There is nothing wrong with a safety first approach to investment strategy. Indeed, many investors – perhaps the majority – will choose to hold tried and trusted assets over a long time frame in order to secure a predictable and reliable income, coupled with an acceptable level of growth. In practice, that might mean…
Chancellor Philip Hammond’s November Budget statement was never going to be a barnstorming collection of radical tax changes or seismic policy shifts. While the UK economy continues to grow, the 1.4% projected by the Office for Budget responsibility for this year is well below the long-term average of more than 2.0%, a situation that allowed…
Everyone’s investment portfolio is different. In some cases an investor will opt for a simple split between a cash-in-the-bank safety net and equities (purchased direct or as part of a fund) and perhaps some bonds. More commonly these day the portfolio might also embrace property, alternative investments such as wine or antiques and equity stakes…
The UK residential property market not only represents a reliable and low risk investment over the long and medium term, it is also hugely versatile in terms of the aligning with the goals of individual investors. Alone – or preferably as part of portfolio of assets – an investment in the buy-to-let market can…
Barring any unforeseen political mishap, Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond will present his latest Autumn Statement to the Commons on November 22, 2017. With the party conference season behind him and the Brexit negotiations in full swing he will have the task of summing up the state of the economy and laying out plans…
Economic uncertainty springs from many sources. Here in the UK, we tend to focus mostly on the outcome of the ongoing Brexit negotiations and how the final deal (or the lack of it) will affect trade, employment, investment and GDP. Step back to look at the global picture are there are plenty of other things…
Despite occasional downturns, the residential property market represents a huge and dependable opportunity for anyone seeking income and growth, even over relatively short periods. But it’s not always easy to secure a good deal. In areas where property prices are spiralling ever higher, buyers may pay a premium for flats and houses that don’t command…
The rapid expansion of the platform-based lending market has not only been good for businesses in search of capital but also for investors. The investor appeal of peer-to-peer lending – which comprises the largest share of the debt platform market – is straightforward. With Bank of England base rates set to stay at their current…