Get regular investment updates, financial planning insights and IQ team news directly to your inbox.
LATEST ARTICLES
The Lowdown │ Interest Rates Hold Steady
The Lowdown │ Interest Rates Hold Steady
September 27, 2023
In a surprise move, UK interest rates have been left unchanged – but at 5.25%, they are still at their highest for 15 years. Price rises appear to be slowing faster than expected, but there are increasing signs that higher rates are starting to hurt the UK economy, according to the Bank of England.
Strategic Insights │ Financial solutions for entrepreneurs
Strategic Insights │ Financial solutions for entrepreneurs
September 19, 2023
Discover how we can support your business at every stage, from start to exit. Our expert team can provide advice on key man insurance, share protection agreements, EMI schemes, and company pension schemes. We'll ensure your finances are in order before and after selling your business, setting you up for your next venture or a comfortable retirement.
The Lowdown │ India’s ascent to superpower status
The Lowdown │ India’s ascent to superpower status
September 12, 2023
The financial markets remain focused on inflation and the labour market. But rising oil prices are also a factor in an increasingly complex equation. As the end of the UK’s current interest rate hike cycle comes into view, growth looks set to slow dramatically in China as its economic outlook worsens. Meanwhile, a new superpower is being born…
Strategic Insights │ Aligning positive change with investment returns
Strategic Insights │ Aligning positive change with investment returns
September 5, 2023
This week, Associate Investment Analyst Nick Harrington discusses the options we have for investing for positive change, and how we can align our investments with social and environmental causes – as well as securing returns.
The Lowdown │ The world's most important central banker meetup
The Lowdown │ The world's most important central banker meetup
August 29, 2023
This week our CIO looks at the aftermath of the Jackson Hole Symposium, such as the Fed's commitment to defeating inflation and maintaining pressure through interest rate hikes. He discusses the BRICS summit and the potential impact of its expansion. Investors should remain disciplined and patient, particularly as we head into September, which is a historically volatile month for the markets.
The Lowdown │ Summertime pullback: a buying opportunity for investors
The Lowdown │ Summertime pullback: a buying opportunity for investors
August 15, 2023
As China’s economy falters, inflation continues to trend down in the US and there are grounds for optimism on this side of the Atlantic. The UK economy grew faster than expected in the second quarter, and the recent pullback is the perfect buying opportunity for those investors who have been playing it safe up until now.
The Lowdown │ Growth and stability for the markets?
The Lowdown │ Growth and stability for the markets?
August 1, 2023
The UK may have the highest debt interest costs in the developed world. The Bank of Japan made a surprise decision on its bond market and yield curve control, and Germany heavily invests in the semiconductor industry. Overall, the markets are enjoying some stability at last.
Strategic Insights │ Wealth-building for the future
Strategic Insights │ Wealth-building for the future
July 25, 2023
Wealth Manager Tom Fleming takes a look at wealth-building strategies for individuals at all stages of their careers, but especially for young people who are just beginning their professional lives. Consider sharing this guidance with your children to help them establish a strong financial foundation early on.
The Lowdown │ The US tames inflation
The Lowdown │ The US tames inflation
July 18, 2023
The US has successfully tamed inflation, unlike the Bank of England which faces the need for further interest rate hikes. The global economy undergoes a shift from a binary state to a more balanced one.
Strategic Insights │ Property or pension: the best investment choice
Strategic Insights │ Property or pension: the best investment choice
July 11, 2023
Property vs pensions, which is the better investment decision? Nick Rolf compares investing in property and pensions for retirement funding, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of both approaches, including tax benefits, potential returns, and risk factors.
The Lowdown │ Global markets in the first half of 2023
The Lowdown │ Global markets in the first half of 2023
July 4, 2023
2023 has seen significant movement in global financial markets, with AI stock surges, a banking crisis, and relentless interest rate hikes leading to a rollercoaster ride for investors. IQ’s CIO provides a summary at the halfway point of the year.
Strategic Insights │ Growth vs Value
Strategic Insights │ Growth vs Value
June 27, 2023
Investment Analyst, Nick Harrington, explores the importance of choosing the right investment approach during market volatility for optimal returns.
The Lowdown │ Inflation, interest rates, and mortgages
The Lowdown │ Inflation, interest rates, and mortgages
June 20, 2023
The UK experiences rising interest rates, while the US takes a pause. UK households face increasing pressure as mortgage costs continue to rise. Eurozone recession worries loom while AI shapes Wall Street's potential bull market, offering opportunities and risks.
Strategic Insights │ Unlocking budgeting and saving secrets
Strategic Insights │ Unlocking budgeting and saving secrets
June 13, 2023
Unveiling budgeting and saving secrets amidst a cost-of-living crisis. Revolutionise your finances with these top apps and discover how to manage and invest your money with the latest fintech tools.
The Lowdown │ A(i) turnaround for tech
The Lowdown │ A(i) turnaround for tech
June 6, 2023
Wall Street thrills with record-breaking stock market gains, while China's economic recovery falters. Amidst the chaos, the tech sector stages a remarkable comeback, fuelled by AI advancements.
Strategic Insights │ Estate planning
Strategic Insights │ Estate planning
May 30, 2023
Nick Rolf discusses estate and legacy planning: from writing a will to setting up a trust to minimising inheritance tax, here are the building blocks of an efficient estate plan.
