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Biggest companies in Japan by market cap

Global cap giants

What are the biggest companies in Japan by market cap?

This list ranks the biggest public companies in the Japanese market by market capitalisation. We’ll also highlight other key figures, such as revenue, gross profit, and 1-year return. Key facts like the company's exchange, founding year, and country are also covered.

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1. Toyota Motor Corp.

Market cap: $246.8 billion
Revenue: $329.03 billion
Gross profit: $63.5 billion
1-yr return: +14.38%
Exchange: TSE
Year founded: 1937
Country: Japan

Designs, produces, and sells a wide range of vehicles across several brands. Their philosophy is key to their success, focusing on eliminating waste and continuous improvement (“kaizen”). This has built them a reputation for quality and long-term reliability.

Automotive sales: Largest source of revenue generated from sales of their core Toyota brand, their luxury division Lexus, and other brands like Daihatsu (small cars) and Hino (trucks).
Hybrid technology: pioneer of hybrid tech with the iconic Prius, with future strategy focusing on a diverse approach to electrification, and investment in next-gen electric cars and solid-state batteries.

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2. SoftBank Group Corp.

Market cap: $194.89 billion
Revenue: $25.74 billion
Gross profit: N/A
1-yr return: +137.88%
Exchange: TSE
Year founded: 1981
Country: Japan

A multinational conglomerate holdings company renowned for making huge, bold investments in the world’s boldest and most innovative tech companies.

Vision fund: one of the world’s largest venture capital funds, with multi-billion dollar investments in late-stage startups and public companies across sectors like Artificial Intelligence (AI), biotech, and fintech.
Arm holdings: its most valuable asset is its huge stake in the British firm that designs chips for most of the world’s smartphones, whilst maintaining interests in telecommunications and other technology assets.

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3. Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group

Market cap: $174.52 billion
Revenue: $81.70 billion
Gross profit: $8.28 billion
1-yr return: +59.18%
Exchange: TSE
Year founded: 2001
Country: Japan

Japan’s largest bank and one of the world’s leading full-service financial institutions.

Retail and commercial banking: serving millions of customers and businesses across Japan through its main banking unit, MUFG Bank, offering a full suite of services from deposits and loans to wealth management.
Corporate and investment banking: provides large-scale financing, treasury, and securities management services to multinational corporations and institutional investors globally.

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4. Sony Group Corporation

Market cap: $171.37 billion
Revenue: $85.36 billion
Gross profit: $25.13 billion
1-yr return: +60.77%
Exchange: TSE
Year founded: 1946
Country: Japan

A huge Japanese conglomerate that has evolved from a legendary electronics maker into a global entertainment and technology giant.

Entertainment empire: Sony Gaming produces the iconic PlayStation, Sony Music is one of the world’s largest record labels, and Sony Pictures produces major Hollywood films and TV.
Technology: leader in high-end consumer electronics like Bravia TVs and Alpha camera, but its most critical business is imaging and sensing solutions, where it is a world leading manufacturer of the camera sensors used in a majority of smartphones, including the iPhone.

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5. Hitachi Ltd.

Market cap: $130.93 billion
Revenue: $85.36 billion
Gross profit: $19.29
1-yr return: +18.35%
Exchange: TSE
Year founded: 1980
Country: Japan

An industrial conglomerate that’s evolved from a heavy industry giant to a technology leader focused on IT and social industry.

Digital systems and services: IT solutions for its business customers focusing on data storage, AI, and its ‘Lumada’ Internet of Things platform (connects physical machinery to digital analytics).
Green energy, mobility and connective industries: build and maintain critical infrastructure, from high speed rail, power grids, construction machinery and advanced automotive components.

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6. Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group

Market cap: $104.08 billion
Revenue: $64.18 billion
Gross profit: N/A
1-yr return: +33.19%
Exchange: TSE
Year founded: 2002
Country: Japan

One of Japan’s largest ‘megabanks’, SMFG is a major global financial institution and holdings company that operates globally in retail, corporate, and investment banking.

Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation: the group's main subsidiary, providing retail and commercial banking services to millions of individual customers and corporate clients across Japan.
Corporate and investment banking: serves multinational clients with project financing and trade finance, alongside its securities division, SMBC Nikko Securities, which handles brokerage and underwriting.

