Expert comment

Our experts are regularly quoted on investment themes from funds, shares and the economy to tax efficient investing in ISAs and SIPPs. Here you will find some of their latest comments.

Latest expert comment

Recent comments

Time is of the essence for VCT contributions

By Rob Morgan | Thu 11 March
As April approaches it is important to ensure your investment and tax planning is well organised.

Out of recession but still in trouble

By Mark Dampier | Wed 10 March
While the last updated GDP figures suggest that we are out of recession I am afraid I think we are only at the beginning of many of our problems.

5 reasons why I think ISAs are a "must" for investors who are basic rate taxpayers

By Danny Cox | Tue 09 March
Should a basic rate taxpayer invest in ISA? Second to "where should I invest my ISA this year", is the most popular ISA question I get asked.

Past comments

Look before you leap...

By Nigel Callaghan | Mon 08 March
A number of our clients have been offered fantastically high annual incomes at retirement using new products and have asked me just how good an idea they really are.

A week in advance 8 - 12 March

By Keith Bowman | Fri 05 March
This coming week sees the nation’s industrial base moving back into focus and a busy schedule for results and trading updates on the corporate front.

How much would you pay for £1,000?

By Tom McPhail | Wed 03 March
If I could offer you £1,000 at a cost of £157 or £209, which would you choose? Probably the £157 but this option may not be available for much longer, so if you want a bargain I suggest you act now.

Should I take a bribe from my pension?

By Laith Khalaf | Wed 03 March
Many UK companies are desperate to get rid of the final salary promises they’ve made to former employees.

If you earn over £43,875 then your pension tax relief is under threat

By Tom McPhail | Tue 02 March
If you earn over £43,875 then the chances are that you are currently eligible to claim higher rate tax relief on at least some of your pension contributions.

A familiar story

By Danny Cox | Mon 01 March
I recently received an email from a client about commissions. He had come across a situation where a Bank had taken 7% commission on a £100,000 investment in an insurance company insurance bond and wanted to know what we charged in comparison.

A week in advance 1 – 5 March

By Keith Bowman | Fri 26 February
The Bank of England’s latest announcement on monetary policy is due next week.

UK property due another setback?

By Meera Patel | Thu 25 February
There could soon be another set back in the UK commercial property market, according to recent warnings from high profile UK property fund manager Don Jordison.

The gold bug

By Meera Patel | Wed 24 February
George Soros, the investment legend, has recently doubled his stake in the world’s largest gold fund. In times of uncertainty, gold is seen as a defensive asset, and investors often flock to it.

Worse than we thought?

By Richard Hunter | Tue 23 February
The Public Sector Net Borrowing (PSNB) requirement deteriorated sharply in January, the Office for National Statistics (ONS) announced. This is not a welcome development.

Opportunities in Europe?

By Rob Morgan | Mon 22 February
Europe is at the centre of uncertainty in the markets at the moment. Concern over Greece’s ability to finance its deficit has seen the Euro come under pressure, and continental shares have retreated.

A week in advance 22 - 26 February

By Keith Bowman | Fri 19 February
Overall UK economic performance will move back into the limelight over the coming week.

We're all doomed!

By Laith Khalaf | Thu 18 February
The spirit of Private Frazer from Dad's Army is alive and kicking in the UK savings industry, demonstrated last week by two research reports offering us tales of woe.

Predicting annuity rates

By Nigel Callaghan | Wed 17 February
The once sedate annuity pricing world continues to swing erratically as pension companies try to cope with the unprecedented factors that determine the annuity rates they offer today's retiring investors.

Universal Allowance

By Tom McPhail | Tue 16 February
A pension planning loophole to claim while you still can...

University Challenge

By Danny Cox | Mon 15 February
Giving our children a better start in life is amongst our main priorities. My son has started to talk about university and I am debating how I might support him (if at all).

A week in advance 15 - 19 February

By Keith Bowman | Fri 12 February
This coming week proves a busy week for UK economic data announcements. Similarly, on the corporate front, a busy schedule for results and trading updates lies in prospect.

Every cloud has a silver lining

By Richard Hunter | Thu 11 February
Concern over the state of sovereign debt is the latest headache for the markets to contemplate.

Abolishing compulsory annuitisation

By Tom McPhail | Wed 10 February
Pension investors might be offered an alternative to compulsory annuity purchase, if there is a change of government. Both the Tories and the Liberal Democrats have shown support for such a plan.

Looking through rose tinted glasses

By Meera Patel | Tue 09 February
Nationwide's house price index for January was up 1.2%. This showed a gain of 8.6% year on year.

The pick of the crop

By Rob Morgan | Mon 08 February
It's all too easy to become caught up in the shifting sentiment and short term fluctuations of the stock market.

A week in advance 8-12 February

By Keith Bowman | Fri 05 February
This coming week sees the latest Bank of England quarterly inflation report being released. On the corporate front, a couple of consumer goods companies move into focus, while a series of mining companies are set to report.

