefits announced today, with some universal credit benefits frozen until 2030 in an effort to cut government spending.

The focus on spending cuts is designed to help Reeves rebuild her fiscal headroom, which has been eroded by a sharp reduction in the Office for Budget Responsibility’s forecast for UK growth.

 

Kathleen Brooks

Research Director UK

Kathleen Brooks is XTB's UK research director with over 20 years of experience working across financial markets. She started specialising in the foreign exchange market before moving into retail trading. Her analysis is widely respected, and she is City AM's Analyst of the Year 2026. Kathleen's analysis is regularly featured across print, digital and broadcast media. She is frequently on BBC, Sky News, LBC and other global media outlets. Her analysis on the economic impact of Brexit, major IPOs, and global economic trends has positioned her as one of the UK's top financial analysts and commentators. 

Go to the expert 
21 August 2026, 14:47

BREAKING: Strong US Service PMI 🔥EURUSD stays flat ↔️

21 August 2026, 11:45

⚪Silver tests $70 and breaks key resistance

21 August 2026, 09:03

BREAKING: European PMIs stronger than expected 🔼 EURUSD approaches 1.17 level

21 August 2026, 07:21

Economic Calendar: Batch of PMI reports will move attention away from bonds? (21.08.2026)

This content has been created by XTB S.A. This service is provided by XTB S.A., with its registered office in Warsaw, at Prosta 67, 00-838 Warsaw, Poland, entered in the register of entrepreneurs of the National Court Register (Krajowy Rejestr Sądowy) conducted by District Court for the Capital City of Warsaw, XII Commercial Division of the National Court Register under KRS number 0000217580, REGON number 015803782 and Tax Identification Number (NIP) 527-24-43-955, with the fully paid up share capital in the amount of PLN 5.869.181,75. XTB S.A. conducts brokerage activities on the basis of the license granted by Polish Securities and Exchange Commission on 8th November 2005 No. DDM-M-4021-57-1/2005 and is supervised by Polish Supervision Authority.