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The first half is over
Now that we're half way through 2009, Richard Hunter, Head of UK Equities, shares his thoughts on how the stockmarket and economy have performed so far this year. He also reviews the main events of the past week.
John Stopford: Prospects for corporate bonds
In this exclusive video, Investec fund manager, John Stopford, discusses the prospects for the corporate bond market and where he currently sees most value.
Increase your state pension by 10.4%
Considering delaying taking your pension in the hope it might recover recent losses? There may be another way.
Recent articles
Keydata update
PwC have recently uncovered a number of irregularities and the assets underlying some products are not safe. We discuss what these irregularities are, what Keydata products are affected and what compensation may be available.
Food for thought - An agricultural update
Farming is one of humanity's oldest industries and is as important today as it ever has been. We discover how to make the most out of investing in this ancient industry, what problems it faces and how these are being overcome.
Vodafone: A good signal?
With light volumes likely and some eyes in the City distracted by the various sporting events currently on the go, fears of a lacklustre week in the markets were given a boost by some potential Mergers & Acquisition activity.
The filing cabinet
Is your paperwork getting out of hand? Before you head off to buy another filing cabinet, Danny Cox explains how moving your investments to our Vantage Service may be a much better solution.
Ghose: Prospects for equity income
In this exclusive video, Pramit Ghose talks about the Bloxham Global Equity Income fund, how he manages it and what the prospects are for the next 12 months. He also talks in detail about how he expects to grow the dividend.
Markets continue to gaze into the crystal ball
It has been an interesting week for the markets as investors continue to search for direction. Richard Hunter, head of UK equities gives his view on the week gone by.
Contribute now and claim your tax relief while you still can . . .
In this article taken from a recent edition of the SIPP Times, we discuss how the Chancellor's decision to restrict tax relief for those with income of £150,000 or more could be just the start of a tax grab. The message is clear, if you can afford it you should be considering putting as much into a pension as you can whilst these tax breaks are still available.
Final salary pension members - FREE guide and podcast
Are you in a final salary scheme and worried about its future? Download our Free podcast and guide today.
New fund launches - don't miss out
New funds and fresh investment ideas sent straight to you via our new email alert system. We will ensure you are notified whenever a new fund is available through the Vantage Service and provide an outline of its aims and strategy.
The increasing popularity of income drawdown
Income drawdown is becoming increasingly popular with investors who want to take control of their retirement income. Nigel Callaghan, pensions analyst, discusses its relative merits in order to find out why it is becoming so popular with investors who are happy with the risks involved.
Commodities, what lies ahead?
The recent rise in the UK's industrial production took many by surprise, so what does this mean for the future? Is this a sign that an economic recovery is underway, or are there yet more difficult times to come for the UK economy?
Tax saving ideas
In a recent survey 69.2% of clients said they thought they would be paying more tax in a year's time than they are today. In an age of rising taxes, what can you do to reduce your tax bill? Danny Cox, head of advice provides some handy tips.
Another tough week gone by
In this week's instalment of his weekly review Richard Hunter, head of UK equities, talks us through yet another tough week gone by and wonders whether this recent recovery has been too far too fast? Is it still too early to call a full recovery?
Being sold short
Richard Hunter, head of UK equities, discusses the relative merits of short selling and its place in the market following the FSA measures taken last year after concerns for potential market abuse.
The future's bright in India
Senior analyst, Meera Patel, explores the world's largest democracy and its growing economy. With the recent elections creating political stability after months of uncertainty the future looks bright for India's economy.
Breaking the 500,000 barrier?
A recent SIPP survey by Pensions Management magazine recorded 441,399 SIPPs in the UK (up 20% on the previous year). So why are SIPPs becoming so popular? We discover why so many astute investors have opted for a SIPP.
Keydata - troubled times?
The troubles at Keydata continue. The High Court have deemed the company insolvent and have have this week appointed PricewaterhouseCoopers as administrators. With up to 85,000 people being affected, we explain the situation and the potential impact.