Russian roulette

By Mark Dampier | Thu 04 February
Last week I was reminded of a wonderful quote from Bill Clinton’s campaign strategist James Carville who once said "I used to think that if there was reincarnation I wanted to come back as the President or the Pope but now I want to come back as the bond market. You can intimidate everyone."

A £540,000 tax saving?

By Danny Cox | Wed 03 February
The Conservatives have just announced some pre-Election pledges. Included within these pledges is confirmation of a rise in the inheritance tax (IHT) threshold from £325,000 to £1m.

State retirement age to start increasing

By Tom McPhail | Tue 02 February
The 6th April 2010 marks the date on which women's retirement age starts increasing above age 60. Later retirement is likely to become the norm for millions of workers over the decades to come.

A brand new retirement era?

By Nigel Callaghan | Mon 01 February
With the baby boomer generation starting to retire, insurance companies are keen to find new ways for investors to convert their pension funds into an income stream.

A week in advance 1- 5 February

By Keith Bowman | Fri 29 January
The Bank of England’s latest announcement on monetary policy is due and a broad spread of sectors, including Oil & Gas, Pharmaceuticals and Telecoms move into focus on the corporate front.

Long live the recovery

By Mark Dampier | Thu 28 January
The recession is over, long live the recovery! But let’s be honest a 0.1% increase in GDP which could be revised down, or of course up, is hardly testimony to a magnificent recovery.

Back for good?

By Danny Cox | Wed 27 January
December 2009's inflation figures showed the Consumer Prices Index rising from 1.9% to 2.9% and the Retail Prices Index rising from 0.3% to 2.4%, a huge swing of 2.1%.

Group seventh

By Richard Hunter | Tue 26 January
Today's Gross Domestic Product number confirms the UK's exit from recession, albeit as the last of the G7 to do so.

Freedom to continue in employment beyond age 65

By Tom McPhail | Tue 26 January
Workers may win the right to continue in employment past age 65, as compulsory retirement law looks set to become an election issue in the spring. A change to the law may become a necessity given current levels of retirement savings.

Balance of power

By Danny Cox | Mon 25 January
Some 34m adults in the UK do not have an up to date Will according to a report from the Co-op. Of more concern is that only 100,000 Lasting Powers of Attorney have been registered since October 2007.

A week in advance 25 - 29 January

By Keith Bowman | Fri 22 January
This coming week sees the overall health of the UK economy in the fourth quarter of 2009 moving heavily into focus.

The nifty fifty

By Rob Morgan | Thu 21 January
Warren Buffett famously advised, “Buy stocks like you buy your groceries, not like you buy your perfume“. Look for quality and value rather than being seduced by the expensive and exotic.

Too much in cash?

By Danny Cox | Wed 20 January
One sign of investor confidence returning is the increasing number of people saying they believe they are holding too much cash. But how much cash should you have?

NEST - the National Employment Savings Trust

By Tom McPhail | Tue 19 January
NEST, the new name for the state sponsored pension scheme, will be launched in 2012, as part of the government's plans to get us all saving for retirement.

A week in advance 18 - 22 January

By Keith Bowman | Fri 15 January
This coming week sees the schedule for UK economic announcements proving relatively active.

Best buy tables can be misleading

By Nigel Callaghan | Thu 14 January
When checking the annuity best buy tables in a newspaper recently I found a number of the figures quoted were already out of date. In this competitive market who's offering the best deal can change fast.

Tax doesn’t have to be taxing

By Meera Patel | Wed 13 January
It's that time of year when many individuals will be filing their tax return for the last tax year. If you haven't filed a tax return online before, you must first register to use HMRCs web services.

Chinese Takeovers

By Rob Morgan | Tue 12 January
Geely Auto isn't a name that springs to mind when thinking of international car manufacturers. However, it's one we may well become more familiar with.

Risk Management

By Stephen Lansdown | Mon 11 January
If there's one thing we've all learnt over the last couple of years it is that there is no investment without a degree of risk.

A week in advance 11 - 15 January

By Keith Bowman | Fri 08 January
This coming week sees the schedule for UK economic announcements proving relatively light.

How India's landscape is changing

By Meera Patel | Mon 04 January
For many individuals in India, the start of a working day requires a scooter and a mobile phone.

A week in advance 4 - 8 January

By Keith Bowman | Thu 31 December
This coming week sees the schedule for economic announcements revived following the festive holidays.

Last decade or lost decade?

By Richard Hunter | Wed 30 December
At first glance, it does not make good reading. On December 30, 1999, the FTSE100 hit a record level of 6930, that record stands to this day. The current level of the FTSE is around 5250.

An extraordinary year

By Mark Dampier | Tue 29 December
What an extraordinary year 2009 has been. Would anyone have guessed at the very beginning of the year that asset prices would increase quite so much?

House prices - where are they going?

By Ben Yearsley | Thu 24 December
The latest report by the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) says house prices are rising; anecdotally this appears to be true.