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7. Nintendo Co.

Market cap: $98.33 billion
Revenue: $10.12 billion
Gross profit: $5.04 billion
1-yr return: +65.57%
Exchange: TSE
Year founded: 1889
Country: Japan

World famous pioneer of the video game industry. The mastermind behind the Wii, DS, Switch and a range of iconic games.

Consoles and hardware: core focus of the business, having evolved from the iconic Nintendo 64 and GameCube, to the Switch and 3DS.
Games: some of the world’s most valuable entertainment intellectual property, such as Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Pokémon franchises, which are being expanded into movies and theme parks.

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8. Fast Retailing Co.

Market cap: $95.33 billion
Revenue: $22.75 billion
Gross profit: $10.80 billion
1-yr return: -2.63%
Exchange: TSE
Year founded: 1949
Country: Japan

Global fashion retail holding company that owns big names such as UNIQLO, GU, Theory and Helmut Lang.

UNIQLO: core business offering, operating thousands of stores worldwide. They focus on producing high-quality, functional and affordable basic apparel for a mass audience.
Other brands: focus on greater affordability through GU, and more premium offering through Theory.

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9. Keyence Corporation

Market cap: $92.19 billion
Revenue: $7.27 billion
Gross profit: $6.08 billion
1-yr return: -12.61%
Exchange: TSE
Year founded: 1972
Country: Japan

A global leader in the development and manufacturing of factory automation sensors, measurement systems, and other industrial electronics.

Tech: its core business involves creating high-tech products like sensors, vision systems, and laser markers that are essential for automating production lines in industries such as automotive, electronics, and food packaging.
Sales: the company is renowned for its unique direct-sales business model, where a highly-trained salesforce works directly with customers on-site to solve complex engineering problems, leading to exceptionally high profit margins and a deep understanding of market needs.

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10. Mitsubishi Corporation

Market cap: $88.25 billion
Revenue: $123.26 billion
Gross profit: $11.27 billion
1-yr return: +15.42%
Exchange: TSE
Year founded: 1950
Country: Japan

Japan’s largest general trading company, Mitsubishi is a vast conglomerate that trades in nearly everything and acts as a major global investor.

Commodities and products: traditional business trades everything from sourcing and distributing energy, metals and chemicals to food and machinery.
Strategic investor: takes significant ownership stakes in businesses and develops large-scale industrial projects, such as power plants, mining operations, and retail enterprises around the world.

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What are the biggest companies by total annual revenue?

Toyota Motor Corp.: $320.52 billion
Honda Motor Co Ltd.: $144.71 billion
Mitsubishi Corporation: $124.23 billion
Itochu Corporation: $98.18 billion
Mitsui & Co Ltd.: $97.78 billion

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What are the biggest companies by workforce?

Toyota Motor Corp.: 383,850
NTT Inc.: 341,320
Sumitomo Electric Industries Ltd.: 288,140
Hitachi Ltd.: 282,740
Japan Post Holdings Ltd.: 218,720

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Summary

Understanding a company's performance is crucial; it's how you truly know what you own. These metrics directly drive the value of your stocks and funds. When you understand these key drivers, you can navigate market changes with confidence, rather than just reacting to headlines.

Next we’ll be looking at the biggest companies in the USA by market cap.

All market data sourced from TradingView and company reports as of 06.10.2025.

Financial Times

The year the rich went wild for gold

Row upon row of gunmetal-grey boxes fill the floor-to-ceiling shelves of Sharps Pixley’s underground vault, concealing the glittering treasure packed inside. The vault in London is so full that the gold dealership is hunting for a site for a new one, says Giles Maber, head of UK at the company.

It is part of a global race to build vaults for precious metals from Switzerland to Singapore. This is a problem the industry doesn’t usually have — after all, gold takes up very little space, and a vault can last for hundreds of years. But the blistering rally in the gold price, which has doubled in the last three years, and accompanying surge of demand from wealthy individuals who insist on holding their gold in physical bar form, have prompted a small rush of activity in the normally sleepy vaulting sector.

At Swiss gold group MKS Pamp, chief commercial officer Omar Liess is looking to build a “substantial” vault specifically to cater to the group’s richest clients, so they can visit their gold in an elegant setting that he compares to a five-star hotel. “When people are leaving $200mn or more with us, we want to make sure we have the right infrastructure in place for them,” he says.

