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Following the news that thousands more people are expected to pay the standard 40% inheritance tax this year because of the effects of the pandemic, we explore some of the ways to navigate the complexities of inheritance tax. The complex laws around inheritance tax (IHT) caught many people off guard during the Covid-19 pandemic. Along […]
It was a mixed week for markets globally. Most markets fell at the start of the week, but many recovered those losses. The spread of the delta variant and the likelihood that growth is slowing has impacted markets, but we saw some positive economic data coming out of Europe and some optimism return in the […]
It was a tough week for markets. Stocks on both sides of the Atlantic met their worst weekly performance in at least a month due to fears about the rapid spread of the Delta variant of coronavirus. We also saw higher inflation being reported in the UK and the US which weighed on markets during […]
Insurance claims for accidental damage increased over the past year as more people worked from home, so it’s a good time to check your own coverage. Figures from some of the country’s biggest insurance providers have shown a sharp rise in claims of accidental damage during the lockdown. With many millions now working from home, […]
Markets last week were concerned about a slowdown in economic growth, which became more concerning amidst rising Covid-19 cases globally. Despite a sharp decline in markets in the middle of the week, most appear to have recovered, ending the week flat or mildly positive. US: Slowing economic growth impacts markets The S&P 500 rose 0.4%. […]
It was a mixed week for markets globally. Strong economic data has driven positive investor sentiment this week. This has been somewhat dampened by rises in infection rates due to the ‘delta’ variant of the coronavirus. Unemployment in many parts of the world appears to be coming down. US: Favorable economic data supports investor sentiment […]
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 […]
After a difficult week for markets in the previous week, inflation fears appear to have calmed down this week, triggering most global markets to post gains last week. Countries continue on their path to reopening their economies wrapping up the first half of the year with an optimistic tone. US: Best weekly gains since early […]
The US Central Bank, The Federal Reserve, indicated that it may raise interest rates sooner than previously expected, sending markets globally tumbling down. Covid-19 cases in Europe and Japan fall, but England delays the full reopening of society. US: Worst week for markets in almost four weeks Stocks in the US had their worst week […]
We explore what makes an emerging market and why they can offer attractive investment opportunities. For example, South Korea is one of the world’s largest and wealthiest nations. Its GDP per capita – which measures economic output divided by total population – was $31,846 in 2019, outranking countries like Spain, which had a GDP per […]
Interest rates and inflation seemed to continue to dominate sentiment last week. Markets were mixed across the world, dominated by news on economic growth, inflation and increases or declines in Coronavirus infection rates. Central Bank’s ‘accommodative’ policies are set to continue. US: Markets take higher inflation in their stride The S&P 500 was up 0.4% […]
Markets trod water last week – until Friday, when tame US employment data put paid to immediate concerns of inflation and rising interest rates, allowing equities to finish the week on a firmer footing. Investors are likely to remain sensitive to signs of inflation – or its absence – over the coming months. US: Employment […]
The number of people using equity release schemes fell last year as older homeowners grew more cautious. Older homeowners seemed to be more reluctant to release cash from their homes in 2020, according to the Equity Release Council. Data from the trade body shows drawdowns from lifetime mortgages fell by 21% last year and 10% […]
Despite mixed economic data during the week, most stock markets globally ended the week positively. Many countries continue to grapple with surges in infections, whilst accelerating their vaccination rollouts. Inflation remains a concern among investors. US: Positive week despite mixed economic data The S&P 500 recorded a gain of 1.2% for the week. The week’s […]
Putting your hard-earned cash into savings accounts may not be the most efficient way to make your money work for you. If you’ve been placing your cash into a savings account over the past decade, you might be surprised to find that your money could now be worth less now than when you first put […]
Investors welcome the positive economic data coming out of many economies globally, but this also continues to raise their concerns about inflation and the actions that the central bank may take and when they might do so. Markets ended the week reasonably flat, despite a volatile trading week. US: Mixed results amid economic recovery and […]
Investor sentiment was very weak, following a surprise increase in the US inflation figures for April 2021. Worries that a pick up in inflation would lead to higher interest rates weighed on markets across the world. Chinese stocks however, rose during the week. US: Inflation worries drag stocks down from record highs The S&P 500 […]
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 […]
It was generally a positive week for stock markets globally, despite a weaker start. Inflation prospects seemed to weigh heavily on investor sentiment during the week as Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen commented on rising interest rates. Economic data highlights the strong global rebound in economic activity. US: Markets up despite inflation concerns The S&P 500 […]