'All weather' investments

By Rob Morgan | Wed 23 December
The adverse weather conditions here and across the Atlantic haven't dampened the markets. Quite the opposite, we seem to be having the seasonal 'Santa rally' as investors enjoy the festive spirit of this time of year.

55 is the new 50

By Tom McPhail | Tue 22 December
As many of you will already know, the minimum retirement age will go up from 50 to 55 next year.

On the hunt for value?

By Meera Patel | Mon 21 December
Stock markets have had one of their strongest gains in the last nine months. Returns have been driven by sectors like mining, the banks and the car makers.

A week in advance 21 - 25 December

By Keith Bowman | Fri 18 December
This coming week sees the schedule for economic announcements lighten ahead of the festive holidays.

The cost of waiting for high inflation

By Nigel Callaghan | Wed 23 December
Those investors delaying the purchase of their annuity expecting rates to jump as inflation returns, may have a longer wait than they bargained for.

The end of year is nigh

By Danny Cox | Thu 17 December
"The biggest burden will fall on those with the broadest shoulders" Alistair Darling, Pre-Budget Report 2010.

Crunchie time for investors

By Richard Hunter | Wed 16 December
Kraft is trying to buy Cadbury on the cheap to provide much needed growth to their unattractive low-growth conglomerate business model...

Is China the new Dubai?

By Mark Dampier | Tue 15 December
Some investors and clients have expressed a view that the problems in places such as Dubai can also be seen in China, in other words an overdevelopment of property.

Japan - new government, new start?

By Rob Morgan | Mon 14 December
Investors in Japan have had a rough ride since the general election three months ago.

A week in advance 14 - 18 December

By Keith Bowman | Thu 10 December
In the wake of the Government's Pre-Budget Report, this coming week sees another busy schedule for economic announcements

Pre-Budget Report - delaying the inevitable

By Danny Cox | Wed 09 December
If you believe the Chancellor's pre-Budget report, we're in a strong position to halve the staggering £178bn of public debt over the next four years.

Should you buy your annuity today?

By Nigel Callaghan | Wed 09 December
Nigel Callaghan discusses the merits of purchasing an annuity now to secure your future retirement income.

Equity release

By Tom McPhail | Tue 08 December
The recent news that Prudential is pulling out of the Equity Release market is a timely reminder of the uncertainties of relying on your home to provide you with an income in retirement.

The annuity revolution gathers pace

By Nigel Callaghan | Mon 07 December
The once sleepy world of annuities is undergoing a revolution, as the leading annuity insurers seek to squeeze every last penny possible from pension funds by factoring where you live into their pricing.

A week in advance 7 - 11 December

By Keith Bowman | Fri 04 December
This coming week sees economic announcements moving squarely into focus with the Government's Pre-Budget proposals due to be announced on Wednesday.

About as much chance as living to 116...

By Nigel Callaghan | Thu 03 December
It's been well reported that many pension companies are making big profits by selling poor value annuities to their unsuspecting pension clients.

Public or private?

By Richard Hunter | Wed 02 December
As the government prepares to pump another £25 billion in to the Royal Bank of Scotland and effectively take its stake of up to 85%, what possible prospects are there for this near-nationalised bank?

Debt problems still to the fore

By Stephen Lansdown | Tue 01 December
I tend to agree with the consensus that the banking crisis is behind us but I'm not sure the debt problem has gone away.

Look out for quality

By Rob Morgan | Mon 30 November
This year's stockmarket rally has been dubbed the "dash for trash" due to the spectacular rise of share prices in highly indebted businesses.

A week in advance 30 November - 4 December

By Keith Bowman | Fri 27 November
This coming week sees a relatively quiet week for UK economic announcements, while the corporate results season remains ongoing.

Talk of the Town

By Danny Cox | Thu 26 November
With the Pre Budget report due on the 9th December, one of the main issues for investors is whether capital gains tax will change.

The rise of the Asian tigers

By Meera Patel | Wed 25 November
It was only 12 years ago that Asia suffered from its own financial crisis and it is a real shame that the West did not learn any lessons from this to prevent their crisis.

Living on a Prayer

By Laith Khalaf | Tue 24 November
14 people (including ex-rugby star Kyran Bracken) have just spent a week living on the state pension of £95.25 to highlight the need to save for retirement.

Why are final salary schemes in terminal decline?

By Tom McPhail | Mon 23 November
The usual answers are improving life expectancy, falling investment returns and the accumulating weight of regulation.

A week in advance 23 - 27 November

By Keith Bowman | Fri 20 November
This coming week sees attention once again focusing on the overall UK economic strength, while the corporate results season remains ongoing.

The attractions of defensive investing

By Meera Patel | Thu 19 November
It has to be said that up until the financial crisis, little attention was given to the healthcare sector.

Things aren't clear in the crystal ball

By Mark Dampier | Wed 18 November
The news from the latest Bank of England report would seem to suggest, as I have commented on once or twice before, that interest rates are likely to stay at these levels for around another year.

Interest rates: where next for savers?

