The Lowdown │ AI stocks drive Wall Street growth
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.