With over 90 years of combined experience of financial planning & investing, we consider that it is very difficult and most likely impossible to predict when is the best time to enter or exit the market. The speed at which markets react to news means stock prices have already absorbed the impact of new developments.
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Key considerations for investors: Interest Rates have been so low for so long now although the US Federal Reserve has made the first move by raising rates in December 2016. When will be the next increase? Whilst it is intimated that the UK is someway off the US rises, it could be sooner if the
Read MoreDuring the 2015 post-election Budget, Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne announced that he would be establishing a new dividend tax. Why the change? Under the current system, any dividends received up to the basic rate income tax band (20% band is currently £31,785 on top of the £10,600 or £10,660 personal allowance) would not
Read MoreGiven the current theme of global stock market volatility caused largely by the issues that exist in the Far East, we are providing a brief update addressing the current market volatility and the likely effect on your investments. Current Market Volatility There are concerns over market volatility in recent weeks, with the lack of a
Read MoreWith a weak start to the year and a modest rebound in April it is expected to be another year of below trend global growth. Consequently the end of year forecasts are slightly below last year’s 2.7% (GDP based on current fixed exchange rates). Having said that, despite the US economy’s quarter ‘1’ contraction, recent
Read MoreMany congratulations to Lucy Loughton, who has qualified to practice as a financial adviser. Lucy passed her final exam to achieve the CII’s Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning at the end of May 2015. Peter Blackburn, Director of Loughtons IFA said “This is a tremendous effort by Lucy and the result of 2 years of
Read MoreDefined Benefits (DB) or Defined Contributions (DC) Pension Schemes In the popular press, ‘final salary’, also known as ‘defined benefit’, pensions are often referred to as ‘gold-plated’, the implication being that they are superior to ‘defined contribution’ (money Purchased) arrangements such as Personal Pensions. Many therefore can dismiss the notion of doing anything with a
Read MoreYou are no doubt starting to see a lot of press regarding the proposed pension legislation and enhancements to ISA investments as we head up to the 6th April 2015. Naturally there are concerns and questions being asked, especially in the media and there are those that feel that the government are looking for short
Read MoreGlobal Stock markets have dipped significantly in the past few weeks as fears over global economies and falling inflation hit shares and drove up bond prices. Reports of the slowdown in growth in the US, disappointment over the health of the economy in Europe, concerns about a slowdown in Asia, as well as the threat
Read MoreThe Chancellor of the Exchequer, George Osborne, has announced this week that ‘Everyone who will be able to take advantage of the new reforms will be able to access free and impartial guidance’ with respect to their retirement options. This was previously announced by the Chancellor to the House of Commons in his budget statement
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