By Danny Cox | Tue 17 November
As expected, the Monetary Policy Committee held interest rates at 0.5% at the start of November.

When two become Juan

By Richard Hunter | Mon 16 November
At long last, the proposed £4 billion merger between British Airways and Spanish carrier Iberia has been confirmed by both companies.

A week in advance 16 - 20 November

By Keith Bowman | Fri 13 November
This coming week sees economic attention in the UK firmly stuck on inflation, whilst on the corporate front, third quarter results remain ongoing.

The best investment you will ever make?

By Tom McPhail | Thu 12 November
This article is about the best investment you will ever make.

Life in the fast lane

By Rob Morgan | Wed 11 November
As well as celebrating Jenson Buttons triumph in the 2009 season, motorsport fans will be well aware of Toyotas decision to pull out of Formula One.

Inflation - retirement’s elephant in the closet

By Nigel Callaghan | Tue 10 November
The latest figure from the Retail Price Index (RPI), the government’s annual inflation measure, was again in negative territory and is still falling.

Today’s recession is brought to you by the letter W and the number 175 billion

By Stuart Goodwin | Mon 09 November
Financial commentators have been vying with each other to come up with ways to explain their outlook for the market.

A week in advance 9 - 13 November

By Keith Bowman | Fri 06 November
This coming week sees economic attention in the UK turning to the outlook for inflation, whilst on the corporate front, third quarter results remain ongoing.

IMF in surprise gold sale

By Ben Yearsley | Thu 05 November
Gold has probably been the most closely followed commodity of the last few years. Prices have soared from historic lows at the beginning of the decade to all time highs recently.

Your Pre-Budget Report questions answered

By Danny Cox | Wed 04 November
Danny Cox, Head of Advice, answers the some of the most common Pre-Budget Report questions we get asked.

Breaking up is hard to do

By Richard Hunter | Tue 03 November
Will the banks ever be dislodged from the front of the financial pages?

All the will in the world

By Danny Cox | Mon 02 November
A report is due to be released from the Law Society, outlining research into the problems experienced by those obtaining wills from unregulated will writers.

A week in advance 2 - 6 November

By Keith Bowman | Fri 30 October
This coming week sees UK monetary policy (the supply and cost of money) take centre stage.

The eye of the retirement storm

By Nigel Callaghan | Thu 29 October
Those contemplating retiring within the next year should consider taking action sooner rather than later.

A negative Gross Domestic Product but the markets head higher

By Mark Dampier | Wed 28 October
Last weeks negative Gross Domestic Product (GDP) number of -0.4% caused some shockwaves among commentators as most expected a positive figure.

A crude awakening

By Rob Morgan | Tue 27 October
Recently a lot of attention has been paid to the gold price, which has decisively moved through the psychologically important $1,000 per ounce barrier.

Sorry gov, the UK's still in recession

By Meera Patel | Mon 26 October
There were high hopes last week that Britain would follow in the footsteps of France and Germany by officially coming out of recession.

A week in advance 26 - 30 October

By Keith Bowman | Fri 23 October
This coming week sees UK companies following their US counterparts as the third quarter results season truly commences.

After the horse has bolted

By Danny Cox | Fri 23 October
The regulation of residential mortgages has been in the spotlight this week. In future, Banks may only be able to lend what people can afford to pay back.

Savings ratio to increase

By Stephen Lansdown | Thu 22 October
In the days before the credit crunch the UK population was in spending mode. Credit was plentiful and the plastic was working overtime.

Turn around when possible

By Danny Cox | Wed 21 October
In 1996, an American warship miss-identified an Irish lighthouse as another ship and demanded that it take evasive action to avoid a collision. An embarrassing mistake for the captain and his navigators, but it does demonstrate that it pays to be prepared to spot obstacles and change your own tactics in order to avert them, rather than relying on others to change theirs.

This could be the lowest cost pension ever

By Tom McPhail | Mon 19 October
If you really want a low cost pension, then this might be of interest to you. BBC Radio 4's Moneybox programme asked me about pension charges last week so I dug up a few stats for them...

Flying high

By Richard Hunter | Mon 19 October
There is an increasing feeling that the market could be suffering from some altitude sickness. The FTSE100 has risen 47% from the March lows and nearly 18% in the year to date.

A week in advance 19 - 23 October 2009

By Keith Bowman | Mon 19 October
This coming week sees the UK economic focus turning towards the overall economic performance during the third quarter period.

Market update

By Mark Dampier | Fri 16 October
Given the economic picture in the developed world, especially the UK - you might wonder why the stock markets and in particular the UK has rallied so strongly. We have said on many occasions that there is always a disconnect between the market and the economy.

Future moves

By Mark Dampier | Thu 15 October
With interest rates at a three year low it is not hard to make a bold forecast to say the next move will be up! However the more important questions to ask are when and by how much? Now forecasting future moves in economic data is fraught...

Broadening income horizons

By Rob Morgan | Wed 14 October
The pound has had a tough time of late - bad news if you are planning a holiday abroad in the near future, and even worse if you spend long periods overseas or have significant fixed costs in Euros or other currencies. The burgeoning...

