‘It could be appropriate to start reducing the pace of asset purchases this year’ During a week in which the news agenda was dominated by Afghanistan, the US Federal Reserve warned it could start cutting back support for the economy sooner than markets had previously expected. Minutes from the Fed’s July meeting, released last Wednesday, […]
Monthly archives: August 2021
Is your home worth more than you think?
Do you think you know how much your property is worth? Would you be surprised if it was worth much more – or much less? Many homeowners’ estimates don’t live up to reality, with nearly half of respondents (45%) to a survey1 undervaluing their property and 25% overestimating its worth. Less than a third were […]
Taking emotion (and colour!) away from investment decisions
It is fascinating to consider the psychology of investing. There are many behavioural traps that investors could find themselves falling into during times of market volatility, when knee jerk reactions can take hold. One example being ‘the anchoring trap’, which is where investors rely too much on their perceptions of an investment, which could be […]
Is IHT change on the cards?
It’s been three years since then-Chancellor Philip Hammond asked the Office of Tax Simplification to look into potential amendments to the Inheritance Tax (IHT) regime1. Since then, no changes have been made to the tax incurred when wealth passes onto the next generation; could Rishi Sunak be the one to take up the mantle once […]
Residential Property Review – August 2021
Transition to eco homes hotting up With climate issues becoming ever more urgent, policymakers and the housing industry are increasingly turning their attention to sustainable property development. Making homes greener will play an important part in the UK’s efforts to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050: new and existing homes together account for 20% of the […]
Commercial Property Market Review – August 2021
Investment in student accommodation nears £2bn in H1 The latest data from Knight Frank shows that investor appetite for purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) was strong in H1, despite the sector being adversely impacted by the pandemic, with restrictions limiting international travel and disrupting study for a large proportion of students. The sector is in a […]
Younger investors and social media
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is concerned about how much influence social media could be having on younger investors, who could unknowingly be taking on significant financial risks. According to the FCA, this younger, more diverse group of investors is highly reliant on social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok for investment tips […]
News in Review
“Employers are keen to re-build following an incredibly turbulent 18 months for business” With double jabbed people, as well as those aged under 18 in England and Northern Ireland, no longer legally required to self-isolate if they are identified as a close contact of a positive COVID-19 case, many will be breathing a sigh of relief, not least businesses […]
Keep one step ahead
Nearly a third of homeowners (31%) have said they would only consider purchasing protection insurance if they fell ill1 – which defeats the point as it’s already too late by then. Other triggers for taking out protection include having an accident (24%) or a change in employment status (25%). A further 22% say there is […]
Probate delayed by ‘hidden assets’
Probate software specialist Exizent has published its first Bereavement Index1, with some interesting findings. It shows that many people fail to organise their finances before death, leading to stress and anxiety for those left dealing with a ‘financial mess’. According to the research, one in seven (14%) of those tasked with administering the estate of […]