Time to take action
In this article taken from a recent edition of the Investment Times, we discuss how recent tax increases and slashed interest rates mean it's time to take stock of your investments.
An economy at a crossroads
Richard Hunter, head of UK equities, reviews what has been a busy week for the markets and discusses some of the economic data that has been released recently. Plus he looks ahead to next week and highlights some of the announcements to watch out for.
An interview with Roger Guy
Roger Guy, manager of the Gartmore European Selected Opportunities Fund and European Absolute Return Fund, gives his views on the outlook for Europe.
Your retirement age may be increasing
Nigel Callaghan, pensions analyst, talks through the changes in retirement age and how they might affect you. He explores the reasons behind the change and the options available to you when considering your retirement.
Don't lose out on a valuable income
Two years ago annuity rates were around the same level they are today. You might think this means that if you'd put off buying your annuity then you wouldn't have lost out, but you'd be wrong. You would have lost out on two years income, and as we see, that's no trivial amount.
Is income from Cash ISAs drying up?
As Barclays slashes its Cash ISA rate to 0.1% and the Bank of England keeps the Base Rate at historic lows, many investors are looking to invest elsewhere. We highlight a few investment areas which we believe may offer the potential for a higher return.
Fidelity report
A report on the Fidelity Special Situations and Global Special Situations funds giving an overview of the fund managers and their recent performance. The detailed analysis of each fund ends with a brief insight into what the future might hold for the funds.
A turbulent week for global trading
The past week has again seen turbulent trading across global stockmarkets whilst investors continue to assess whether a full blown economic recovery is now being witnessed. Richard Hunter, head of UK equities, gives his views on the week gone by.
Ethical dilemmas
As ethical investments become more and more popular, Richard Hunter, head of UK equities, explains what ethical investment really means. Is there something more to be gained from investing ethically other than a clean conscience?
Not all was lost in the lost decade for pension investors
You may have heard that we have just suffered a 'lost decade' of investment returns but what is a 'lost decade'? And what does this mean for your pension savings? We discover that even in a lost decade you can still see your pension fund grow.
Lloyds Open Offer
Lloyds Banking Group has announced full details of their plan to raise £4 billion to repay preference shares issued to the government last October as a result of the credit crisis.
Retirement is not what it used to be
An annuity, income drawdown or a mixture of the two? How will you take your retirement income? We discuss their relative merits but as they say, the choice is yours.
Should you buy your annuity today?
During the course of this year, an estimated one million annuities will be bought. Nigel Callaghan gives his views and explains why he thinks now might be a great time to purchase your annuity and secure your retirement income.
Pension planning for the self employed
The self employed are in danger of becoming the forgotten minority of the pensions world, under-pensioned and over-looked, they risk arriving at retirement age with very little to retire on. Tom McPhail discusses the pension problem faced by the self employed and offers some helpful tips.
Richard Hunter's weekly roundup
Head of UK Equities, Richard Hunter conducts his brief weekly wander around the markets, with a quick look into the week ahead as well.
Where next for oil?
The Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, meets this week to discuss the future of oil prices. Investment analyst, Stuart Goodwin, looks at the views of the cartel and shares his views on where oil prices will go in the future.
Virgin rides out the turbulence
Richard Hunter discusses the recent results announced by some of the world's largest airlines and discusses his views on their future prospects. He looks at how Virgin Atlantic have bucked the trend in a sector where external factors continue to throw up obstacles.
Economic view - looking for LUV
Richard Woolnough, manager of the M&G Optimal Income fund and Strategic Corporate Bond fund, discusses the merits of bonds and shares his view on the current economic outlook.
BRIC market update
Ten years ago, it would have been difficult to imagine that the BRIC economies (Brazil, Russia, India, China) could have shown resilience in a global slowdown compared to their developed counterparts. The situation is entirely different today. They were the last into this downturn, and many believe they could be the first out.
Market review - Marks & Spencers, British Airways and global stock markets
With another slew of economic news to digest from the US to the UK to Japan, markets were somewhat surprisingly pretty much unchanged over the week.
