🌍 Money Moves Weekly: Issue #2 – 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 Cracks Down on Crypto ATMs—And Plans to Sell £5 billion in Seized BTC

What happened: The UK government confirmed it will sell roughly £5 billion of confiscated Bitcoin and USDC, while regulators raided and removed illegal crypto ATMs across London.
Simply put: If you thought crypto was unregulated in the UK, you thought wrong. Authorities are stepping in hard.
Lesson: Enforcement is real, anyone handling or operating crypto services without proper registration is on notice.
[Read more →]CoinGeek

2. 🏠 Property: UK House Prices Fall Sharply in July—Biggest Drop in 20+ Years

What happened: UK asking prices fell 1.2% in July to around £373,700, the steepest July drop since records began. Inner London saw the sharpest falls (≈ 2.1%).
Simply put: Increased supply and reluctant buyers gave sellers the nudge they needed to reduce prices.
Lesson: Buyers get leverage, don’t overpay, negotiate hard, and wait for better mortgage conditions.
[Read more →]Reuters

3. 📈 Stocks: FTSE 100 Hits New High Above 9,000

What happened: The FTSE 100 closed above 9,000 for the first time, buoyed by rising mining stocks and overseas revenue from large caps.
Simply put: UK stock markets are powered by global industries, energy and mining firms are doing well even as the domestic economy slows.
Lesson: Dividend-heavy FTSE stocks may offer resilience when UK growth lags.
[Read more →]MoneyWeek

4. 💹 Forex: Sterling May Stay Weak Despite Headlines

What happened: The ECB held rates steady at 2%, and Goldman Sachs flagged potential GBP weakness ahead, despite decent UK inflation and jobs data.
Simply put: Even good news in the UK might not offset global pressures and dollar strength.
Lesson: If you’re working, saving or investing in GBP, consider hedging or diversification.
[Read more →]The Motley Fool

5. 🖼️ Collectables / Art: Art Market Faces Recall—High-End Holding, Mid-Level Squeezed

What happened: Despite a 3% global volume uptick, auction sales of works priced $10m–$100m dropped over 45%. Dealers in London report significant recalibration.
Simply put: Big names still fetch top money, but mid-tier art is stuck. The market is rebalancing.
Lesson: Be cautious investing in art, focus on proven quality or undervalued niches, not speculation.
[Read more →]theartnewspaper.com

6. 🍷 Alternative: Wine Market Slows After Pandemic Surge

What happened: The Liv‑ex fine wine index dipped around 1% in June, continuing a year of modest declines as pandemic sales fade.
Simply put: Fine wine isn’t immune to changing appetite—investors are less enthusiastic as people go back out.
Lesson: Alternative assets require active management and long-term strategy.

7. 💰 Savings: Hidden Bank Bonus Deals Still Flying Under the Radar

What happened: Halifax and Lloyds continue offering the £150 switching bonus to new customers—many haven’t claimed it yet.
Simply put: It’s literally free money. You switch, meet the criteria, and they pay you £150—tax free.
Lesson: Regularly check switching bonuses and cashback deals before settling with any bank.

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