Thursday, 09 February 2012
Tech stocks rising in popularity with investors
The technology sector is once again becoming popular with investors, as the Facebook IPO turns a spotlight onto tech stocks.
That is according to the Association of Investment Companies, which said that the social media site's announcement of its planned IPO has got investors thinking about technology once again.
Although they are...
Thursday, 09 February 2012
Buy-to-let market swells by 84,000 in 2011
The buy-to-let market swelled by 84,000 in 2011, as more individuals sought to invest their
private wealth in real estate.
According to figures from the Council of Mortgage Lenders, the increase helped boost the supply of private rented housing in the UK.
Its data suggests that 34,800 buy-to-let mortgages were advanced...
Wednesday, 08 February 2012
IMA welcomes government stance on tax compliance
The Investment Management Association (IMA) has welcomed a joint statement from the world's leading government's concerning plans for an allied front on international tax compliance.
The UK, US, France, Germany, Italy and Spain today issued a joint statement regarding their intergovernmental approach to improving compliance and also implementing the Foreign Account...
Tuesday, 07 February 2012
Prime London property 'remains a desirable investment option'
Prime central London property is proving a desirable choice among high-net worth individuals with
private wealth to invest, particularly those coming from overseas.
That is according to the London Central Portfolio, which indicates that London remains a popular investment choice for international property hunters.
Responding to research by Knight Frank indicating...
Monday, 06 February 2012
Investors told to understand what kind of decision makers they are
With an increasing number of investors looking to build up a portfolio as an alternative to a pension, it is becoming important that they know what kind of decision makers they are.
That is according to a financial expert, who says that people do not always make the most rational, cold...
Friday, 03 February 2012
Fine wine picking up as an alternative investment choice
After falling slightly in price over the past six months, wine seems to once again be rising as an attractive alternative investment opportunity.
The Liv-ex Fine Wine 100 Index, which is a benchmark of the prices of the 100 most sought-after fine wines, posted its first monthly rise since the summer...
Thursday, 02 February 2012
Invest in China 'to play on global growth'
Invest your
private wealth in China if you want to take advantage of the global economic recovery, but be aware of the risks.
That is the advice that was issued by economic expert Jeremy Cook on the FT Money Show podcast this week, when he suggested that the BRIC economies...
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
SIB announces winning projects for social investment funding
The sixteen projects to benefit from the Social Action Fund have been announced by the
Social Investment Business (SIB).
Over £9 million has been awarded to the social action projects, with the individual grants ranging from £100,000 to £2 million.
They focus on everything from support for teachers, to increased citizenship...
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Public pension reforms 'unlikely to save money'
The latest public pension reforms planned by the government are unlikely to save money in the long-term, according to the Institute of Fiscal Services.
Research from the organisation also suggests that a four-year pay squeeze has prompted the differential between public and private-sector pay to return to its pre-recessionary levels.
The IFS...
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Bank of England: Deposits from financial companies fell in December
Financial institutions saw total deposits from other financial corporations (OFCs) fall by £48.2 billion in December, new statistics show.
According to the latest research published by the Bank of England, the decline was driven by securities dealers (-£16.8 billion), intermediaries (-£11.1 billion), fund managers (-£8.5 billion) and securitisation special purpose entities...
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Political discontent 'fails to dampen investment opportunities in emerging markets
Despite last year being characterised by political uprisings across the Arabian peninsula - with protests and revolutions in countries such as Tunisia, Egypt and Libya - global emerging markets continue to offer sterling investment opportunities.
That is according to the Association of Investment Companies, which notes that global emerging markets continue...
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Easing fears over Greece and manufacturing data boost Euro stocks
European stocks rose to a six-month high this week, thanks to receding concerns over the state of the eurozone.
While risk appetite remains somewhat muted, share prices were buoyed by improved manufacturing data from Germany and the UK.
According to Reuters, European shares rose 1.5 per cent on February 1st to 1,053.05...
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Facebook launches $5bn IPO
Facebook is in the process of filing papers for a $5 billion (£3.2 billion) initial public offering, which will give investors a chance to put their
private wealth in the company once it debuts on the stock market.
According to trading on the secondary market, the highly successful social media...
