Buy-to-let investors looking to expand their property portfolio overseas could consider investing in Thailand.
investors can buy property at a price that is sure to increase in the coming months and years.
Friday, 16 March 2012
UK could lose AAA rating, warns Fitch
The UK is at risk of losing its current AAA rating due to a weaker than expected economic recovery.
Fitch Ratings warned that the country has a 50 per cent chance of being stripped of its AAA rating within the next two years, it revealed on March...
Tuesday, 13 March 2012
UK's economic output grew 0.1% in three months ending Feb
The UK's gross domestic product (GDP) grew by 0.1 per cent in the three months ending February 2012, meaning the country is once again keeping out of a return to recession.
This monthly estimate was made by the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), which...
Monday, 12 March 2012
Chinese earth miner to be listed on the Alternative Investment Market
A Chinese mining company specialising in the extraction of rare earth, which is needed to power smartphones, hybrid cars and lasers, will begin trading at the end of the month.
The company, which is called Rare Earth Globals, will be listed on London's Alternative Investment Market in...
Monday, 12 March 2012
Leading economies and eurozone show signs of economic upturn
The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) revealed today (March 12th) that economic conditions are improving in the world's leading markets.
Its monthly Composite Leading Indicators showed that the eurozone is showing 'tentative' signs of recovery.
Every month, the OECD researches economies of...
Friday, 09 March 2012
More to be done on tax compliance
There is still a long way to go in closing the tax gap and ensuring compliance, according to the Treasury Sub-Committee.
A report from the committee on steps taken by HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to ensure tax compliance indicates that some progress has been made, but there remains much to...
Friday, 09 March 2012
Long-distance real estate attractive for buy-to-let investors
Investors placing their
private wealth in residential property sector are searching further afield for new opportunities, new statistics show.
According to the Association of Residential Letting Agents, a survey of landlords indicates that long-distance lettings are becoming more popular in the UK's private rented sector.
This was particularly true in Scotland,...
Thursday, 08 March 2012
UK and euro interest rates held for another month
The Bank of England has again chosen to maintain its base rate at 0.5 per cent, while the size of the Asset Purchase Programme will remain at £325 billion.
Last month, the bank's monetary policy committee committed to increasing its quantitative easing efforts by £50 billion over the coming months in...
Wednesday, 07 March 2012
Peak ISA season bringing a flurry of investment
With peak ISA season leading to a flurry of new investment, banks and building societies have kept ISA rates relatively high compared to other bonds and savings accounts.
According to Defaqto, the current best rates for people looking to save in a cash ISA stand at 3.3 per cent and 4.50...
Tuesday, 06 March 2012
Pensions Regulator sets out its approach to automatic enrolment
The Pensions Regulator has published its approach to ensuring the maximum number of employers comply with new rules on automatic enrolment in work-based pensions.
With the number of people placing
private wealth in defined contributions (DC) pensions schemes falling, it is hoped that making enrolment in work-based schemes the default...
Monday, 05 March 2012
ISA safety concerns more pressing for women
ISA safety is more of a concern for woman than it is for men, even though they tend to know less about what protection is on offer, new research suggests.
According to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), women are more likely to prioritise protection when choosing an ISA, with 26...
Friday, 02 March 2012
Fund managers wary of Russian elections
Russia's presidential elections are being contested like never before, but despite a consensus that Vladimir Putin is likely to win, fund managers remain concerned about what effects the political developments will have on the country's equity markets.
According to Investment Week, there is a growing fear that elections will halt Russia's...
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
UKSIF welcomes Kay Review interim report
The UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) has called for all pension funds to get involved in the debate surrounding issues raised by the Kay Review, highlighting the need for improvements in the investment chain.
Penny Shepherd, chief executive of the association, explained that the financial situation in the last...
Wednesday, 29 February 2012
Green issues can make worthwhile investments
Socially responsible investment is showing how green issues can be worthwhile causes for investment on a financial, as well as an ethical level.
According to Emerald Knight, companies that engage with environmental issues are likely to be the star performers in the future, attracting greater interest from investors.
Robert Hague, director...
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Fixed income funds enjoy highest sales since October 2010
Monthly fund statistics for January 2012 show that fixed income funds enjoyed their highest sales last month since October 2012.