“We have seen a big rise in demand on this side in the past 12-18 months” for the group’s “white glove” service, he adds. This is for clients storing a minimum of $50mn worth of bullion, who can — and do — visit their gold, which is stored inside dedicated cages. “They want it as a safety net,” says Liess. “If for any reason the banking system collapses, at least they have this gold that is physically allocated and outside the banking system.”

That sentiment is one of the factors that helped drive gold to a record price of $5,595 per troy ounce earlier this year, up 104 per cent on 12 months before. Prices have cooled from the January peak but remain higher than a year ago. Heavy buying from central banks, fears about the future of the US dollar, investor concerns about public debt and geopolitical chaos have together created a frenzy of buying and selling gold unlike anything industry veterans have seen.
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Within this cocktail of motives, the stealthy purchases of the wealthy and their fixation with owning physical gold bars have prompted big changes in the niche segment of the market dedicated to private storage.

“We have six vault locations, and every single one of them we have to expand right now,” says Ludwig Karl, chief operating officer of Swiss Gold Safe, which provides bullion storage. It is not only about space — the insurance limit, which can be up to $5bn on a single vault, also creates the need for additional vaults, he explains.

In Switzerland, vault space is also becoming more constrained because many disused second world war military bunkers — which have since been a popular option for storing precious metals — are being pressed back into service by the country’s military, which is seeking to bolster its defences.

Maber, at Sharps Pixley, says its hunt for additional vault space has been prompted in part by growing participation from family offices and by clients switching from gold-backed exchanged traded funds into physical bullion. It is not ETFs that clients want now, he says: it is bars, it is coins.
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Despite the recent price volatility — gold was $4,638 per troy ounce at time of press — the faith of the rich in gold is, like the metal, untarnished. A recent survey of affluent investors by HSBC found that gold was one of the top assets they planned to increase their allocation of in the next year. Almost half planned to add to their holdings, and just 13 per cent to decrease.

Gold is particularly popular among wealthy Gen-Z investors, who typically hold 50 per cent more allocation compared with their boomer counterparts. “Gold could end 2026 as Gen Z’s leading non-cash asset, ahead of equities,” the report notes.

“The fact that the price is going down does not change the case for gold,” says Jean-Sebastien Jacquetin, managing partner at Hong Kong’s Cavendish Investment Corporation, a multi-family office. “There is a correction in the market, which is normal. But fundamentally gold is still highly in demand.” Some families he works with hold a quarter or even a third of their portfolio in gold. “This is a lot,” he acknowledges.

Jacquetin specialises in arranging gold deals directly between families, private transactions that are discreet and avoid impacting the wider gold market, known as an “over-the-counter” (OTC) deal. (OTC also includes other types of private transactions.) In the first half of this year, gold buying in the “OTC and other” category surged to 570 tonnes, the highest level in more than a decade and about a fifth of overall demand, according to data from the World Gold Council, an industry body.

Why has gold gone wild? The drive of the wealthy is only one part of the story in a market animated by different classes, from central banks to institutional investors to retail investors.

The historic rally began in 2022 when central banks stepped up their gold purchases after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Central banks in emerging markets were alarmed by the US seizure of Russian overseas assets and wanted to diversify away from their US dollar holdings, so they have been leading this trend.

At the end of last year, gold surpassed US Treasuries as the world’s top reserve asset, according to a report by the European Central Bank. While central-bank buying cooled somewhat last year and has cooled further this year, partly because of the high prices, many still see it as the single most important factor in the long-term bull case for gold.

Even as that buying was moderating, Trump’s second term in office was providing another source of interest. His policies have fuelled concerns about the size of the fiscal deficit and the long-term role of the US dollar, encouraging the so-called “debasement trade” — the idea that gold can be a hedge against the deterioration of the US dollar.

“What gold tells you is that, in general, people are concerned that we are heading towards a more fractured, less stable, less predictable world, where the US is seen as a less trustworthy partner — that US Treasuries are perhaps not what they were in the past,” says John Reade, market strategist at the World Gold Council.