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
VCTs fare well in 2011
Venture Capital Trusts (VCTs) remained some of the best-performing investment vehicles in December, according to new data from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC).
Despite market turbulence throughout 2011, data from the AIC indicates that VCTs - which operate similarly to investment trusts and are listed on the London Stock Exchange -...
Monday, 30 January 2012
Fitch downgrades five countries in the eurozone
The eurozone suffered further misery over the weekend after Fitch announced it has downgraded the ratings of five countries in the single-currency bloc.
After placing six countries on 'rating watch negative' status in December, the global rating agency downgraded Italy, Spain, Belgium, Cyprus and Slovenia.
Italy was reduced from AA+ to A-,...
Monday, 30 January 2012
FSA undecided over toxic loan pension schemes
The Financial Services Authority (FSA) has failed to reach a consensus on pension schemes accepting toxic loans from banks through loopholes in existing regulations, it has been reported.
According to City Wire, the financial regulator has investigated the activities, which involve complex liquidity swaps in which banks trade bonds linked to...
Monday, 30 January 2012
Global pension fund assets 'reach record high'
Global pension fund assets in the leading 13 markets grew by four per cent in 2011 to reach a new record high of $28 trillion (£17.8 trillion), up from $26 trillion (£16.5 trillion) the year before.
That is according to the latest Global Pension Assets Study from professional services firm Towers...
Monday, 30 January 2012
Property investment as an alternative to a private pension
A growing number of Britons are choosing to forgo pensions in favour of alternative forms of investment for their retirement nest egg, including buy-to-let property and ISAs.
That is according to the Telegraph, which suggests that these investments are growing in popularity, even though they offer much less generous tax relief...
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Greece rejects plans for budget overseer
Greece has rejected proposals that would see it receive €130 billion in additional bail-out funding in return for the imposition of a budget overseer by the eurozone.
The plans, put forward by Germany, would see the creation of an EU budget commissioner capable of vetoing public spending and taxation decision made...
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Most companies feel they must rethink capabilities to secure emerging market growth
The majority of global companies are looking at high growth from emerging markets as the key to future expansion.
However, new research from Accenture suggests that most believe they do not currently have the required capabilities to compete in these new markets.
The survey of nearly 600 business leaders from 85 different...
Sunday, 29 January 2012
US reconsiders plans to tackle offshore tax evasion
The US has announced a significant change in the way it intends to crack down on offshore tax evasion, following mounting pressure from other governments and financial institutions.
Previously, it had intended to sign agreements with European leaders that would see their banks transferring data on accounts held by US citizens...
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Charity managers 'should be involved with fundraising'
Senior managers at charities should be involved in fundraising efforts, it has been claimed.
With both commercial and private investors increasingly looking to put
private wealth into socially responsible organisations, there is currently a big opportunity for the voluntary sector.
Speaking at an event held by the Cass Business School, Shelter...
Sunday, 29 January 2012
New social investment pilot funds to be launched
Funds worth up to £10 million are to be launched for pilot schemes in the third sector by the
Social Investment Business (SIB).
The SIB, which invests in a range of civil society organisations, told Third Sector that if the new funds are successful, it will look at raising much...
Sunday, 29 January 2012
Banks still have a long way to 'go to repair trust'
Customer service levels improved over the past year in the retail banking sector, but financial institutions still have a long way to go to rebuilt relationships.
That is according to new research from analyst Accenture, which indicates that bank customers are less likely to recommend their provider to others than they...
Friday, 27 January 2012
ABI welcomes Financial Services Bill
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) has voiced its support for the government's Financial Services Bill (FSB).
Otto Thoresen, director general of the organisation, said that the bill is an "important milestone" in the development of financial regulation.
He said: "The first reading of the Financial Services Bill is an important milestone...
Friday, 27 January 2012
Financial Services Bill published
The government has published its long-awaited Financial Services Bill, which sets out legislation to shake-up the regulation of the UK's financial services.
Under the terms of the bill, the Financial Services Authority will be replaced by three separate entities – the Financial Policy Committee, the Prudential Regulation Authority and the Financial...
Thursday, 26 January 2012
IMA welcomes plans to limit director bonuses
The Investment Management Association (IMA) has welcomed new measures announced by the government to improve accountability when it comes to excessive remuneration for executive directors.
