12 May 2025
While the Bank of England (BOE) has started cutting the base rate in recent times, mortgage pricing remains mixed. While the base rate dropped by 0.5 percentage points between October 2024 and March 2025, average fixed mortgage rates initially climbed. However, recent market changes have seen sub-four per cent deals return for some borrowers, driven […]
Read more...12 May 2025
Half of UK adults are unclear on how the state pension works, according to Standard Life’s Retirement Voice report. Nearly one-third of those closest to retirement (aged 55 to 64) are still in the dark. If you do not know how much you will receive or when payments will start, it could cost you. Do […]
Read more...12 May 2025
President Donald Trump’s second term has ushered in a wave of protectionist trade policies, including sweeping tariffs that have rattled global markets. Since January 2025, the average US tariff rate has surged from 2.5 per cent to 27 per cent – the highest in over a century. Tariffs on Chinese imports have reached 145 per […]
Read more...10 Mar 2025
Investing directly in companies that are heavily focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and actively integrating it into their products and services currently presents significant growth potential. This is partly due to current industry trends and the growth of individual stocks – such as Nvidia, Alphabet and Microsoft – as well as recent innovations in AI […]
Read more...10 Mar 2025
With rising interest rates and more competitive savings accounts, holding cash is becoming an attractive option for some. Holding cash offers stability and liquidity, safeguarding capital without the volatility of equities or property. Additionally, cash provides flexibility, especially in uncertain economies. However, inflation continues to erode the real value of cash, even with improved interest […]
Read more...10 Mar 2025
For millions of savers, Cash ISAs provide a safe and tax-free way to grow their savings without the risks associated with stock market volatility. The suspected move to limit the Cash ISA allowance, or potentially axe it altogether, has been viewed as an attack on responsible saving by many. The Government’s argument is that £386 […]
Read more...16 Jan 2025
Investing can be a fantastic way to grow your wealth, but it always comes with associated risks and making mistakes can increase that significantly. Here are some common errors that investors, both new and experienced, should avoid: 1. Chasing trends It is tempting to jump on the latest hot stock or investment trend, but this […]
Read more...16 Jan 2025
Receiving a bonus is a reward for your hard work and dedication, but before you rush to spend it all, take a moment to consider how to make the most of this financial boost. A thoughtful approach can turn your windfall into a powerful step towards long-term financial security. Here is what we recommend: Pay […]
Read more...12 Dec 2024
The 2024 Autumn Budget announcements made by the Government have caused many to rethink their pension strategy and whether these are still a relevant and useful long-term investment. You may be wondering, for example, whether contributing to a pension (either through work or privately) is the most tax-efficient strategy considering the alternatives – like stocks, […]
Read more...12 Dec 2024
Christmas is a busy time, but the start of a new year is always a good opportunity to take a closer look at your investment portfolio and prepare for the year ahead. The markets have been moving fast this year, and we think they will continue to see interesting trends in the next 12 months […]
Read more...12 Dec 2024
Retirement is a goal that is achievable for almost everyone, but not without a comprehensive plan and financial strategy. Without one, you could find that you run out of funds to support your lifestyle in later years when the prospect of returning to work is a lot less appealing. We always suggest that you start […]
Read more...6 Nov 2024
With the Government’s announcement of a two per cent rise in Stamp Duty Land Tax (SDLT) on second homes, buyers now face a five per cent surcharge on additional property purchases. For aspiring property investors or those looking to expand their portfolios, it is essential to consider strategies to offset this increased expense. Firstly, you […]
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