One of the biggest proponents of the debasement trade idea has been the crypto group Tether, whose chief executive Paolo Ardoino once referred to gold as “natural bitcoin”. Tether has loaded up on gold, buying about 67 tonnes over the past year, according to its quarterly reports, bringing its holding to 146 tonnes, making it the largest single holder of gold outside central banks.

Another big contributor to the bullion rally has been retail investors, who have piled into gold and silver since last autumn as momentum picked up and drove both to record highs in January. But they have been fickle friends, selling off when the bubble popped, and their rapid exit has helped to drive gold down 17 per cent this year from its peak.

Not everyone was convinced the momentum was sustainable. It started building in the market from last summer, says Reade: “Every pocket of the gold market turned on to gold in a big way, and I’ve never seen the likes of that before . . . Back in January, it did look a bit wild.”

It is not just how much the rich are buying that has been making waves in the gold world, but also how they are buying it. This gets to the heart of their reasons for buying: the fear trade.

“Physical gold has become very in vogue,” says Stephen Flood, chief executive of GoldCore, a dealer that provides physical storage in eight sites globally. He notes that rich investors, who two years ago might have turned to financial products such as gold-backed exchange traded funds, are now much more interested in owning actual gold bars. “They want to have a highly liquid asset, but they also want to have it in multiple jurisdictions,” he says. “They want to be as close to the metal as possible, and they want as few intermediaries as possible.”

Wealthy investors also want their gold “allocated and segregated”, he says, referring to gold bars that are specifically assigned to their owners and stored separately, as opposed to bars that are part of a general pool. “They want it on the shelf.”

Pensions

When can I retire?

Accessing your pension

When can I retire?

You can technically retire at any age you choose, provided you have sufficient personal savings to fund your lifestyle. However, if you are relying on pension income, your retirement age is dictated by two government controlled access points:

Private pension age (currently 55): The age at which you can access your own pensions.‍
State Pension age (currently 66): The age the government starts paying your State Pension if you qualify. Please note: This is currently rising and will reach 67 by 2028. This change affects anyone born on or after 6 April 1960.

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The normal minimum UK pension age

The Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA) is the earliest age at which you can legally access your private or workplace pension savings without incurring a heavy tax penalty.

Until 5 April 2028: The NMPA is 55. (Access at 55 is only guaranteed if you reach that age and crystallise your funds before 6 April 2028).

From 6 April 2028, the NMPA will rise to age 57.

How the age increase affects you

The move from age 55 to 57 will affect you if you were born after 5 April 1973. If you fall into this group and are planning to start taking money at 55 or 56, you will need to adjust your plans, as you will generally not be able to access these funds until you reach age 57.

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What is a protected pension age?

A protected pension age is a ‘protected right’ attached to certain older pension policies that allows you to access your savings earlier than the Normal Minimum Pension Age (NMPA).

If you joined a specific pension scheme before 6 April 2006 that granted an ‘unqualified right’ to take benefits at an age lower than the current NMPA (such as age 50 or 55), you may be able to keep this right even after the 2028 age increase.

Important Considerations

This is a complex area of pension law and rules vary significantly between providers. Because your eligibility depends on the specific wording in your original policy deed, we recommend seeking professional financial advice. A qualified adviser can review your documents to:

Confirm if your protected age remains valid.
Ensure you do not accidentally lose this protection, for example, by transferring your pension to a different provider.

Because the rules depend on the specific wording in your policy deed, it’s recommended to seek financial advice from a professional. Qualified financial advisers can review your documents to confirm if your protection is valid and ensure you don’t accidentally lose it by transferring the pot.

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Can I withdraw my pension early?

You can usually only withdraw your pension before the minimum age if you are suffering from serious ill health or have a terminal diagnosis.

If you are physically or mentally unable to do your job (and in some cases, unable to do any job), you may be allowed to retire early and take your pension.
If you are diagnosed with less than one year to live, you can often take your entire pension pot as a tax-free lump sum if you are under 75.‍
If you withdraw money early for any other reason (e.g. just because you need the cash), it is classified as an ‘unauthorised payment’. The tax penalty is severe and HMRC will charge you up to 55% of the withdrawal amount.

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Do I have to retire to take my pension?