According to business secretary Vince Cable, the government will require that companies publish more informative reports concerning executive pay, including a single figure for how much...
Thursday, 26 January 2012
NCVO urges tax incentives to encourage social investment
Investors could be encouraged to make more social and charity investments with the right tax incentives, the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has said.
A new report from the council sets out recommendations to speed up growth in the
social investment market, which it believes can play an important...
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Value of charity investments falls in 2011
The total value of charity investments dropped by 2.7 per cent, according to research by a leading market analyst.
Figures from the WM Fund Monitor were based on a survey of
charity investment managers and indicate that 40 per cent of charities' money was invested in UK equities, a fall...
Wednesday, 25 January 2012
Charity investing millions into city of York
A charity based in York will be investing significantly into the area in a bid to create hundreds of new affordable homes to rent, part-own or buy.
The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust will be spending £37 million on new developments in the city, including £14 million on new services for older...
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
UK reasserts itself as Europe's top retail property market
The UK has re-established itself as Europe's largest retail property market, as well as being the region's leading market for office space.
According to research by Cushman & Wakefield, the UK and other core markets such as Germany and France have enjoyed strong interest from investors, accounting for 61.4 per cent...
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
REIT promotes strong environmental performance
Entrepreneurs looking for
socially responsible investment opportunities will increasingly be considering the environmental performance of any funds or organisations in which they choose to place their money.
While social enterprises set out with the aim of supporting social improvement as well as business profit, businesses have increasingly found that the...
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Demand rising for 'best commercial property assets' in volatile market
2012 may be a year for investing in long-term opportunities in the European commercial property market, with a new report suggesting overall volumes will hold firm this year, due to the cautious nature of the market.
According to real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield, commercial property investment grew by 17.7 per...
Tuesday, 24 January 2012
Commercial property 'to be strong in Nordic countries this year'
Nordic countries will benefit from some of the strongest performing commercial property markets in 2012, investors have been told.
According to real estate expert Knight Frank, markets in Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark are likely to perform well due to the strong economies in these countries.
Entrepreneurs with
private wealth should...
Monday, 23 January 2012
High yields for property in the north of England
Buy-to-let investors are seeing high yields in the north of England, according to a financial expert.
Speaking on the popular FT Money Show podcast, produced by the Financial Times, Tanya Powley explained that some towns and areas in this part of the country are seeing very healthy returns on investment.
As an...
Thursday, 19 January 2012
Coloured diamonds make for good alternative investment
Coloured diamonds currently represent an attractive alternative investment opportunity for individuals with
private wealth looking to diversify their portfolios.
According to the New York Post, polished diamond prices were up 19 per cent last year, with some wholesalers pointing to coloured varieties, such as pink, yellow and blue diamonds, as...
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
IMF requests hundreds of billions for bail-out loans
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has requested an extra $500 billion (£324 billion) from its member countries in order to plug global demand for bail-out loans during the next two years.
According to the Financial Times, it currently has $387 billion (£251 billion) available to it in resources, however, it is thought...
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Bank of England rejects calls for supervision
The Bank of England has rejected proposals from MPs for a supervisory board to strengthen governance and accountability.
In his response to the Treasury select committee's suggestion, governor Sir Mervyn King said that any such body would only serve to second-guess decisions made by policy makers.
The Financial Times reports that he...
Monday, 16 January 2012
China offers 'significant growth opportunities'
With a the Chinese New Year approaching, investors with
private wealth have been told that the country could offer them significant opportunities after a "challenging" 12 months.
According to the Association of Investment Companies (AIC), the year of the dragon is likely to bring with it a certain amount of...
Monday, 16 January 2012
Eurozone sovereign debt ratings cut
Nine eurozone territories have seen their sovereign debt ratings cut, with France losing its AAA status after Standard & Poor's adjusted the country's rating to AA plus (with a negative outlook).
Austria also lost its AAA rating from S&P's, while Italy, Spain Portugal, Cyprus, Malta, Slovakia and Slovenia also saw their...
Friday, 13 January 2012
Economics 'key in Scottish independence debate'
Economics will play a central role in whether or not Scotland attains its independence from the rest of the UK, according to the Financial Times.
