Insights

The London Stock Exchange has grown into arguably the world’s greatest financial market since its birth in a 17th century London coffee house. It’s a place where companies go to raise capital to fund expansion and create jobs. But how much do you really know about it?

Of all the tools you can use when planning your retirement, the pension is undoubtedly the one to keep your savings plan fully charged.

As we find ourselves almost halfway through the year, the volatility we experienced at the end of 2018 is not only a distant memory but could also prove, with time, to have been the shock markets needed to adjust their expectations in line with reality.

The tapered annual allowance came into being in April 2016, and since that time, more and more high income individuals are feeling the effects. 2019/20 is the first tax year when higher amounts of unused annual allowance from the pre-taper years will not be available to carry forward. Here we highlight the key things to consider when calculating your tax liabilities.

Since the start of the year, equity and bond markets have continued to recover the losses experienced at the end of 2018, and the global economy is enjoying low unemployment and good (albeit slowing) earnings growth. While we can appreciate these positive conditions for now, it’s our job to look ahead, identify potential risks and position client portfolios accordingly.

As the new tax year starts we look forward to what 2019 holds. Our technical team has put together a handy guide of some of the key information you will need to consider when advising your clients.

Markets composed themselves in March, as the US Federal Reserve (Fed) capitulated to demands to pause the interest-rate hiking cycle and investors’ fears about economic growth receded. In contrast to the abrupt change of heart by Chairman Jerome Powell, our investment strategy and views on the underlying economy are unchanged. 

As we approach the end of another tax year, Julia Peake from Sanlam discusses what you need to look out for to ensure clients remain on track.

Tax year end is fast approaching and we’re here to support you and your clients at this busy time. We’ve outlined the important deadlines for sending us applications and other top-ups to ensure your clients’ money is invested for this tax year.

Since the Federal Reserve (Fed) paused interest rate hikes, markets have been taking a ‘wait-and-see’ approach, leading to a recovery in equity valuations and a period of relative calm. But with inflation pressures still evident in both the US and UK, and the outlook for growth looking uncertain, our focus is on three potential scenarios as the year progresses.

The Individual Savings Account (ISA) allowance rose to £20,000 in the last tax year (2017-18), by far its most generous level since the ISA was launched 20 years ago. But are you making the most of this allowance? And if not, why not?

Most people accept that tax is a fact of life, and that while there might be ways to minimise it, the more you earn, the more you owe. But when it comes to Inheritance Tax (IHT), many clients feel a sense of injustice. After all, they’ve dutifully paid their taxes, and diligently saved so as not to be a burden on the state.

This year managed to get off to a positive start with equity markets recovering some of the losses endured at the end of 2018. This recovery was largely due to the US Federal Reserve (Fed) taking a U-turn on monetary policy.

Julia Peake, National Account Manager, reflects on a report published by the Department for Work & Pensions and discusses how we can engage the self-employed with their pension savings.