You do not have to stop working to start drawing money from your private or workplace pension. This process is often called ‘flexible’ or ‘phased’ retirement. You can:

Continue full time work and take some pension cash for a specific purchase (like paying off a mortgage).
Keep working part-time and use your pension to top up your lower salary.
Stop working entirely and live solely on your pension.

It’s worth noting that if you take taxable income from your pension while still working, your annual allowance (the amount you can save into a pension tax-efficiently) may drop from £60,000 to £10,000. This is known as the Money Purchase Annual Allowance (MPAA).

The tax-free lump sum

For many, an attractive feature of a pension is the ability to take a large chunk of cash completely tax-free. This is known as the ‘tax-free lump sum’, and understanding the rules around it and how it’s taxed is important for avoiding an unexpected bill. Learn more about the tax-free lump sum.

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Savings

Do I have to pay tax on my savings in the UK?

Rates, Tax & Economics

When it comes to managing your money, understanding the rules surrounding tax on savings interest is essential for making informed financial decisions.

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Understanding savings interest and tax

Savings interest refers to the money you earn from your savings accounts, which can include standard savings accounts, fixed-term savings, and cash ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts).

The interest you earn may be subject to tax, but there are several factors that determine whether you need to pay tax on your savings interest.

Please note that Chip does not offer tax or financial advice, and this should not be considered as a personal recommendation. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.

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Personal Savings Allowance (PSA)

The UK government introduced the Personal Savings Allowance (PSA) in April 2016. The PSA allows most people to earn a certain amount of interest tax-free each year. The allowance you receive depends on your income tax bracket:

Basic rate taxpayers (20% tax bracket): You can earn up to £1,000 in interest tax-free
Higher rate taxpayers (40% tax bracket): You can earn up to £500 in interest tax-free
Additional rate taxpayers (45% tax bracket): You do not receive a personal savings allowance.

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Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs)

One of the most effective ways to save tax-free is through an ISA. There are different types of ISAs — Stocks and Shares ISA, Lifetime ISA (LISA) and Junior ISA (JISA), to name three — but the most relevant for savers are cash ISAs.

The interest earned in a cash ISA (as with all other ISAs) is completely tax-free, regardless of your earnings, or how much you have saved in your ISA. Each tax year, you can save up to £20,000 tax-free, but most ISA accounts do not have a limit in terms of how much you can accumulate in total over the years.

Your annual ISA allowance of £20,000 can be placed in just one ISA or can be spread a number of them.

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Do you have to pay tax on your savings?

Whether you have to pay tax on your savings depends on the total interest you earn and the allowances available to you. Here are a some scenarios to showcase these variables:

Earning interest below the PSA: If the interest you earn from your savings is within your PSA, you won't have to pay any tax on it. For example, if you are a basic rate taxpayer and you earn £800 in interest, this is within the £1,000 PSA, and no tax will be due.
Earning interest above the PSA: If your interest earnings exceed your PSA, you will have to pay tax on the amount above the allowance. For instance, if you are a higher rate taxpayer and earn £600 in interest, you will need to pay tax on the £100 that exceeds your £500 allowance. This, as noted in the previous section, is not the case for money saved in an ISA.
Interest earned in ISAs: Any interest earned within an ISA is tax-free, and it doesn't count towards your PSA. This means you can maximise your savings by utilising ISAs effectively.

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How do you pay tax on savings?

If you do need to pay tax on your savings interest, HMRC will usually collect it automatically. This, however, is not always the case. Here’s how it works:

Through PAYE (pay as you earn): If you're employed or receive a pension, any tax due on your savings interest can be collected through the PAYE system. Your tax code will be adjusted to reflect the interest earned and the tax due.
Self-assessment tax return: If you complete a self-assessment tax return, you’ll need to include the interest earned on your savings. HMRC will calculate the tax that is due and notify you of both the need to pay tax, and when it needs to be paid by.

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When do you pay tax on savings?

Tax on savings interest is generally due at the end of each tax year, which runs from April 6th to April 5th of the following year. If HMRC collects the tax through PAYE, adjustments will be made throughout the year.

For those filing a self-assessment tax return, the deadline for submission and payment is usually January 31st following the end of the tax year.

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How to maximise your tax-free savings

To maximise your tax-free savings, it’s essential to understand how to strategically utilise your annual annual allowance, and put your money in accounts that will earn you the highest amount of interest.

