Who wants to be an (ISA) millionaire? The number of ISA millionaires – i.e. people who have built up a tax-free pot of £1m or more by investing in stocks and shares ISAs – has almost quintupled since 2017, with the figure now standing at 2,7601. With the first ISAs introduced in 1999 aimed at […]
Category archives: All
Economic Review – January 2024
UK economy rebounds in November Official statistics show the economy returned to growth in November, although analysts believe it remains a close call as to whether or not the UK will once again manage to avoid a recession. Figures released last month by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK economy grew by […]
News in Review
“Consumer confidence has started the year well” On Friday, the latest UK consumer confidence data from GfK showed that households are more optimistic about their personal finances. The index recorded a three point increase in January, to a reading of -19, the highest level in two years. This is despite a small untick in the […]
A year of portfolio expansion for BTL landlords?
2024 is set to be a promising year for landlords, with 32% of buy-to-let landlords intending to buy more property according to a survey1. Driven by a desire to build their portfolio, nearly half of those with purchasing plans this year already own at least 11 properties. Driven by increased demand Some landlords who aim […]
Global dividend update
A new study1 analysing global dividend trends has highlighted that, in the third quarter of last year, 89% of companies chose to maintain their dividend levels or raise them. Despite this, it was noted that during the quarter, global dividends reduced by 0.9% (on a headline basis) to total $421.9bn. The underlying growth of dividends, […]
Prospects of stronger economic growth
As we enter a new year, the global economy sits in a relatively precarious position, with the long-term consequences of the pandemic, as well as ongoing conflicts and geopolitical tensions all hindering growth prospects. While such times can appear daunting for investors, the key to successful investing actually remains the same: focus on long-term goals […]
News in Review
“Inflation may give us a slightly bumpy ride during the next couple of months” Last week, data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the UK’s annual inflation rate, as measured by the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) increased by 4% in the year to December. An unexpected uptick from the 3.9% reading in November, […]
The value of advice: much more than the bottom line
The true value of financial advice clearly goes well beyond simply maximising the monetary value of a client’s portfolio. As we progress through life’s journey, the major events that confront us all certainly come with financial costs. However, they also generate an array of emotions and feelings, and the provision of advice has a critical […]
Residential Property Review – January 2024
Falling mortgage rates bolster housing market Hope seems to be on the horizon for the housing market as the year gets off to a promising start. The decision from many mortgage lenders to reduce rates seems to have had the desired effect, as buyer interest has noticeably increased. Lenders are competing to offer the best […]
Commercial Property Review – January 2024
Different challenges set to confront investors in 2024 The newly-released UK Commercial Cross Sector Outlook for 2024 from Savills has provided insight for the year ahead. Expectations from Mat Oakley, Director of Commercial Research, suggest that the factors impacting property values and confidence are set to improve this year, but as high inflation and […]