Investment Update June 2021: Inflation rises, along with commodity prices
Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 9th of June 2021
The combined economic effects of stimulus measures, inflation and increased spending all contributed to an eventful month.
In May, vaccine rollouts gathered pace and pandemic-based restrictions began to lift in many countries. However, a new wave of cases in India raised concerns worldwide.
Despite reports that the UK economy shrank in the first quarter compared with the previous three months, the level of employment increased, although it remains below pre-pandemic levels. Inflation doubled to 1.5% in April, and the next stage of reopen...
Turning 'generation rent' into 'generation buy' - New 95% mortgage scheme to help first time buyers.
Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 3rd of June 2021
Lenders are now offering a government-backed 95% mortgage scheme to help more first-time buyers onto the property ladder.
The government is hoping to turn ‘generation rent’ into ‘generation buy’ with the help of a 5% mortgage deposit scheme launched on 19 April.
Following the outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, many lenders withdrew low-deposit mortgages. In just under a year, the number of 95% mortgages available to first-time buyers fell from 391 to just three. It’s hoped the scheme will give lenders the confidence to offer low-deposit...
Investment Update May 2021 - A positive outlook
Posted by siteadmin on Tuesday 11th of May 2021
The economic recovery is gathering momentum as the pandemic recedes and successful vaccination programmes continue to roll out on both sides of the Atlantic.
April saw the continuation of progress made in March, as a more settled month in the investment markets, with equities performing well and bonds showing stability and positive returns. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) increased its forecast for growth in 2021 to 6%, citing stimulus bills in richer countries helping economies bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic1. Equities in t...
Protect your peace of mind when moving home
Posted by siteadmin on Tuesday 4th of May 2021
Moving home can be a hectic and exciting time, but don’t forget about protection – taking out the appropriate policies can save you a lot of stress in the long term.
If you’ve just moved home or are about to, it probably feels like you’ve been caught up in a bit of a whirlwind over the past few months. With searching for a property during a pandemic, making the move before the stamp duty holiday ends and potentially getting caught up in the resulting conveyancing backlog, protection policies are probably not top of your priority list.
Ye...
Springing Into Action
Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 7th of April 2021
Successful vaccination programmes are rolling out on both sides of the Atlantic, pointing to a brighter economic outlook.
The US and UK continued their rapid vaccine programmes to combat the coronavirus pandemic, while Europe lagged in its rollout, resulting in a resurgence of COVID-19 cases in some parts of the EU. As a result, the US and UK are likely to be able to reopen their broader economies sooner, while much of Europe still faces strict lockdowns.
Budget brings some relief
In his March Budget, Chancellor Rishi Sunak outlined stimu...
Great Expectations
Posted by siteadmin on Monday 8th of March 2021
With hopes rising about vaccines and the end of lockdowns, could we see a rise in inflation when the economy reopens?
As vaccines continue to be deployed rapidly around much of the world, hopes are increasing about the global economic recovery. Many people expect there to be a strong rebound once coronavirus restrictions are lifted, but there are fears that the rebound could increase inflationary pressures.
As well as increasing demand, there are concerns that central bank quantitative easing (QE) programmes and increased government spen...
Spring Budget 2021 "we will recover"
Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 4th of March 2021
Economic Forecasts
The Chancellor began his statement by revealing the latest forecasts produced by the Office for Bud...
Budget 2021 - Key Points
Posted by siteadmin on Thursday 4th of March 2021
To the casual observer, the first Budget of 2021 appeared to have been fully revealed before the Chancellor even reached the despatch box. The relentless flow of pre-Budget rumours, kite-flying and red herrings makes it is all the more important to forget what was said before 12.30 on 3 March and concentrate on what Rishi Sunak did deliver in his speech.
The real – as opposed to rumoured – announcements included:
- The main rate of corporation tax will be increased to 25% from April 2023 for companies with profits of at least £250,000. At ...
What to look for in Budget 2021
Posted by siteadmin on Wednesday 3rd of March 2021
Today Rishi Sunak will present his second Budget within 12 months. For many commentators, it is perhaps the pivotal Budget of this parliament. Pre-Budget leaks and interviews have put the focus squarely on continuing key pandemic support measures through, hopefully, to the final unlocking timetable at the end of June. Extending the furlough scheme, business loans, stamp duty holiday and targeted VAT cuts have all been widely publicised. For which, of course, the reckoning is coming down the track.
So, what should we watch out for? There hav...
Heading in the right direction
Posted by siteadmin on Tuesday 23rd of February 2021
Despite rising coronavirus cases and increased lockdown measures, there was a renewed sense of optimism about the global recovery as we said goodbye to 2020
Although many countries have begun the new year under strict lockdown measures, vaccinations are providing a light at the end of the tunnel. Investors are optimistic that life will return to normal gradually in 2021 and that the economy will begin to heal.
While there’s been a spike in coronavirus infections during the winter, economic activity seems to have become more resilient ...