Utilise your ISA allowance: Ensure you make the most of your £20,000 ISA allowance each tax year. Even if you only have a small amount to save, using your ISA can, potentially, provide you with tax benefits over the longer term.
Monitor your interest: Once you have maxed out your ISA allowance, keep track of the interest earned across all your savings accounts to ensure you stay within your PSA.
Consider high-interest accounts: If your savings are substantial, explore high-interest accounts and ISAs to maximise returns while minimising your tax liabilities.

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Conclusion

Whether or not you have to pay tax on your savings in the UK depends on your individual circumstances. This should not be seen as tax advice and you should seek independent advice if unsure on your tax status.

‍The PSA provides a buffer for tax-free interest, and ISAs offer a valuable means of saving without tax implications. By understanding and utilising these allowances and tax-free savings accounts, you can maximise your tax-free savings.

Savings

When does the Bank of England base rate change?

Rates, Tax & Economics

The Bank of England base rate, often referred to as the "Bank Rate," is a critical component of the UK’s financial system, influencing everything from savings and mortgage rates to the broader economy.

Understanding when and why the base rate changes can help you make informed financial decisions.

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Why the base rate is important

The Bank of England base rate is the interest rate at which commercial banks borrow from the central bank. It serves as a benchmark for interest rates across the economy, affecting lending and borrowing costs for consumers and businesses alike.

When the base rate changes, it can influence everything from mortgage repayments to savings interest rates and even the cost of borrowing for businesses.

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Factors that influence base rate changes

The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Bank of England, which meets for three and a half days, eight times a year, is responsible for setting the base rate. Several factors influence decisions:

Inflation: The primary goal of the MPC is to maintain price stability by targeting an inflation rate of 2%. If inflation is predicted to rise above this target, the MPC may increase the base rate to cool economic activity. Conversely, if inflation is below target, the base rate may be reduced to stimulate spending.
Economic growth: The MPC also considers overall economic health. Indicators such as GDP growth, employment rates, and consumer spending can influence decisions. During periods of economic slowdown, a lower base rate can help encourage borrowing and investment.
Global economic conditions: External economic factors, such as global financial markets and international trade dynamics, also play a role. Events like financial crises or significant changes in major economies can impact the UK’s economic outlook, prompting a reassessment of the base rate.
Financial stability: Ensuring the stability of the financial system is another critical consideration. The MPC evaluates risks to the banking sector and broader financial system, adjusting the base rate to mitigate potential threats.

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Who is in the MPC?

The MPC is composed of nine members. These members include the Governor of the Bank of England, three Deputy Governors, the Chief Economist, and four external members appointed by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

The composition has been designed to ensure a balance of internal Bank of England officials and independent external experts.

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When does the base rate change?

The Bank of England’s MPC meets eight times a year to review the base rate. These meetings are typically scheduled every six weeks, although extraordinary meetings can be called if economic conditions warrant immediate action.

The dates of these meetings are published in advance, allowing markets and the public to anticipate potential rate changes.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, the Bank of England’s website provides a schedule of upcoming MPC meetings and announcements.

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The impact of base rate changes

Changes to the base rate can have wide-reaching effects on various aspects of the economy and personal finance. These will affect people in different ways. A base rate change will always be greeted positively by some people and negatively by others. Key areas liable to be impacted by changes are:

Mortgages: Many mortgage rates are linked to the base rate. A rise in the base rate often leads to higher mortgage payments for those on variable or tracker rates. Fixed-rate mortgages remain unaffected until the end of the term, at which point a new rate will be set. This rate will be based on the prevailing base rate.
Savings: When the base rate increases, banks and building societies often raise interest rates on savings accounts, offering better returns to savers. Conversely, a reduction in the base rate can lead to lower savings interest rates.
Loans and credit cards: Borrowing costs for personal loans and credit cards are also influenced by the base rate. Higher base rates can result in more expensive borrowing, while lower rates make loans and credit cheaper.
Business loans: For businesses, changes in the base rate affect the cost of borrowing. Higher rates can increase operating costs, potentially impacting investment decisions and expansion plans.
Currency exchange rates: The base rate can also influence the strength of the pound. Higher rates tend to attract foreign investment, boosting the currency’s value, while lower rates can have the opposite effect.

