Savings accounts are costing you money, says new report
A new report has revealed the shocking low level of investment in shares by the general public, with most people preferring to savings in cash – which hurts their bank balances and the nation as a whole.
Did you know there is £1.8 TRILLION sat in cash savings accounts around the country? That sounds good,...
Odd markets, bubbles and opportunity
The markets have been continuing their sideways negativity, with some situations suffering ‘death by a thousand cuts’, as sentiment remains disillusioned. There are a few brighter spots this week, which is good but it’s easier for the marketmakers to mark things in red to try to drum-up trade than give optimism for the near...
Inflation and cautious optimism
So Sterling has hit its highest level against the Dollar since April last year and the Euro since August. Whilst it reduces the value of investors’ overseas’ assets, strength is positive and I can say ‘expected’ though whether it is on confidence in the UK and our economic prowess (or others’ regression) is hard...
State Pension booster scheme extended – but not forever
Pensions are back in the headlines again with the news the deadline to ‘boost’ your State Pension by as much as £55,000 has been extended.
The booster plan from HMRC gives people the opportunity to buy the equivalent of up to 10 extra years’ of state pension if they have gaps in their National Insurance...
Markets in the first half of 2023
Elon Musk is basking in the light as the world’s richest man again as his investments have recovered some followers and at the same time the froth has blown-off the top of the French luxury brands’ world. We feel both stocks' and sectors’ sun-bathing remains transitory.
So US inflation has slipped some more and the...
Do you fall into the 60% tax trap?
Higher earners are being warned not to fall foul of the ‘60% tax trap’ that could eat significantly and perhaps unnecessarily into their earnings.
This will not affect everyone, of course, but as of April, the additional rate tax threshold for income tax was reduced from £150,000 to £125,140, dragging more people into the higher...
Planning ahead: Money changes still to come in 2023
What else is likely to happen in the months ahead to affect your outgoings and money matters, especially with costs continuing to increase, at least in the short term?
London-based newspaper Metro has undertaken an interesting exercise looking at possible changes to household bills still to come in the rest of this year.
Most are fairly...
Good news and a wind up
It is pleasing to report that the markets have decided to turn upwards slightly after a bit of a savaging as a result of the latest banking crisis. Unwatched by many (as few investors have had much exposure) the Japanese market has quietly been rising too, attracting overseas’ funds and companies there to buy...
Investment psychology and trusts
Albeit a little belated, I hope you had an enjoyable Coronation weekend. Whatever your views on the process, no other country in the world can replicate what we can produce so all applause to the thousands involved in whatever way they achieved such a successful event - and a restful holiday weekend, I trust...