Following comments from UK chancellor George Osborne questioning what currency an independent Scotland would utilise, the news provider points out the Scottish and UK economies have...
Friday, 13 January 2012
Investment opportunities outside the eurozone
Many investors are looking beyond the eurozone for investment opportunities in developed European markets that have not adopted the currency.
That is according to analyst Zacks Investment Research, which suggests that although the eurozone debt crisis currently appears under control, it could flare up later this year if major players, such...
Friday, 13 January 2012
Equities becoming 'less important for investors'
Investors are placing less of their
private wealth in listed equities, as a result of a rapid shift of focus to emerging markets where these investments are less prominent.
That is according to market research firm McKinsey Global Institute, which estimates that 15 per cent of money is put into...
Thursday, 12 January 2012
Bank of England holds firm for another month
The Bank of England has decided to maintain interest rates at 0.5 per cent for another month, as well as holding the size of its Asset Purchase Programme at £275 billion.
Its monetary policy committee decided to hold the official bank rate paid on commercial bank reserves for another month.
This rate...
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Being decisive with socially responsible investment
When it comes to choosing which fund is the right one for your
private wealth, even the greatest investors can be struck by indecision.
But according to the Forbes magazine, the key thing is figuring out exactly how to overcome these mental hurdles; if you can master this, then you...
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
HK approval of renminbi-denominated bond funds 'spur investor access to China'
The decision by Hong Kong's Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) to approve renminbi-denominated bond funds will improve investor access to China, it has been claimed.
According to Sally Wong, chief executive of the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association, the move will also help to internationalise the currency.
SFC approval of several new...
Monday, 09 January 2012
Art as an alternative investment choice
Art could be the alternative investment of choice for individuals with
private wealth this year.
With risk remaining high in traditional investment categories, a number of investors are looking to diversify their portfolios, so as to ensure they are not too exposed to the current economic malaise.
And the Financial Times...
Friday, 06 January 2012
Prime London real estate offers investors 'modest growth' potential
The prime London property market will offer investors with personal wealth modest growth potential in 2012, despite the economic turmoil.
That is according to estate agent Savills, which believes that opportunities will present themselves to savvy investors in this market, with overseas money set to continue playing a large role in...
Thursday, 05 January 2012
Britain 'moving away from housing market ideal'
Britain will be forced into moving away from the idea that everyone should own their own home, with government measures unlikely to bolster the housing market in the coming years, it has been warned.
According to housing consultancy Academetrics, the markets for housing and mortgages will remain subdued for some time,...
Thursday, 05 January 2012
Clegg: UK will crack down on bank bonuses
Britain intends to take tough action against excessive bank bonuses, deputy prime minister Nick Clegg has said.
Speaking to BBC Radio 4, the leader of the Liberal Democrats suggested that new rules will be introduced in this year's budget ensuring that companies and individuals are not able to take advantage of...
Thursday, 05 January 2012
International investors attracted to UK gilts
International investors are purchasing larger amounts of UK government bonds than ever before, thanks to the Bank of England's quantitative easing programme and Britain's relative distance from the eurozone crisis.
That is according to the Financial Times, which reports that this driving demand has helped the government's long-term benchmark borrowing costs...
Wednesday, 04 January 2012
'Growing gulf apparent' between private and public sector pensions
There is a growing gulf between the quality of private and public pensions, according to the latest report by the Association of Consulting Actuaries (ACA).
One of the key findings of the new research was that fewer than two million employees are enrolled in private sector defined benefit schemes, nine out...
Tuesday, 03 January 2012
Cameron outlines 'clear and strong plans' for 2012
The coalition government has outlined its "clear and strong plans" to reduce the UK's deficit in the year ahead.
In his New Year message, prime minister David Cameron said that reducing the deficit would afford the UK some protection from the worst of the debt storm "now battering the eurozone".
"I know...
Tuesday, 03 January 2012
Dollar 'unlikely to fall further against the pound'
People considering investing their
private wealth in US markets have been told that the dollar is unlikely to drop any further against the pound.
According to an overseas property expert, now is as good a time as any for Brits to consider overseas investments in the North American market.
Les Calvert,...