A pre-Christmas snapshot of the economy and markets
Well, whilst I anticipate another eshot just before the festivities, it seems apt to wish everyone a very Happy Christmas season, celebrations and relaxing times. The new government will be looking forward to some rest and apt navel gazing over the break.
I am sure we shall all be wondering what might ensue from Syria...
Record global dividends but is UK honeymoon over?
Good news that global dividends paid to investors hit a new record in the third quarter. This was $431billion according to Janus Henderson’s latest research, with 88% of companies increasing or holding their payout rates (84% in the UK, though the overall rate dropped in fact, as miners cut their special dividends from before).
Dividends...
What will Inheritance Tax changes mean for farmers and the rest of us?
Farming is a huge part of life for many here in North Devon and there is growing concern at the Government’s decision to change Inheritance Tax rules for farmers (and others in business).
Shortly we shall be writing to clients to clarify some of the changes in the recent Budget from Chancellor Rachel Reeves and...
Interest rates and investment trusts
Don’t become an ‘advice gap’ statistic and lose out
We’ve talked before of the dubious choice of investors trying to ‘go it alone’ and of the value of sound independent advice across all manner of financial needs.
So it is worrying that the numbers of people who sought financial advice last year dropped to only 9% apparently, a drop of 18% on the year.
Research...
This too shall pass – market volatility is no need to panic
Regulation is well-intended but is it pushing some advisors to the brink?
People do not necessarily consider financial services from the other side of the desk – and of course, why should they? They turn up at the office of an Independent Financial Adviser (IFA) seeking advice and answers for their specific situation.
But we thought it might be helpful to share some insights into the effects...