According to the Investment Management Association, net retail sales of £998 million were reported in January as investors increased their portfolios, although sales of ISAs remained low with outflows set at...
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Government puts an end to tax avoidance schemes
The government has issued new legislation to ensure that large companies are not avoiding tax payments by working around existing rules.
It hopes that the loopholes, which were highlighted by HM Revenue & Customs, will protect billions of tax from being lost in the future, while also ensuring that the tax...
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Some investment funds 'performing poorly'
A number of investment funds are still underperforming and offering little of benefit for investors'
private wealth, according to an expert.
Speaking on the FT Money Show, investment expert Adrian Lowcock explained that there was a lot of volatility in the funds market over the past six months of 2011.
He...
Monday, 27 February 2012
Fewer than half of all employees saving in a workplace pension
With fewer than half of employees saving in a workplace pension, it is becoming more pressing than ever for them to place their
private wealth in personal pension schemes and other investments to generate retirement funds.
For the first time since it started keeping records, the Office for National Statistics...
Monday, 27 February 2012
Higher rate taxpayers urged to claim relief
The Self Assessment deadline may have passed, but it is not yet too late for investors to claim higher rate tax relief on their pension contributions.
According to Alliance Trust Savings, a provider of self-invested personal pensions (SIPP), individuals can still reclaim up to four years' higher rate tax relief, even...
Monday, 27 February 2012
US a buyer's market for real estate investment
UK investors will find an attractive marketplace awaiting them if they place their
private wealth in US real estate.
That is according to international property expert Conti, which suggests that falls in the valuation of US property mean it is now one of the best buyers' markets of recent years.
Clare...
Thursday, 23 February 2012
Order book for retail bonds raises £1.2bn in second year
The London Stock Exchange Order Book for Retail Bonds (ORB) raised over £1.2 billion last year, as a result of strong private investor demand for fixed income products.
Through the ORB, investors are able to trade in over 150 corporate and government bonds.
It was set up two years ago and saw...
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
PMI data paints grim outlook for eurozone countries
Investors are once more choosing to keep their
private wealth away from high-risk ventures, following the publication of data suggesting the eurozone is slipping back into recession.
According to the February Purchasing Managers' Index from Markit, economic performance across the region is currently weaker than expected.
The indices, which are used...
Wednesday, 22 February 2012
Kleinwort Benson wins admin business for high profile €200 million Russian fund
Kleinwort Benson has been appointed administrator for a landmark €200 million fund that aims to invest in clean energy technology projects in a bid to boost Russia’s economy.
Kleinwort Benson (Channel Islands) Corporate Services Limited has helped Germany-based Wermuth Asset Management (“WAM”) to successfully launch the Tatarstan Clean Tech Fund LP...
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
ECB preparing for second tranche of cheap funds to spur eurozone economy
Lending rates between banks in the eurozone have fallen to one-year lows, as a result of expectations that the European Central Bank (ECB) will inject hundreds of billions of euros into the money markets at the end of the month to improve liquidity.
According to Reuters, three-month inter-bank lending rates are...
Tuesday, 21 February 2012
UK public sector surplus up in January
The UK witnessed its biggest surplus in public sector finances for four years last month.
Figures from the Office for National Statistics show that the UK's coffers swelled by £7.8 billion in January, as it took more money from tax receipts than it paid out.
With public debts closing in on the...
Monday, 20 February 2012
Mortgage lending 'on the rise'
Mortgage lending is ten per cent stronger now than it was a year ago, the latest sign that confidence is returning to both lenders and buyers.
According to data from the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML), gross mortgage lending of £10.5 billion in January was ten per cent up on the...
Friday, 17 February 2012
Commodities values rise as sentiment improves over Greece
Improved investor sentiment about the potential outcome of Greece's sovereign debt bailout helped boost prices of commodities such as oil and precious metals to their highest levels in almost six months.
According to Bloomberg, global stocks have been rallying thanks to renewed hope that an agreement for a €130 billion bailout...
Friday, 17 February 2012
Rising retail sales suggest returning confidence
Retail sales rose for the first time since April 2011 last month, indicating that confidence is returning to the economy.
The rise was somewhat unexpected, with total sales increasing by 4.4 per cent during January compared to the same month last year.
