The main focus next week could be the latest meeting minutes of the US rate-setting committee. Interest-rate watchers will be dissecting the notes to gauge the members’ sentiment for a possible cut in the Fed fund rate this year. Another report to watch could be the US June non-farm payroll numbers. Last month America added more jobs than the market was expecting. At 272,000, it was higher than the average gain of 232,000 over the last 12 months. The UK will go to the polls next week to elect its next government. The consensus is that Labour will win with a significant majority. Opinion polls have been known to be wrong, though. Whatever the outcome of the General Election, tax rises look almost inevitable. Question is where the hammer will fall. Possible targets include capital gains tax, inheritance tax, fuel duty, pensions and even local taxes. The second round of the French election will take place on Sunday 7 July a week after...