The wages of sin
Richard Hunter looks at the recent performance and future prospects of four FTSE 100 "sin stocks". He discusses how those companies in the industries of tobacco, alcohol and defense can demonstrate robust performance during an economic downturn.
India: Outlook after elections
Avinash Vazirani, fund manager of the Jupiter India Fund, comments on the results of the Indian elections and what this could mean for investors.
Higher rate taxpayers urged to act now
Fears have been heightened that higher rate tax relief on pension contributions could be cut back further following remarks by government pension spokesman Lord McKenzie. We are urging higher rate taxpayers to act now.
William Littlewood interview
Mark Dampier, interviews William Littlewood, manager of the new Artemis Strategic Assets fund that will be launched this Friday. In this exclusive video, William Littlewood discusses who the fund is for, his investment strategy and how he plans to position his fund as the world economies battle with recession.
Finely balanced
Richard Hunter summarises the latest performance figures from the main UK banking stocks. A plethora of optimism from the US has been largely responsible for recent gains but the general market feeling is that it continues to be a volatile sector.
False hope?
The past week has been characterised by concerns that the rally in global stock markets since early March has come too far too soon. A combination of nerves, profit taking and reminders that economic indicators can still surprise has seen markets in retreat.
Video: Clive Beagles
In this exclusive video, Clive Beagles, fund manager of the JO Hambro UK Equity Income fund, discusses his outlook for the fund, the economy and the prospect for dividends. He also looks back at what has happened over the last 12 months.
Interesting times for Sterling
In the decade prior to the 'credit-crunch', foreign exchange markets were simpler than today. Certain key factors influenced markets in a logical and rational manner, and king of all these factors was interest rates.
A book by Peter K. Hargreaves
Hargreaves Lansdown's co-founder and Chief Executive, Peter Hargreaves, has written a book about his business adventure so far.
Top ten regular savings tips
Summer is almost with us and alongside the warmth and longer days,
the economic news seems far less gloomy than it was only a few weeks
ago. The recession isn't over, however, the worst news might be behind
us. With this in mind, Danny Cox looks at how we can
take advantage of some of the good news, and prepare for any future
downturns.
Asian opportunities defy grim news
Hugh Young, Managing Director of Aberdeen Asset Management Asia gives us his views on what he considers to be a cyclical rather than structural adjustment facing Asian countries, caused by systemic problems in the West.
China and US boost global stocks - A week in review
Keith Bowman reviews a week where good news at the beginning of the week from China and the US continued to boost global stock markets. Later in the week, US government 'stress tests' appeared to have been leaked to investors but the general consensus seemed to be positive.
10 great ISA myths
Most commentators agree that the dire state of public finances means that over time taxes will rise for almost everyone. We believe that tax shelters, such as ISAs and SIPPs, have never been more valuable. Danny Cox explores 10 popular held misconceptions about ISAs.
Video: Allianz RCM BRIC Stars
In this video Michael Konstantinov, the fund manager of the Allianz RCM BRIC stars fund, gives his view on the state of the BRIC economies and markets (Brazil, Russia, India and China). Michael gives particular reference to valuation of markets, whether some BRIC countries will fall into a recession and discusses the outlook for the rest of 2009.
Why no sterling recovery?
With Sterling still weak against most global currencies, the question we are most asked by our clients is: "Why hasn't Sterling recovered against the Euro?". Chris Saint, Currency Analyst, explains why the Sterling is experiencing continuing weakness.
Has your annual income exceeded £150,000 since April 2007?
Changes announced in the Budget on 22 April affect the tax relief on pension contributions made by high earners. You will be affected by these changes if your total income (not just earnings) is more than £150,000.
News for Clerical Medical policyholders
The Lloyds Banking Group, which owns the Clerical Medical brand, has announced that it will be phasing the name out over the next few months.
Can investors profit from uncertainty?
