A question on people’s minds at the moment is ‘Are we about to experience a stock market downturn?’ given the length of time we have been in a ‘bull market’ and also in light of the uncertainty regarding Brexit etc. Here we discuss the key findings within our domestic and the international economies and what
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Current Position Inflation figures for June revealed an unexpected fall in the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) rate to 2.6% after seven months of rising rates and May’s high of 2.9%. Possibly, inflation is now at, or close to, its post-Brexit-vote peak, and an interest rate rise may not be forthcoming after all. The recent inflation dip
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Following the announcement for a ‘snap-election’ on the 8th June, there has been speculative activity among traders with sharp moves in the value of the pound and UK companies. What Happened and Why? Theresa May is said to want greater power and leverage in the Brexit negotiations which she expects to be gained from a
Read MoreSpring Budget 2017 Update Yesterday, Philip Hammond the Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered the last Spring Budget (although as he joked, we’ve been told that before, by Norman Lamont in 1992). There were no significant tax or pension changes in yesterday’s Budget that will have any immediate impact, allowing all to plan for the tax
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The new pension freedoms were launched in April 2015. It would be fair to say that these are a double-edged sword if used in wrong way. Unfortunately, like a credit card, it depends who is in control. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should! Used well, these can add real benefit, but used poorly
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This will be the last Autumn Statement. In future, the Budget Day will switch from spring to autumn, with a toned down statement on the economy delivered each March. This will give welcome breathing space between the announcement of budget changes and their introduction. Philip Hammond’s first Autumn Statement didn’t contain any major tax or
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As with Brexit, not may people foresaw Donald Trump emerging as winner of the US presidential election. There is obviously a considerable amount of discontent and frustration across Western democracies. This election result is a vote against the political establishment from a large part of society that is angry that government policy has done little
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The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) has recently issued a reminder to all those who have expressed an interest in topping up their Additional State pension by up to £25 per week. The option to make Class 3A Voluntary Contributions applies to individuals who attained their state pension age on or before 5 April 2016, i.e.
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Summer or Winter? Now is the winter of our discontent ……. as the opening soliloquy of Shakespeare’s Richard III begins, as Richard, Duke of Gloucester forms his Machiavellian plans to take the crown. For many, their finances are a lifelong ‘winter’. This post is not aimed at those who need society’s support and help, but more
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No one likes to think that something bad will happen to them, but each year one million workers suddenly find themselves unable to work due to serious illness or injury*. Financial Protection is designed to provide a cushion against the financial impact of unexpected and costly events such as serious illness, unemployment, accidents, and death.
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