The simmering stock market pot subsides
I am pleased to report that the rumbles in markets proved short-lived. However, having ‘biggest losses since 1987’ for Japan and then clawing the way back again (well, still 13% off its peak) is not helpful and a potential portent for the over-priced sections of the Globe.
Volatility is your friend when it is upwards...
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
UK shares, Budget and what’s next?
Good news in that the Bill about Investment Trust charges’ reporting is very much back on parliamentary agenda. Readers might recall the Election stymied the last attempt. Success would be a very useful outcome for holders of these investment vehicles and see reductions in discounts to asset values as well as open new investment...
US tech, justice and taxes
Just two weeks after the Election and avoiding politics altogether this time, I shall neither labour any points or be too liberal with my commentary on markets and tax-planning. You may think that I am unable to reform my approach, though I hope that the style of writing does not treat you as green...
The King’s speech and ‘pensions shake-up’
It’s some three weeks since the election and the new Government has unveiled a raft of measures in its first King’s speech, including some wide-ranging changes to pensions.
The Pension Schemes Bill is being hailed as a win for savers with an estimate it could put an extra £11,000 into retirement pots.
In short, workplace pension...
Where there’s a Will – make sure it’s done the right way
Disputes over the validity of Wills and quarrels over the inheritance of estates are as old as the hills and no doubt ancient civilisations had very similar problems – though their solution was probably somewhat blunter than we are used to!
We’ve visited the topic before, but it was an eye opener recently to hear...
Election results
I realise this is hot on the heels of the last missive (it’s a short one!) but whatever your politics, I offer my hearty congratulations to Sir Keir Starmer on his success yesterday. The outcome is very decisive and we wish him and all of his soon-to-be-assembled team all the very best in managing...
Election Eve looms
Well, we are almost there. Have you cast your vote yet (by post)...? Election Day is tomorrow and if you have an unused postal vote, you can still take it to your polling station and hand-in the envelope.
However, first, to cheer you up and to change the subject, next Christmas is now nearer than...