Investing large lump sums into today's volatile stock markets requires confidence and a long term view. Danny Cox, Head of Advice, explains how investing regularly can help smooth out the ups and downs of stock market volatility.
Paying dividends
With interest rates at an all-time low of 0.5% there is pressure on beleaguered savers. In the absence of a decent return on the High Street (press reports are suggesting that some savings rates are as low as 0.1%), many savers are looking for alternatives.
Budget 2009 summary of measures
Alistair Darling's second Budget filled the headlines last week. Danny Cox provides a brief summary of the key changes with particular focus on those that will affect savers and investors.
Increased ISA allowance & pension changes
Danny Cox, Head of Advice, discusses how the budget affects savers. In particular he discusses how the new £10,200 ISA limit comes into effect in October for those over 50, and next tax year for the rest of us. Also, Head of Pensions, Tom McPhail looks at how the budget will affect the pensions of higher earners.
Brazil, Russia, India and China
In this week's Wealth 150 fund manager comment Michael Konstantinov, the highly regarded manager of the Allianz RCM BRIC Stars Fund, discusses the current opportunities and challenges of investing in Brazil, Russia, India and China.
Your budget questions answered
The Government has announced that this year's Budget will be on the 22nd April 2009. Danny Cox, Head of Advice, answers your questions about the Budget and how it may affect you.
Five big questions for the banks
Wells Fargo, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan and Citigroup have all combined so far to give the global markets a collective sense of the possibility of some kind of recovery. In terms of the UK, however, what is the situation?
Economic report
Mark Dampier, Head of Research, reviews the impact that the 'credit crunch' has had on currencies, bonds and global economies with the threats of inflation and deflation still looming large.
The art of noise
With the Budget just under a week away (22 April), what noises could the Chancellor make to help improve investor confidence? Richard Hunter reviews the possible outcomes from the Chancellor's annual speech.
Henderson New Star merger complete
Henderson has now completed the acquisition of New Star Asset Management. A number of New Star's managers will be joining the merged company. We have provided a summary of the changes to existing New Star funds.
Early bird catches the worm
Let us introduce you to the only "sure thing" in the investment world. Invest in an ISAat the start of the new tax year, rather than the end, and you will enjoy 12 up to months more tax efficient income and the potential for more growth.
Easter week market update
Richard Hunter is back with his weekly market update. Leading up to the Easter weekend, the four day trading week has been fairly light both in terms of volume and developments of note.
Sterling strengthens on global optimism
The US Dollar proved extraordinarily weak over the course of last week, as a global stock market rally led to an increase in investors' risk tolerance.
Manage your investments online
If I were to ask you what your total portfolio is worth, would you be able to give me an answer? How long would it take you to find out? How many bits of paper would you have to find? And how up-to-date would your answer be?
A gilt-edged opportunity?
With the possibility of inflation looming over UK investors, Richard Hunter, Head of UK Equities, reviews the impact that this has had on gilts and the increasing interest in gold.
Why I believe taxes will rise - for everyone
Peter Hargreaves gives us his view that taxes will rise in the future and he firmly believes that every single person who can open an ISA or a SIPP will rue the years they didn't use their allowance.
Get a 5% tax free yield in an ISA or SIPP
Mark Dampier, Head of Research stresses the importance of sheltering your capital in ISAs and SIPPs as taxes are almost certain to rise in the future. Mark feels that two areas in particular currently offer good value - corporate bonds and equity income. He has highlighted the high price savers are paying for security, and believes its quite a deal for those willing to take the risk.
Be wary of structured products
Danny Cox, Head of Advice, has a harsh warning for all investors who are talking to financial advisers who may be considering structured products as the right investment choice for them.
Eliminate your 08/09 higher rate tax bill
Alex Davies, Director of Pensions explains the 5th April marks the last chance for higher rate taxpayers to reduce their higher rate tax liability for the 08/09 tax year by making a pension contribution.
What does the 'failed' gilt auction mean?
Jim Leaviss, Head of Retail Fixed Interest at M&G gives us his views about the first failed gilt auction since 2002.