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Preparing for base rate changes

Given the significant impact of base rate changes, it’s important to stay informed and prepared. Here are some steps you can take:

Monitor MPC meetings: Keep track of the MPC’s meeting schedule and be aware of the dates when decisions will be announced. Reputable financial news outlets will often provide analysis and predictions ahead of (and in the wake of) these meetings.
Review financial products: Regularly review your financial products, such as mortgages, savings accounts, and loans. Consider how base rate changes might impact your payments or returns, and explore options for fixed-rate products if you prefer stability.
Seek professional advice: If you’re unsure how potential base rate changes might impact your finances, consider consulting with a financial advisor. They can provide personalised advice based on your specific circumstances.
Stay flexible (where possible): Be prepared to adjust your financial plans in response to base rate changes. This might include refinancing a mortgage, switching savings accounts, or adjusting your investment strategy. It is generally recommended to speak to an expert prior to making any major financial decisions.

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Conclusion

The Bank of England base rate plays a crucial role in the UK economy, influencing a wide range of financial products and decisions.

By understanding when and why the base rate changes, you can better prepare for its impacts on your personal and business finances.

Stay informed, review your financial products regularly, and seek professional advice to navigate the complexities of interest rate fluctuations effectively.

Savings

What are the Different Types of Savings Accounts?

Find out more about our Cash ISA

Beginner

Accounts & Products

When it comes to saving money, it’s always important to choose an option that’s right for you. Understanding the different options available can help you choose the best account for your own savings goals.

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Easy Access Savings Accounts

‍These accounts are ideal for those who want to save money and earn interest on their savings, but also enjoy access to their money at any time. They allow customers to deposit and withdraw money at will, usually with no penalty. See our Chip Easy Access account.

Interest rates tend to be variable and can be changed at any time (usually with a notice period from the bank). They are a great option for getting interest on money you may want to spend immediately or may need to use because of an unforeseen expense.

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Cash ISA

‍An ISA (individual savings account), is a type of tax-free savings account that is available to UK residents. They allow customers to save money without having to pay tax on the interest earned.

They can be a great way to save for the long term and make the most of your money should earnings from other savings accounts mean you max out your personal savings allowance.

Chip does not provide tax advice. Tax treatment depends on individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.

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Regular Savings Accounts

‍A regular savings account is designed for customers who are looking to save a fixed amount of money on a regular basis. They tend to offer higher interest rates than other types of savings accounts in return for regular deposits. Calculate your savings goal.

They are a good option for those who want to save smaller amounts of money, but may not have a lump sum to deposit. However, there are usually restrictions on how much you can deposit and the number of withdrawals allowed, and customers may have to pay a penalty to access their funds. More savings accounts.

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Children’s Savings Accounts

‍These savings accounts are for children under the age of 18 and tend to offer higher interest rates than other types of savings accounts.

They are a great way for parents to help their children save money and learn about personal finance or for parents to start putting money aside for their children's future. Many children’s savings accounts also come with educational resources to help kids learn about saving and managing money.

Not available with Chip

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Fixed Rate Savings Accounts

‍These accounts offer customers a fixed interest rate for a set period of time. This is usually between one to five years. This type of account is ideal for those who want to lock in a high-interest rate and can leave their money untouched for a set period.

Fixed-rate savings accounts are ideal for people who want to save for a specific goal, such as a down payment on a house or a vacation. However, customers may not be able to access their funds during this period without incurring a penalty.

Not available with Chip

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Remember When Choosing a Savings Account

When looking for the right savings account, it’s important to consider the interest rate, any fees or penalties and any restrictions on deposits and withdrawals. Additionally, comparing different types of savings accounts can help you find one that suits your needs.

It’s important to consider your own savings goals when looking for the right account. Whether you’re looking for a high-interest account or a tax-free savings option, Chip offers a range of savings account for you.

Insights

The FTSE 100 is beating Bitcoin

Expert

Asset classes

This week the UK’s most famous index, the FTSE 100, reached fresh highs, closing above 9,500¹ and extending its year-to-date gains to around 15%, a standout in global equity markets.²

We picked out the FTSE 100 back in June for its notable performance, and it's taken that momentum into the Autumn.

