“I don’t think that we can say definitively that interest rates have peaked” Last week, during their final meeting of 2023, the Bank of England’s (BoE’s) Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted by a six to three majority to retain Bank Rate at 5.25%, with the minority voting to the rate by 0.25%. This outcome was […]
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News in review
“This balanced proposal provides much-needed predictability and stability to EU car and battery makers at a time of fierce global competitive pressure” Last week the European Commission proposed a three year postponement on the imposition of tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) traded between the UK and the EU. Originally agreed as part of the Brexit […]
‘Dog funds’
According to the latest data1, the number of ‘dog’ funds have increased by 27% since February this year, that represents 56 equity investment funds versus 44 earlier in the year, but a reduction on the 86 dog funds identified in January 2022. A ‘dog’ fund is defined as one which has failed to beat its […]
FIRE investing
Many of us dream about retiring early so we can devote more time to things we enjoy; but financial realities inevitably mean few of us actually realise those dreams. A growing number of people though are turbo-charging their chances of early retirement success by embracing the FIRE principles of investing. We didn’t start the fire […]
Interest-only searches on the up
The number of searches relating to interest-only mortgages soared by 53% in June, as borrowers sought out ways to lower their monthly expenditure. More interest in interest-only Research1 shows that ‘interest-only mortgages’ was the most common search term in August, ahead of other staples like ‘buy-to-let’ and ‘fixed-term’. The jump is likely to be linked […]
News in Review
“A critical turning point” World leaders gathered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), last Thursday for the 28th United Nations climate change conference (COP28). At the invitation of UAE President, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, King Charles addressed heads of state, leaders of governments and delegates at the opening ceremony. The King called on […]
Tax toll on prudent savers
Taxes on savings and dividends are set to top £24bn this fiscal year in what is being seen by some as a fresh attack on savers who have shown prudence and thrift. Savers hit… Higher interest rates mean that more savers are being drawn into paying tax by crossing the Income Tax savings threshold. Interest […]
Let’s talk it through
A pandemic closely followed by a cost-of-living crisis has undoubtedly created a challenging financial backdrop for us all and inevitably heightened money-related stress and anxieties. At times like these, it’s more important than ever to open up and talk any concerns through with loved ones or a professional adviser in order to protect both financial […]
Economic Review – November 2023
OBR cuts economic growth forecast Revised forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) suggest the UK economy is set to grow more slowly over the next two years than previously predicted. Chancellor Jeremy Hunt unveiled the independent fiscal watchdog’s latest projections during his Autumn Statement delivered on 22 November. The updated forecast predicts the […]
Autumn Statement 2023
“Our plan for the British economy is working” On 22 November, Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt unveiled the government’s latest tax and spending plans saying “we back British business” announcing 110 growth measures which he said would boost business investment by £20bn a year. The Chancellor said the government had taken difficult decisions to […]