Falling inflation – what it means for investors part 2
In part one, Danny Cox explained how interest rates influence our spending
patterns and the demand for goods and services and therefore have a
direct impact on inflation. In part two, Danny guides us through the
process known as deflation and highlights investments that he believes
could prosper in times of low inflation.
Jargon busting the traders
Richard Hunter, Head of Equities explains some of the terms that have been subjected to stock market jargon by market commentators in recent weeks.
Where is the value in the UK equity market?
Neil Woodford, fund manager of the Invesco Perpetual Income Fund gives us his views about what options are available in the UK equity market at present. Neil suggests there is long term value in the tobacco, utilities, pharmaceuticals and telecoms sectors.
Searching for good quality corporate bonds
John Hamilton, fund manager of the Jupiter Corporate Bond Fund,
gives us his views on the current opportunities available in the corporate bond market and he outlines which good quality corporate bonds have attracted his attention.
Income support
Graeme Baker discusses why corporate bonds are attracting investors' attention for all the right reasons. The Jupiter Corporate Bond Fund and the M&G Optimal Income Fund are at the forefront of Graeme's thoughts.
Falling inflation - what it means for investors
Interest rates influence our spending patterns and the demand for goods and services and therefore have a direct impact on inflation. Danny Cox, discusses this from an investors perspective in the first part of a two part series.
Hot off the press: Your essential guide to ISAs and SIPPs
If you read the weekend papers you're likely to find inserted a copy of Hargreaves Lansdown's "Investment Sense - an essential guide to ISAs and SIPPs". The guide's message is compelling if you are looking to invest for the future.
Should you claim this tax break of between £720 and £94,000?
Worried that you won't have enough in your pension when you retire? 5 April marks your last chance to make a contribution for the current tax year. You could claim between £720 and £94,000 in tax relief. If you don't use this year's allowance now you lose it forever.
Investing in uncertain times
In this article from the recent Spring edition of the Investment Times, Peter Hargreaves discusses his views on investing in a low growth environment. Interest rates are at their lowest levels in the Bank of England's 315 year history, so what options are available to investors?
What if interest rates hit zero?
Richard Woolnough, fund manager of the M&G Optimal Income fund gives us his views about what options are available when looking for a good investment return when interest rates are low.
Giving shares a boost
Richard Hunter, Head of UK Equities explains why pharmaceuticals have thrived when other sectors struggled. Richard also highlights the three largest pharmaceutical stocks in the FTSE 100.
Why are we waiting?
Have you decided you want to set up your annuity soon but are holding out for an better rate? We discuss how you might be better off in the long run if you act sooner rather than later.
ISA - Take the bull (or bear) by the horns
Cast your mind back to April 1990. Margaret Thatcher was in her final throes as Prime Minister, Nelson Mandela had just been released from prison, the Hubble Space Telescope was launched and there were riots at Strangeways prison. Madonna was number 1 - some things don't change.
India update
In the latest weekly Wealth 150 fund manager comment Avinash Vazirani, manager of the Jupiter India Fund, offers his current views on the state of the Indian economy and stock market.
SIPPs - 20 years in the making
It was 20 years ago that the then Chancellor, Nigel Lawson, gave the green light to SIPPs (self invested personal pensions). Since then they have come on a long way. Alex Davies, Director of Pensions, reveals some of the benefits and explains how they are now helping thousands of investors to get themselves a better pension.
Richard Hunter on defensive shares
The uncertainty which continues to overhang the market is reflected by the general market view of many leading shares. As a general rule, those companies with relatively strong and dependable earnings are being favoured, which by definition means that many of these fall into the defensive category of shares.
Quantitative easing: the authorities in panic mode?
Richard Jeffrey, Chief Investment Officer at Cazenove offers his current views on the quantitative easing measures announced by the Bank of England last week and explains how he feels they will have little meaningful impact.
Monetary policy by other means
John Hamilton, manager of the Jupiter Corporate Bond fund offers his current views on the Bank of England's quantative easing initiative and explains how he believes the effect on the economy will be real.