Smaller companies, the blue chips of tomorrow?

By Meera Patel | Tue 13 October
Smaller companies are having a phenomenal run this year. The FTSE Small Cap (ex Investment Trusts) Index is up by a staggering 69.3%. This compares favourably to the FTSE All Share Index which is up by 21.4%...

SIPPs are good for many things, but buying a football club isn't one of them

By Tom McPhail | Mon 12 October
I am a big fan of SIPPs and as far as I am concerned every investor who is happy to make their own investment decisions should have one, just as they should also have an investment ISA.

A week in advance 12 - 16 October 2009

By Keith Bowman | Mon 12 October
This coming week sees the UK economic focus turning towards pricing or inflation data. On the corporate front, the leisure sector moves into the spotlight.

Infamy, they've got it in for me

By Tom McPhail | Fri 09 October
I’m picking up on a theme I have written on in the past because I am becoming increasingly concerned about an issue that I know will affect many of our clients. The issue is tax relief on pensions and in particular the tax breaks available to higher rate tax payers.

Raising retirement age

By Tom McPhail | Thu 08 October
The Shadow Chancellor George Osborne has announced plans for accelerating the increase in state retirement age, if the Tories were to win the next election.

Convenience without the price

By Stuart Goodwin | Tue 06 October
It used to be extremely difficult for private investors to manage their portfolio effectively. A lack of information meant choosing funds could be a lottery and obtaining valuations was arduous, with each fund provider needing to be...

The paradox of thrift

By Rob Morgan | Mon 05 October
A recent Bank of England report has claimed families need to save around 10% of their income for nine years if they are to return to the levels of personal wealth seen 20 years ago.

A week in advance 5th - 9th October 2009

By Keith Bowman | Mon 05 October
This coming week sees the UK economic focus turning towards interest rate policy. On the corporate front, the food retailers move into the spotlight. In the USA, the calendar for major economic data proves relatively sparse, although the important third quarter corporate results season commences.

"There's one for you, nineteen for me"

By Richard Hunter | Fri 02 October
So sang George Harrison of the Beatles in his 1966 song, “Taxman”, bemoaning the punitive 95%+ marginal tax rates of the time.

Popular sectors

By Stuart Goodwin | Thu 01 October
Latest figures from the Investment Management Association (IMA) show that in August the GBP Corporate Bond sector continued to be most popular with private investors. Bonds have enjoyed a profitable year, after rebounding from a poor...

Commercial property

By Mark Dampier | Wed 30 September
John Maynard Keynes said "when the facts change I change my mind". Well the facts have changed on commercial property and I am becoming more positive on the sector for the first time in at least 6 years. Not only does the commercial property...

2009 - A vintage year for VCTs?

By Rob Morgan | Tue 29 September
Dealing with your bank isn’t what it used to be. After the economic turmoil of the last couple of years most banks are focused on rebuilding their balance sheets and are nervous about lending, whether it is mortgages for individuals or...

Can politicians change our behaviour?

By Danny Cox | Mon 28 September
The simple answer is yes, of course they can. Our behaviour is directly influenced by Governments and the laws they introduce. The car industry is a good example: wearing a seat belt in the front seats became compulsory in 1983 and...

A week in advance 28th September - 2nd October 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 25 September
This coming week sees the UK economic focus turning to the measure of overall economic strength the GDP (Gross Domestic Product), whilst a series of corporate updates are expected. In the USA, arguably the most important economic data is...

Don't pay tax needlessly

By Nigel Callaghan | Fri 25 September
Given the general agreement amongst all political parties that taxation will increase next year, it makes even more sense for couples to use all available tax breaks to maximise their income and wealth. One concession much underused is...

Making mountains from molehills

By Danny Cox | Thu 24 September
One of my earliest clients were a young couple from Sidbury in Devon. As with most people in their early 20s, Steve and Jo spent what they earned. However they had a reasonably high disposable income and it struck me that they should be...

Green revolution

By Rob Morgan | Wed 23 September
Amid the current economic problems climate change is emerging as an important investment theme. Governments are recognising the threats that climate change poses to the environment, and addressing the issue is increasingly being seen as a...

Why invest in a pension?

By Tom McPhail | Tue 22 September
This is a question I am asked from time to time by prospective clients, friends and by personal finance journalists. Around 15 to 20 million people in the UK do invest in a pension every year, however some people are unconvinced of the need for a pension.

Another anniversary

By Richard Hunter | Mon 21 September
One year ago, Lehman finally threw in the towel and filed for bankruptcy. As global financial markets went into a tailspin, there was a quite extraordinary repercussion in the UK. Virtually overnight - and allegedly at the behest of the...

A week in advance 21 - 25 September 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 18 September
This coming week sees a meeting of the G20 countries taking centre stage. On the corporate front, scheduled corporate announcements remain relatively light in number...

Has the detox treatment worked?

