🌍 Money Moves Weekly: Issue #3 – 7 Smart Things You Missed (But Shouldn’t Have)

Money Moves Weekly is your Monday morning ritual, one must‑know story from each major money world. Just clarity, lessons, and financial knowledge.

1. 🪙 Crypto: UK Seizes Seven Unauthorised Crypto ATMs, Makes Two Arrests

What happened: The FCA and Metropolitan Police raided four sites in southwest London, seized seven illegal crypto ATMs and arrested two individuals on suspicion of money laundering and unlicensed crypto exchange activity.
Simply put: Using or operating unregistered crypto ATMs in the UK now looks like a legal minefield. Authorities are cracking down hard.
Lesson: If you’re dealing in crypto services here, compliance isn’t optional—it’s essential.
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2. 🏠 Property: UK House Prices Regain Ground in July

What happened: Nationwide data shows UK house prices rose 0.6 % in July, following a drop in June, as wage growth and lower mortgage rates boosted affordability.
Simply put: The housing market isn’t collapsing—it’s steadying. Buyers may be feeling more confident—but don’t assume big jumps ahead.
Lesson: If you’re buying, don’t panic at dips or get greedy at gains. Negotiation still matters.
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3. 📈 Stocks: FTSE 100 Hits Near-Record High, Then Settles Slightly Lower

What happened: The FTSE 100 briefly crossed 9,190 before fading back to around 9,068 amid global tariff jitters and pharma weakness.
Simply put: Markets can sprint ahead on strong earnings, then slow when uncertainty shows its face.
Lesson: Profits are often made by those who stay grounded when the headlines go wild.
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4. 💹 Forex: Pound Logs Worst Monthly Drop in Nearly Two Years

What happened: Sterling fell about 3.75 % versus the dollar in July, the sharpest monthly dip since autumn 2023, amid dollar strength and persistent rate concerns.
Simply put: Even solid UK data won’t always protect the pound when global winds shift.
Lesson: Anyone saving, trading or earning in GBP should think seriously about hedging or diversifying.
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5. 🖼️ Collectables / Art: Lower-Tier Art Market Still Healthy, High-End Slows

What happened: Total global art sales declined 12 % year-on-year in 2024, yet the number of transactions rose 3 %, driven by collectors investing in sub‑£50,000 works.
Simply put: The top of the art world has cooled, but there’s growing appetite for accessible, emerging artists.
Lesson: If you collect or invest in art, look down the ladder—not at the flashiest headline names.
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6. 🍷 Alternative: Fine Wine Index Continues Gradual Slippage

What happened: The Liv‑ex Fine Wine 100 index slipped by 0.3 % over the past month—extending a wider YTD decline of around 5 %.
Simply put: The fine wine boom is cooling. If you bought at the top, be patient.
Lesson: Alternative assets demand long‑term thinking—and a realistic exit plan, too.
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7. 💰 Savings: Banks Are Quietly Offering Up to £310 to Switch Accounts

What happened: Several UK banks are rolling out switching incentives up to £310—for example, TSB (£310), First Direct (£175), NatWest (£125+£50), Barclays (£175+)—the Current Account Switch Service makes it easy.
Simply put: Banks are paying you to move your account. It’s legal, simple and tax‑free.
Lesson: Set literally 15 minutes aside once a year—that’s time well spent for a few hundred pounds in your pocket.
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