Sales volumes were also up by two per cent, showing...
Thursday, 16 February 2012
New bond programmes being launched for charity groups
New bond programmes worth tens of millions of pounds are being created on behalf of several large charities by
social investment broker Investing for Good.
Third Sector reports that the organisation's chief executive Geoff Burnand announced the development of these new funds, worth up to £10 million.
He told the news...
Thursday, 16 February 2012
Classic cars as a viable investment choice
With statistics showing that classic car prices actually outperformed equities and gold last year, more investors are now looking at well-kept vehicles as an alternative asset class for their
private wealth.
That is according to the Telegraph, which highlights figures from the Historic Automobile Group International showing that the best...
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
US bank leader defends low interest rates
Low interest rates are being set by the world's leading central banks in order to stimulate economic recovery without the need for tax rises and steeper cuts in spending.
But while low rates are leaving many savers and investors in difficult positions, one leading economist has defended the practice, saying that...
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Europe sliding into second recession?
The EU commissioner for employment, social affairs and inclusion has warned that Europe is sliding into a second economic dip.
Speaking to the Bloomberg on the Economy podcast, Laszlo Andor said that the emergence from last year's recession is decelerating, with unemployment rising once more and a further recession on the...
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Significant number of equity funds cutting dividends
More than a third of equity income funds in the UK cut their dividend payments last year, as tough times continued to bite.
However, new research from independent financial advisor Dennehy Weller & Co (DWC) shows that these cuts came at the same time as British companies paid out...
Wednesday, 15 February 2012
Stick to Bordeaux and Burgundies when investing in wines
If you're looking to diversify your portfolio and place
private wealth in alternative asset classes such as wine, then it is important to remember that price increases tend to come in the long term.
That is the advice issued by wine expert Charles Metcalfe, who explained that the best ways...
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
NCVO urges civil society involvement in European structural funds provision
The National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) has called for greater involvement of bodies representing civil society in the provision of European structural funds.
Joining with other councils, the association has suggested that it is important to include such civil society organisations in the design and delivery of the EU Structural...
Tuesday, 14 February 2012
Moody's places UK on 'negative outlook'
There is a one in three chance that the UK's credit rating will be downgraded within the next 18 months, investors have been warned.
Moody's has placed the UK on "negative outlook", suggesting a 30 per cent chance that it could lose its AAA rating in the next year-and-a-half.
The ratings agency...
Monday, 13 February 2012
Scottish output growth increases to four-month high
The latest PMI report from the Bank of Scotland has highlighted further increases in output, new business and employment across the private sector during January.
The positive data, which is likely to provide investors with renewed confidence, also suggests that growth rates were actually slightly faster last month than at the...
Monday, 13 February 2012
Investors told to factor in ISA charges
With the economy in the state it is in, investors need to carefully factor in any charges on the products in which they place their
private wealth.
According to the Association of Investment Companies (AIC), charges relating to investment management are much more in the spotlight now than they ever...
Monday, 13 February 2012
Renewed confidence sees investors return to equities
Private banking managers have been placing more of their clients' money into the stock market in recent weeks, as confidence returns to the market.
According to a discussion on the FT Money Show podcast, equities are once again looking like an attractive opportunity, with shares expected to outperform cash at...
Friday, 10 February 2012
More property buyers investing private wealth in distressed markets
Property buyers are investing an increasing share of their
private wealth in distressed markets, with demand for real estate in struggling economies rising during the fourth quarter.
According to new research from the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the last three months of 2011 were accompanied by rising interest...
Friday, 10 February 2012
IMA: Credit rating agencies must be kept free from political interference
Credit rating agencies need to be kept free from political interference and left free to function independently, according to the Investment Management Association (IMA).
In a written submission to the Treasury Select Committee inquiry into credit rating agencies, the organisation stressed the importance of these bodies remaining independent because of the...
Thursday, 09 February 2012
Bank of England increases size of Asset Purchase Programme
The Bank of England voted to maintain the base rate at 0.5 per cent during February, but agreed to increase the size of its Asset Purchase Programme to £325 billion.
Its monetary policy committee voted at their monthly meeting, choosing to purchase a further £50 billion of assets, mostly...
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,...