By Stephen Lansdown | Fri 18 September
One year on from the Lehman Brothers collapse and we see the stock markets continue their recent strong run well up from their low point of March. In many ways it seems an awfully long time ago that the banking problems well and truly hit and...

500,000 more prizes

By Ben Yearsley | Thu 17 September
In a welcome move for savers, National Savings & Investments have announced they are increasing the premium bond prize fund payout rate from 1% to 1.5% meaning approximately 500,000 more prizes are on offer from October. This has brought the odds...

Who pays for advertising?

By Nigel Callaghan | Thu 17 September
Last night I saw an advert on TV for Direct Line car insurance, which made a virtue of the fact that it did not appear on any comparison websites. If you wanted to buy their insurance you had to contact them direct. In reality, this is likely...

Get it while you can

By Tom McPhail | Tue 15 September
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) wants to scrap higher rate tax relief on pensions. The Government needs to reduce its expenditure. There is an election coming. This could all get a bit ugly. If you can afford it you should consider taking...

In search of high yields in times of low interest rates

By Meera Patel | Mon 14 September
Faced with low interest rates, an increasing number of investors have been forced to give up the guarantees cash can provide and have turned to other income producing assets in the last year or so. One of the assets that has benefited from...

A week in advance. 14th - 18th September 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 11 September
This coming week sees a host of UK economic indicators being released. On the corporate front, the retailing sector remains in the limelight. In the USA, the week also sees a host of economic releases, whilst scheduled corporate announcements...

A great time to retire?

By Nigel Callaghan | Fri 11 September
In recent months we have seen a surge in the number of investors requesting annuity quotations, quite rightly wondering whether theirs is one of the pension funds that has benefited from the stockmarket jumping 40% since its nadir in...

All that glitters

By Meera Patel | Thu 10 September
It has been a lively time for the gold market recently with gold prices gaining strength on the back of a weak dollar and strong demand for jewellery. Gold prices have broken the psychological level of $1000 an ounce...

Understanding pensions

By Stephen Lansdown | Wed 09 September
I was in a meeting the other day with my corporate pensions team and had to call a halt to the proceedings. The trouble was I did not understand a single word they were saying. It was not because I did not understand the technical nature of the...

Opportunities abound in Europe

By Meera Patel | Tue 08 September
Of all the major sectors, Europe (excluding the UK) was the best performing in August. The European smaller companies sector in particular was up 11% for the month. This could signal a trend in the right direction but it must be remembered that...

A nip in the air

By Richard Hunter | Mon 07 September
The first signs of autumnal weather (worryingly called 'fall' in the US of course) have been accompanied by some reflection and weakness in global markets in the first few days of September. A Bloomberg journalist concisely asked the question...

A week in advance 7 - 11 September 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 04 September
This coming week sees a UK interest rate policy announcement. On the corporate front, the retailing sector provides a series of updates. In the USA, the corporate sector is likely to remain relatively quiet, while economic attention may well...

Market update

By Mark Dampier | Fri 04 September
September and October are notoriously volatile months in the stock market. Mark Twain actually quipped that so was November, December, January etc etc! Global stock markets have travelled a long way since the lows of March. In the UK the stock...

Housing market recovery?

By Danny Cox | Thu 03 September
According to the Halifax and Nationwide, two of the leading providers of house price statistics, the value of the average house increased in July, up to £159,623 according to the Halifax and £158,871 according to the Nationwide. These figures...

Can't do, can do

By Stephen Lansdown | Wed 02 September
President Barack Obama's campaign was focused on the need for change and a 'can do' attitude. It was amazingly inspiring and as shown by the result of the election something that all Americans could associate with and aspire to. Whether...

Reasons to be cheerful?

By Stuart Goodwin | Tue 01 September
Latest numbers from the Office of National Statistics show that UK retail sales rose by 3.3% in July compared to the same period last year. The bulk of this gain came from clothing and footwear stores, while sales of household goods fell...

A week in advance 31 August - 4 September 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 28 August
This coming week sees the trading week cut short by a Bank Holiday. On the economic front, the focus is likely to turn to the latest G20 meeting. In the USA, the corporate sector is likely to remain quiet, while attention on an economic basis...

The fall line

By Mark Dampier | Fri 28 August
In skiing there is a term known as the fall line. Basically this is the fastest way down the mountain: the line of least resistance. When it comes to investment, capital does not suddenly disappear; it just finds the least line of resistance and...

Those were the days

By Danny Cox | Thu 27 August
It is amazing how a new development can so dramatically change the way we do things. For example, think back to pre-digital photography, when you had to reload the film every 24 or 36 shots and had to wait days if not weeks to see the results...

Trust to luck?

By Tom McPhail | Thu 27 August
New research on employers' intentions regarding their final salary pension schemes shows that we are entering the next phase of the pensions revolution. Having seen the majority of major employers close their final salary schemes to new employees...