A £300 cab ride which saved one client £72,000
In the unlikely event you have ever taken a taxi from London to Bristol you will know you won't get much change from £300. At 4.20 pm on Saturday the 5th April 2008 (the last day of the tax year) I had a call from reception to say there was a taxi driver standing outside our office doors holding a £180,000 SIPP application.
End of tax year checklist
With the end of tax year approaching fast, we asked Danny Cox, Head of Advice and a Chartered Financial Planner to put together details of a variety of allowances available to investors which will be lost if not used by the end of tax year.
Eastern Europe - the rumours of its death are greatly exaggerated
Recently, a number of press articles have drawn attention to the external debt position of eastern European countries. Elena Shaftan, manager of the Jupiter Emerging European Opportunities fund, offers her current views on the problems faced by some of the smaller eastern European economies.
The outlook for income
In this week's Wealth 150 fund manager comment, Adrian Frost, manager of the Artemis Income Fund, discusses the outlook for the UK equity income sector and shares his thoughts on where he feels healthy dividends can still be obtained.
Destination Europe for equity income
Equity income funds have been the mainstay of UK investment portfolios for decades and at the end of 2008 accounted for £37.5 billion of assets under management. In this article Oliver Russ, manager of the Ignis Argonaut European Income Fund, provides an update on European Equity Income.
Invesco Perpetual new fund launch
Invesco Perpetual has been synonomous with UK equity income funds for many years. It is now broadening its horizons with the launch of a new Global Equity Income Fund. It will be managed by Paul Boyne who aims to capture the best ideas from the Invesco Perpetual global equity teams, including the highly regarded Neil Woodford.
Bad news from America; Good news from American companies
In this week's Weath 150 fund manager comment Tom Walker, manager of the Martin Currie North American Fund, offers his views on the US economy and market.
Your top ten inheritance tax questions
Inheritance tax is probably one of the most disliked forms of taxation, but it is also one of the easiest to avoid. Here Danny Cox, Head of Advice answers your top ten inheritance tax questions.
Andrew Sutherland on fixed interest investments
We interview Andrew Sutherland, manager of Standard Life's Corporate Bond fund and their forthcoming Strategic Bond fund. We ask him about the current opportunities he sees in fixed interest investments. He also shares his views on interest rates, the banking sector and the prospects for the wider economy.
Your top ten ISA questions answered
As the end of the tax year approaches, it's important to make sure you're making the best use of the tax allowances available to you. One of the most popular tax breaks comes in the form of ISAs. Danny Cox, Head of Advice at Hargreaves Lansdown, answers investors' most commonly asked questions on ISAs.
Open your ISA and SIPP now
Opening your ISA or SIPP over the telephone usually takes less than 10 minutes. All you need is your debit card and National Insurance Number to hand.
Interest rates fall again - options for savers
The Bank of England has announced another cut in interest rates to 1.0% - setting a new record low in the Bank's 315 year history. We look at some of the options now available to savers and the steps they can take to help protect their returns.
Your top ten SIPP questions answered
Increasingly SIPPs are becoming the pension of choice for investors wanting to take control of their retirement planning. Danny Cox, Head of Advice at Hargreaves Lansdown, answers investors' most commonly asked questions on SIPPs.
What must I do?
The most asked question of all investors at the moment is 'What do I do with my deposit monies as interest rates decline possibly to zero?' Indeed the influential economist Roger Bootle did state at the beginning of January that he thought interest rates could be 0% as early as this summer.
Unsure whether a SIPP is suitable for you?
Watch our online videos now - We've published a series of short videos highlighting the benefits of a SIPP and how it can help you make more of your pension. They explain how the tax benefits work, the investment choices available, and show you real life examples of clients who have made the switch.
Security of your assets
Last week we invited our clients to put their questions to a panel of our experts. A number of clients asked about the security of their investments, so here we discuss some of the key safeguards available to HL clients.
Invest now
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