Feature articles
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The case for fixed interest
In this article taken from a recent edition of the Investment Times, Peter Hargreaves discusses his views on the merits of fixed interest investments given the current economic climate. He also offers three investment ideas for consideration.
Interest rates continue to plummet
With interest rates cut again on Thursday, investors may find they are paying too high a price for the attractions of deposit.
Seeking investment income
Given the current base rate, any return near that level in terms of a share's dividend yield may look attractive but Richard Hunter explains the other important factors to consider.
Recent articles
Tax, pensions and investment bonds
Inevitably, last week's pre-Budget report dominated the weekend papers. Most editors reflected the sense of underwhelmed disappointment with which Alistair Darling's complex package of measures has been greeted across the country. Here we review the comments and look at some of the issues that may affect investors.
Can the mining sector dig itself out of trouble?
The world is a different place from a year or even six months ago, and this of course applies to the mining sector as well. With BHP Billiton pulling the plug on its Rio Tinto bid this week, Richard Hunter looks at this battered sector and considers what may lie ahead.
Investment opportunities behind the gloomy headlines
Is this a good time to invest? On the face of it the evidence is not promising. We speak to head of investment research, Mark Dampier, to discuss possible investment opportunities. He also explains how saving regularly can help you build a portfolio and iron out the short term peaks and troughs.
Destruction of wealth
Peter Hargreaves, chief executive, offers his personal reaction to the Chancellor's pre-Budget report on Monday. He offers his thoughts on the likely outcomes and explains why he believes the changes will fail to achieve their desired effects.
More banks, looking for more money
Another week's gone by and yet more banks have hit the headlines by seeking more capital to ensure their survival. Richard Hunter looks at the stories surrounding Citigroup, Standard Chartered and RBS, and considers the outlook for this troubled sector.
The long, hard financial winter
Head of financial advice, Danny Cox, looks at how the changes in Monday's Pre-Budget Report could affect investors. He explains it's more important than ever for people to use their pension and ISA allowances and take the opportunity now to shore up their personal finances.
Darling spells out his plan for recovery
There were few major surprises in Chancellor Alistair Darling's much-leaked pre-Budget announcements - except their breathtaking scale. We take a look through the maze of changes and give you the chance to have your say on Darling's plan.
The bailout plan - two months on
It was at a critical juncture in world markets in late September when the US announced details of a $700 billion bailout programme, in an effort both to stabilise markets and to give some sort of direction as to how the US economy might be supported in the following months. Richard Hunter looks at how the US plan has taken shape.
The pound in your pocket
In this hard-hitting article, Peter Hargreaves, chief executive, shares his views on the state of the UK economy and the problems it's facing. He exposes some hidden factors in the UK's balance sheet and explains why he believes the UK economy is in deep trouble.
Flying on one engine?
The global airline industry has faced more than its fair share of problems in recent years. Now, with the threat of a global economic downturn, Richard Hunter takes a look at the current issues facing this turbulent industry and discusses the moves being made to help ensure its survival.
Corporate bonds update
There is a time in the economic cycle when it makes good sense to invest in bonds. That time is when economic growth falters and markets expect a downwards turn in the interest rate cycle, says John Hamilton, manager of the Jupiter Corporate Bond Fund.
Strength in numbers
There have been a whole host of claims that the current position in which we find ourselves can only be matched by the Great Depression of the late 1920s and 1930s. Richard Hunter looks at the differences between then and now, and discusses the moves that are being made to shore up the global economy.
Buy now or pay later - annuity rates look set to fall
If you are close to retirement, annuity rates will be close to your heart. Financial adviser, Danny Cox gives his thoughts on the outlook for annuity rates.
Can China help to mend cracks in world economy?
While fall-out from last week's 1.5% interest rate cut dominated the weekend money pages, Mark Dampier says Monday's news of the Chinese government's £375 billion economic stimulus package is more significant because of its positive knock-on effects for the rest of the world.
Richard Hunter on China
Only in markets such as these could the report of a figure of 9% growth be taken so negatively. Richard Hunter takes a look at the world's second largest economy and discusses the challenges that lie ahead for this emerging market.
Corporate bonds update
The current volatility has made a mark in practically all areas of the market. In this article, head of research, Mark Dampier, looks at how it is affecting corporate bonds and shares his views on their prospects.
Why taking a loss might work for you
Whilst it can be hard to sell investments which show a loss, financial adviser, Danny Cox, explains why there are good tax reasons why it might be useful to crystallise losses and move to investments with better potential.
What should investors be doing?
The world is in uncharted territory. Even investors who were around during the financial crisis in the 1970s have seen nothing on this scale before. Fear stalks the markets, confidence levels are zero and share prices are behaving totally irrationally.
A pivotal role
Whether this week proves to be a turning point in the global financial landscape remains to be seen, but the UK government's involvement could yet result in its being seen as ahead of the curve in terms of remedying some of the market turmoil.
Video: Neil Woodford on market conditions
Highly regarded Invesco Perpetual fund manager, Neil Woodford discusses his thoughts on the outlook for the markets and wider economy in this video interview recorded last week. Plus Neil reveals how his view on the severity of the situation has changed over recent weeks.
Ask the experts - answers now online
Last week we wrote to our clients giving them the chance to put their queries to our panel of experts - Peter Hargreaves, Chief Executive, Mark Dampier, Head of Research, and Tom McPhail, Head of Pensions Research.
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.
My strategy for cash and investment
In this article Peter Hargreaves, Chief Executive of Hargreaves Lansdown, discusses his personal strategy on cash and investment.
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