The politics of investment?
So the Dow Jones pushed up again, breaching 40,000 and almost double its March 2020 pandemic low. At the depth of the financial crisis in 2009, it was 7,062. Still, you know my sentiments in the short-term here... what possibly could go wrong over there?
How are investments similar to politics?
Well, here’s one. Over the...
General Election issues for the markets?
A General Election looms! So the Dow Jones has pushed higher again, breaching 40,000 and almost double its March 2020 pandemic low. At the depth of the financial crisis in 2009, it was 7,062. Still, you know my sentiments in the short-term here... what possibly could go wrong over there?
The UK has been pushing...
Fortune’s coin has flipped
Hasn’t it been lovely to actually have some real spring weather for a change! The Garden is looking lovely, with clematis, azaleas and wisteria either in bloom or soon, complemented by apple blossom, early bedding plants and the grass in otherwise muddy areas finally showing signs of recovery, from such a wet start to...
Markets, investments and taxes
Good afternoon. Well, the UK market is progressing comfortably whilst the US has slipped-back. Our clients’ 5 April reports will be landing on door mats imminently and it is pleasing to note that generally gentle progress has continued since then.
BHP makes an audacious bid for UK-quoted Anglo American, owner of DeBeers amongst other mining...
Inheritance Tax revenue soars – but will it affect you?
The last financial year saw a record £7.5billion collected in Inheritance Tax (IHT) – and it is predicted to hit £10bn by the end of the decade.
The numbers from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has shown that IHT receipts increased by £400m year-on-year, after £7.1bn was collected in 2022/23.
This really should come as no...
Markets rebound despite Middle East troubles
The markets are hoping that Middle-Eastern concerns have not escalated and after initial worries, markets have rebounded and the oil price slipped-back again. Let us be hopeful that is a permanent state of affairs though the Israel Hostage and Palestine situation does not go away.
The UK and the US have approved further sums for...
Are your retirement finances what you hoped for?
A recent survey has found ‘retirees’ have around £131,000 in pension savings – half of what they had hoped for.
The research by Standard Life found that pensioners-to-be had aimed for at least £250,000 in their pension pot, but the actual amount meant they were some £480 a month worse off in retirement.
The Firm’s ‘retirement...
The new tax year – what are the market movers and shakers?
I hope that you have had a good Easter. Welcome to the new tax year, a time for opportunity to maximise your ISA and Pension allowances for example – better earlier than later! Watch-out too as the Taxman cometh if you have too much in dividends, interest or investment gains as the tax-free allowances...