Boost your retirement income

By Nigel Callaghan | Tue 25 August
Some good news, for a change - retiring investors are making their pension savings go much further. Due to the benefits of Enhanced Annuities there has been a 30% jump in the amount of investors buying them, with total sales for this year...

Should I stay or should I go?

By Mark Dampier | Mon 24 August
Recent market data has suggested that the housing recession has now bottomed out. I would be very sceptical of this. True, this year has gone a lot better than most of us housing bears expected but similar to the stock market the housing...

More important news for Aviva policy holders (formerly Norwich Union)

By Danny Cox | Sat 22 August
Aviva (formerly Norwich Union) has decided to extend the voting period in the reattribution process from 21 August to 21 September 2009. We understand that so far about 75% of the eligible policyholders have voted. There will be another...

A week in advance 24 - 28 August 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 21 August
This coming week sees a marginal pick up in the UK half year results season, whilst on the economic front, overall economic performance for the second quarter (2009) comes back into focus. In the USA, a second estimate of overall economic...

Fund mergers underway at Henderson New Star

By Stuart Goodwin | Fri 21 August
The takeover of New Star Asset Management by Henderson earlier this year created a large investment house with a huge range of funds. It was always expected that the funds would be consolidated through mergers, and this process is now underway...

Turning Japanese

By Ben Yearsley | Thu 20 August
It is interesting to note that several of the world's major economies have emerged from recession; France and Germany last week with Japan being the latest to have positive numbers. The UK appears to be lagging behind, despite the recent strong...

Broke Britain or full of opportunities?

By Meera Patel | Wed 19 August
I recently wrote an update on the outlook for the market in this column and recent economic data confirms my thoughts. Despite rising stock markets around the world, I could not stress more that on the economic front, the doom and gloom is...

People still prepared to pay that little bit more

By Stephen Lansdown | Tue 18 August
Two newspaper stories caught my eye the other weekend. The first was that the price of a brace of grouse was now £160 as opposed to £140 this time last year showing that those who enjoy the glorious 12th each year are prepared to pay, and pay more...

Sorting the wheat from the chaff

By Meera Patel | Mon 17 August
Investing in commodities is not just about oil, gas and gold. Agriculture is just as important and can make a useful investment in its own right. The most obvious factor to influence agricultural prices is supply and demand. Demand is being...

Friends Provident - Important news for policyholders

By Danny Cox | Fri 14 August
On the 11th August, the Friends Provident Board announced that it has accepted Resolution's latest acquisition proposal and is recommending acceptance to their shareholders. Resolution, the acquisitions vehicle founded by entrepreneur Clive...

Nasty medicine

By Mark Dampier | Thu 13 August
The arguments towards whether we will have inflation or deflation still rage. However over the next couple of years I can see no inflation problems in sight. Why? Unemployment is rising dramatically, wage growth is falling and the output gap...

Lloyds in rights issue again?

By Richard Hunter | Wed 12 August
Reports in the weekend press suggested that the bank is considering a £15 billion rights issue, on top of the £4 billion it raised earlier in the year, in an attempt to reduce the cost of insuring bad debt through Treasury's Asset Protection...

QE or not QE

By Ben Yearsley | Tue 11 August
Along with the expected news that interest rates would stay on hold at 0.5% for the fifth consecutive month came the more unexpected news that the Bank of England would increase its quantitative easing (QE) programme. QE, for those unfamiliar...

SIPP providers hike charges

By Alex Davies | Mon 10 August
According to the trade newspaper - Money Marketing, the SIPP provider, Hornbuckle Mitchell has raised many of its fees and introduced additional charges for new and existing customers. It has increased its annual fee by £45 to £490 and...

A week in advance 10th - 14th August 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 07 August
This coming week sees the UK second quarter/half year results season continuing, whilst on the economic front, attention turns to the Bank of England's latest quarterly inflation report. In the USA, and following in the wake of the UK and Europe...

Outlook for the UK market

By Meera Patel | Fri 07 August
Since the low point in the market this year the FTSE 100 is up 35% (Source: Lipper, 03/03/09 to 04/08/09). This rally was largely driven by the recognition that the pace of deterioration in the UK economy has slowed and the financial system...

Green shoots

By Ben Yearsley | Thu 06 August
Following on from my recent comment about the UK economy, it appears that optimism is the name of the game in the UK. Despite the FTSE 100 falling back slightly over the last few days, the index has still risen from just under 4200 to over...

If something looks too good to be true

By Danny Cox | Wed 05 August
Perhaps my favourite Dampier-ism is "The return of your investment is more important than the return on your investment". Knowing your exit strategy has to be a key consideration when you choose to invest and alongside this is an...

UK update

By Ben Yearsley | Tue 04 August
A few contrasting stories have been recently released about the UK economy. Firstly the good(ish) news; house prices rose for the first time in 2009. On average, house prices in England and Wales rose by 0.1% in June compared to...

Amex pension suspension

By Tom McPhail | Mon 03 August
American Express recently announced that it would be temporarily suspending contributions into its company stakeholder pension scheme for its staff. This means the loss of an employer contribution of up to 9% of salary from now until...