While this isn’t a competition, the index of old British staples is having such a good year that it’s beating the young gun, Bitcoin, with its 2025 return trailing at around 10%*. And we all know which gets far more headlines.

* FTSE 100 and Bitcoin price accurate as of 15:45 on 23 October 2025 adjusted for dividends and currency. Source: Google Finance

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What’s pushing the FTSE 100 higher

Global asset manager Fidelity offered some key insight as to why the index is having such a strong year: ³

Strong defensive & diversified mix: The FTSE 100 is heavy on internationally-oriented giants in mining, energy, finance and defence that are benefiting from higher commodity prices and global volatility in areas like tech.
Relative value appeal: UK stocks in well-established brands look comparatively cheap to U.S. counterparts, making them attractive amid global uncertainty.
Easing external risks: Relief over U.S. trade policy, combined with resilient UK earnings and solid domestic data, has helped sentiment.

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Why it matters to you‍

‍Even in a year of tech-mania and crypto frenzies, it’s a good reminder that you don’t always need to chase the headlines – whether it’s Bitcoin or the latest surging tech stock.

Long-term growth doesn’t have to be flashy. Steady gains from global brands, dividends, and value stocks can build wealth just as well, and often with a lot less drama.

Sometimes, the solid returns and stability you’re looking for are closer to home, and in investing, the tortoise often beats the hare.

How Chip can help you take advantage

With Chip, you’ve got access to diversified index funds like the FTSE 100, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100, alongside other regions, themes and sectors.

Check out those fund options in the Invest tab in your app today and see how you could put your money to work today with a tax-free Stocks & Shares ISA or General Investment Account.

Behavioural investing & common mistakes

Investing basics

What is behavioural investing?

Behavioural investing looks at how emotions and psychological biases impact the decisions we make as investors.

Instead of always being rational, we’re often influenced by fear, greed, overconfidence, or herd mentality – all of which can lead to poor investment choices.

Even experienced investors fall into these traps. The key is recognising your own behavioural patterns and learning how to work with your psychology, not against it.

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Why does psychology matter in investing?

Investing is emotional. Seeing your portfolio rise feels great. Watching it fall? Not so much. But reacting impulsively to short-term market movements can quickly derail your long-term strategy.

When markets dip, panic selling can lock in any losses. When markets surge, FOMO can push people to chase risky trends, and the instant market coverage we can access is driving these trends.

Understanding how your brain responds in these moments can help you stay calm and make more rational decisions.

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The most common behavioural investing mistakes

Here are some of the biggest traps to look out for:

Panic selling – Selling your investments when markets fall, locking in losses and potentially missing out on the recovery.
Overtrading – Constantly buying and selling, thinking you can ‘time the market’. This often racks up fees and most of the time underperforms long-term strategies.
Confirmation bias – Only seeking information that supports what you already believe, and ignoring anything that challenges your view.
FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) – Jumping on hype trends or following the crowd into hot stocks without doing your own research.
Recency bias – Placing too much importance on recent events and assuming they’ll continue, like believing a falling market will never bounce back.

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How to avoid behavioral investing mistakes

If you want to avoid these common mistakes, make sure you:

Have a plan – Create an investment strategy that aligns with your goals, time horizon and risk tolerance, and stick to it – especially during periods of market noise.
Automate your investing – Using regular contributions and pound-cost averaging takes emotion out of the equation and helps you invest consistently.
Zoom out – Always take a long-term view. Markets fluctuate in the short-term, but historically, they trend upward over time.
Stay informed (not obsessed) – Stay educated, but avoid doom-scrolling financial news. Not every market dip needs a reaction.
Review, don’t react – Instead of making snap decisions, schedule regular check-ins on your portfolio to assess and rebalance if needed.

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Understanding investment fees & costs

When you invest through a platform, there are often platform fees charged to cover running costs. This is often a very small fee — with Chip, it’s 0.25% of your portfolio value (or 0% with a ChipX subscription*).

In addition to your platform fee, there will also be an ongoing management charge from the fund provider, if you choose to invest in investment funds.

The costs of these can vary, and generally, passive index funds are lower cost, and actively managed funds are a little more expensive, as someone is actively adjusting the funds investments.

We will go into investment fees and costs in more detail in the following guide.

*A monthly or annual ChipX membership fee is required and fund management charges apply.

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