The Lowdown │ AI stocks drive Wall Street growth
The Lowdown │ AI stocks drive Wall Street growth
May 23, 2023
Wall Street, European, and Japanese stock markets are exceeding growth expectations, with the AI boom playing a significant role in Wall Street's remarkable resilience. UK April inflation has dropped to a single digit.
Strategic Insights │ Annuities are back in the mix
Strategic Insights │ Annuities are back in the mix
May 19, 2023
Wealth Manager Melissa Thorogood discusses the renewed popularity of annuities after some 14 years out in the retirement mix cold. Ongoing market volatility and rising interest rates mean that guaranteed income for life is worth considering again.
The Lowdown │ Financial markets defy all odds
The Lowdown │ Financial markets defy all odds
May 9, 2023
Financial markets have defied all odds over the first four months of the year, successfully withstanding interest rate hikes, stubbornly high inflation and a banking crisis in the US.
Strategic Insights │ What to do with your inheritance
Strategic Insights │ What to do with your inheritance
April 25, 2023
Looking to make the most of your inheritance money? Wealth Manager Tom shares his tips on how to reduce inheritance tax, pay off your debts, invest wisely, maximise your pension pot, and save for your future.
The Lowdown │ Geopolitical tensions persist
The Lowdown │ Geopolitical tensions persist
April 18, 2023
Geopolitical tensions between Beijing and Washington are threatening to derail the global recovery, despite encouraging inflation figures in the US. In the UK, meanwhile, inflation is proving somewhat more stubborn.
New Consumer Duty │ Raising the bar
New Consumer Duty │ Raising the bar
April 12, 2023
The FCA has announced a game-changing shift in the industry with its new Consumer Duty, and we're ready to embrace it. From communication procedures to staff training, we're determined to raise the bar and set a new standard for quality.
The Lowdown │ All eyes on oil
The Lowdown │ All eyes on oil
April 4, 2023
As the first quarter of 2023 draws to a close, it’s time to take stock of the markets and see if a strong technology sector has managed to offset the troubles that have hit the banking sector.
Strategic Insights │ AI in the workplace
Strategic Insights │ AI in the workplace
March 27, 2023
AI is revolutionising the workplace by automating mundane tasks and freeing up employees to focus on high-value work. And the exciting news is that AI is just getting started. Read this article to discover what transformative changes we can expect in the future.
The Lowdown │ Banking sector turmoil
The Lowdown │ Banking sector turmoil
March 21, 2023
FTSE 100 tumbled by more than 3% amid the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and the acquisition of Credit Suisse by UBS. CIO Peter Lowman reassures investors that nerves are settling.
Strategic Insights │ Business tips in a volatile climate
Strategic Insights │ Business tips in a volatile climate
March 14, 2023
Nick Rolf discusses business financial planning in a volatile economic environment and shares his top tips for established business owners, as well as people setting up a business.
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 6 March
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 6 March
March 7, 2023
Following a strong start to the year, volatility has returned to both stocks and bond markets. Upcoming events will be key in determining whether what lies ahead will be more bullish… or more bearish.
Strategic Insights │ What happens if you get ill?
Strategic Insights │ What happens if you get ill?
February 28, 2023
This week, our CEO discusses income protection, critical illness cover and various other schemes available to help you maintain your standard of living when things don’t go your way.
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 20 February
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 20 February
February 21, 2023
What recession? Nearly two months into 2023, the economy is looking fairly resilient and is even surprising us. Geopolitically, meanwhile, the rift between the world’s two remaining superpowers is worsening.
Strategic Insights │ Tax year end is nigh
Strategic Insights │ Tax year end is nigh
February 14, 2023
It’s six weeks until the end of the tax year. During market volatility, it’s even more important to take advantage of every possible instrument, allowance and wrapper to shield your hard-earned money from the taxman.
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 6 February
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 6 February
February 7, 2023
Evidence suggests that inflation has peaked, oil prices are down by around 40% from last year’s highs, and it is looking increasingly as though 13 October 2022 was when the markets bottomed out.
Strategic Insights │ Boost your retirement income by up to £47,000
Strategic Insights │ Boost your retirement income by up to £47,000
January 31, 2023
Chartered Financial Planner, Melissa Thorogood, explains how you can boost your retirement income by up to £47,000 by following these steps…
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 23 January
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 23 January
January 24, 2023
Following a positive start to the year in the financial markets, the last few days have seen a downturn. Regional markets dampen investor sentiment, China’s Covid cases soar and US tech companies slash workforces.
Strategic Insights │ Your tax year end checklist
Strategic Insights │ Your tax year end checklist
January 17, 2023
The current tax year will end on the 5 April 2023. You must have used all this year’s tax reliefs and allowances by this date. Don't let them go to waste!
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 9 January
The Lowdown │ Global markets to 9 January
January 10, 2023
Following a traumatic 2022, the first Lowdown of the year finally brings some good news for investors… China reopened and the FTSE 100 Index hit its highest level for nearly five years.
Investment Quorum
Unique, Boutique Wealth Management
Investment Quorum Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
© 2023 Investment Quorum Ltd
Work With Us
Company
Social