A week in advance 3rd - 7th August 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 31 July
This coming week sees the UK second quarter/half year results season continuing, with attention turning squarely towards the banking sector. On the economic front, interest rate policy comes back into focus. In the USA, unemployment data may...

The postcode is 50 years old

By Nigel Callaghan | Fri 31 July
The introduction of the postcode was announced 50 years ago this week. Despite the trial in Norwich not being that successful, the use of postcodes quickly gained widespread national usage. Today, postcodes are used for all sorts of reasons over...

Give us a clue

By Richard Hunter | Thu 30 July
The UK banks will be updating the market on their half-year results next week. Richard Hunter, head of UK equites, discusses the possibilities.

Emergency exit procedure

By Danny Cox | Wed 29 July
Danny Cox, head of advice, discusses the importance of exit penalties when deciding where to invest.

Keeping a close eye on mortgage rates

By Danny Cox | Tue 28 July
Should you be fixing your mortgage? Danny Cox, head of advice, shares his views.

A secure income in uncertain times

By Nigel Callaghan | Mon 27 July
With returns from savings so low, pensions analyst Nigel Callaghan reveals one way of boosting your retirement income.

Some pension companies promote inertia

By Nigel Callaghan | Fri 24 July
Recent research shows that 61% of over-55s are unaware of a simple trick that can increase their retirement income. Nigel Callaghan explains.

A week in advance 27th - 31st July 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 24 July
This coming week sees the UK second quarter/half year results season start in earnest, whilst the economic calendar turns relatively quiet. In the USA, attention turns to overall economic performance during the second quarter of 2009, whilst the second quarter corporate results season remains....

Back to basics

By Stephen Lansdown | Thu 23 July
Stephen Lansdown, Chairman and co-founder of Hargreaves Lansdown, shares his view on the current state of the economy and reveals the key to successful investing.

Looking after number one

By Danny Cox | Wed 22 July
Danny Cox, Head of Advice, discusses how important good service from your pension and investment providers can be.

An end to compulsory retirement

By Tom McPhail | Tue 21 July
The government has signalled its intention to scrap the rules on compulsory retirement. Head of pensions research, Tom McPhail, explores the implications.

Ever wondered weather it makes a difference?

By Richard Hunter | Mon 20 July
Richard Hunter, head of UK equities, investigates how much of an impact the weather can have on share prices.

A week in advance 20th - 24th July 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 17 July
Keith Bowman looks at the company announcements and economic data due next week.

What is going on in China?

By Meera Patel | Fri 17 July
As 4 employees of Rio Tinto are arrested in China, senior analyst Meera Patel looks at whether China is a good investment prospect.

New proposals

By Danny Cox | Thu 16 July
Alistair Darling has announced new proposals for a tougher regulation of the banking industry. Danny Cox, Head of Advice, shares his views.

Inflation falls below Bank of England target

By Stuart Goodwin | Wed 15 July
Stuart Goodwin discusses the inflation figures released this week.

Look to the future

By Mark Dampier | Tue 14 July
Head of Research, Mark Dampier, shares his views on what he believes will happen to interest rates and taxes.

Don't worry about means testing, worry about not saving

By Tom McPhail | Mon 13 July
Head of Pensions Reseach, Tom McPhail, explains why you should not rely on Pension Credit.

A week in advance 13th - 17th July 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 10 July
Keith Bowman looks at the company announcements and economic data due next week.

EU regulation could mean smaller pensions for UK investors

By Nigel Callaghan | Fri 10 July
Nigel Callaghan, Pensions Analyst, explains how EU regulations could affect annuity rates.

Money for nothing

By Danny Cox | Thu 09 July
The government has announced measures to prevent credit card companies increasing credit limits without being asked. Danny Cox, Head of Advice, shares his views.

Changing ends at half time?

By Richard Hunter | Wed 08 July
As we pass the half way point of 2009, Richard Hunter, Head of UK Equities, assesses the year so far and makes a few predictions for the coming 6 months.

Why infrastructure matters

By Meera Patel | Tue 07 July
Meera Patel, Senior Analyst, highlights the vital role infrastructure can play in developing economies.

How to defend against frauds

By Danny Cox | Mon 06 July
Danny Cox, Head of Advice, shares some tips on how to avoid fraudulent investment schemes.

A week in advance 6th - 10th July 2009

By Keith Bowman | Fri 03 July
Keith Bowman looks at the company announcements and economic data due next week.

How many ways can I draw my pension?

By Tom McPhail | Thu 02 July
Head of Pensions Research, Tom McPhail, explains the different options you have at retirement.

Aviva policyholders - an important decision

By Danny Cox | Wed 01 July
If you are invested in the Aviva (formerly Norwich Union) With Profits fund, you may have the option of a cash payout. Head of Advice, Danny Cox, explains the situation.

Troubled times for UK economy

By Ben Yearsley | Tue 30 June
Ben Yearsley, Investment Manager, provides his view on the current state of the economy