Annuity rates hit their lowest level since 1994 in September, with implications for those making retirement decisions. Since the introduction of pensions flexibility in 2015, annuities have become much less popular as a way of converting a pension fund into income. The most recent figures from the Financial Conduct Authority show that over five times […]
In September the US and European central banks cut interest rates, again. When the US central bank, the Federal Reserve, cut its main interest rate by 0.25% at the end of July, it was the first reduction in over 10 years. Less than two months later, the Fed announced a second cut by another 0.25%. […]
Marks & Spencer was demoted from the FTSE100 in September. The FTSE100 is subject to a quarterly review of its 100 constituents. The process is not quite as simple as picking the 100 largest companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, but it’s not far off. The latest review took effect on […]
An obscure adjustment to old pension benefits, mandated by the courts, might cost some pension owners many thousands in additional tax. The problems caused by the tapering of the annual allowance have been making the pension headlines for some time. Whereas the original focus was on NHS consultants and doctors, the issue is now […]
New proposals for reforming capital gains and income tax have been published by an influential think tank which could make their way into an election manifesto. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) is “the UK’s pre-eminent progressive think tank”, according to its website. This may sound like boasting, but it is probably […]
Nothing in life ever stays the same. And it is likely that any change to your personal circumstances will affect your insurance requirements, necessitating a review to ensure you still have the most appropriate products for your new situation. There are certain life events when it will definitely be worth assessing your level of protection. […]
