Insights

Despite Halloween looming, there was no Hammond House of Horrors. The Chancellor’s third Budget confirmed two things we already knew: more money for the NHS and a promise of more spending to end austerity.

Traditionally, when bond yields rise equity markets fall as investors take advantage of higher returns for less risk. And in the last few weeks, we’ve seen just that. US interest rates increased, bond yields followed suit and equity markets became agitated.

Two useful indicators of economic growth are the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI), and the Institute of Supply Management Index (ISM). These indices give investors an insight into the health of manufacturing and supply chains – both of which are at the forefront of business and, therefore, the wider economy.

Experts warn that some companies won’t be able to adapt to the increasing pace of change, so how can investors protect their portfolios?

In our recently published report, ‘The Generation Game’, we made an interesting discovery. Our research found that 11% of under-45s said investing in cryptocurrency had contributed to their current wealth, compared with just 4% of over-55s.

The US economy recently celebrated a significant milestone – the longest bull market in history. The S&P 500 is double the value it was during the highs prior to the credit crunch and has risen nearly 250% since the lows that followed. History suggests that the end of this current cycle is nigh but predicting when that will be is incredibly difficult.

It’s that time of year again – new uniform, new shoes, and a sigh of relief from parents around the country as the school gates open for another year. It’s also the time of year when education is front-of-mind, and parents consider the best route for their child, whatever age they happen to be.

Following the introduction of the pension flexibilities in April 2015, individuals now have a much wider choice over how to take their pension benefits up to the Lifetime Allowance (LTA). Of course it very much depends on (i) the options available under the member’s pension scheme, and (ii) the member’s personal circumstances.

Amid strong global economic growth and positive market sentiment, it would be premature to talk of an economic downturn. But with US inflation above target and set to increase further, interest rates on the rise and ongoing talk of a trade war, it’s important to look beyond the current economic cycle.

this edition looks at some FAQs on pension sharing on divorce or on the dissolution of a civil partnership.

Inheritance has always been a sensitive subject, not just because of the financial

The amount businesses are prepared to invest in their own infrastructure and growth is a very good indicator of the state of the wider economy. In times of recession, companies tend to protect their balance sheets and spend as little as they can.

Exploring the changing attitudes to inheritance and the implications for the financial services industry. The wealth management industry is undergoing a period of significant and transformative change

Pensions should be the first port of call for clients looking to fund their retirement – they are, after all, one of the most tax-efficient way to save.