It was a very mixed week for stock markets globally, with lots of ups and downs during the week. The UK and the US are beginning to show signs of economic expansion, whilst data suggests Europe has entered a recession. US: Strong GDP growth in the first three months of 2021 The S&P 500 ended […]
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 […]
It was largely a poor week for stock markets globally, with surges in Covid-19 cases overshadowing positive economic news during the week. China was one of the few markets to post positive returns following several weeks of more challenging performance. US: Unemployment falls to lowest level since March 2020 In the US, the S&P 500 […]
Ethical and sustainable investing are both popular and it’s useful to understand the difference between the two approaches. Investing in a responsible way is nothing new. It dates as far back as the 1700s, when religious groups such as the Quakers refused to support companies involved with the slave trade or other activities that conflicted […]
Another generally positive week for stock markets globally, once again driven by positive investor sentiment. Asia lagged once more with mixed economic data and lacklustre investor sentiment. In the UK, positive economic data for February was released as England continues on its lockdown exit strategy. US: Fourth consecutive week of gains for stock markets In […]
A generally positive week for stock markets globally, except for Asia, driven by positive investor sentiment. Investors continue to keep a watchful eye on inflation. In the UK, a weaker pound drives markets higher and England enter the second phase of its roadmap to easing lockdown. US: Investors positive sentiment drives markets higher The S&P […]
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 […]
A generally positive week for stock markets globally. Optimism of economies reopening bode well for markets, despite some European countries seeing higher cases and extended lockdown measures. Investors continue to keep a watchful eye on inflation. US: Investors weigh optimism of reopening against rising inflation With a strong start to the week, the S&P 500 […]
The current tax year ends on 5 April 2021, so now’s a good time to make sure your finances are in order and book an annual review with your financial adviser. We’ve taken a look at some of the main allowances you’ll need to bear in mind as you prepare for the end of the […]
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, […]
As we entered the new year with further lockdowns and history making world events, the hope of spring hangs in the air, an enticing prospect, this year, more than ever. While we’re waiting for the green shoots of spring to emerge, why not use the time effectively by getting your finances in order before the […]
US: Markets up and American Rescue Plan approved Stocks moved broadly higher in the US for the week, lifting major benchmarks to new records. The S&P 500 was up 2.7% and the Russell 2000 Index (smaller companies) was up 7.4%. Biden’s $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan was signed into law. Asia: Japanese markets up whilst […]
We all know we need to save for retirement, don’t we? But we also know it’s not always that easy to find the spare cash required to do so, especially amid a global pandemic. Research studies, though, typically show that many retirees wish they’d saved on a more consistent basis and managed to accumulate a […]
Has the pandemic caused you to worry more than usual about your finances? Well, you’re not alone…With 47% of respondents to a global survey stating they are less well-off now compared to before the pandemic and 24% worried about job security, it’s clear that the virus is continuing to wreak havoc on our financial – […]
Let’s be honest, on the morning of 21 October few of us were waiting with bated breath as the latest UK inflation stats were revealed. But, for millions of people, that moment was significant. That’s because the September (Consumer Price Index) CPI inflation figure forms part of the government’s ‘triple lock’ formula used to determine […]
As a nation, we aren’t great with our financial acronyms and terminology. Life is busy and our heads are often full of important things to get done to make it through the week, without having to worry whether we know our LTV from our ERC! You’re certainly not alone if you’re feeling financially flustered. Recent […]
You’ve retired from work, you’ve waved a cheerful goodbye to your colleagues and you’re ready for the rest and relaxation you so rightly deserve. It’s exciting! For a couple of weeks. Then the doubt sets in. What will you do with your life, you might find yourself asking? How will you fill the long daytime […]
Rishi Sunak has had to make some tough decisions as he balances tackling the health crisis, securing an economic recovery and looking ahead to fixing public finances. In this year’s Budget the Chancellor has juggled contradictory demands by setting out his plan to continue supporting millions of people and businesses hit by the Covid lockdown, […]
When James and Allison first started renting together, they were determined it would be a temporary move. Fresh out of university, they turned their attention immediately to homeownership, putting away as much of their money as their rent and living costs would allow. Allison had always been careful with my money and imagined with both […]
With Covid-19 rules changing almost daily, extensions to furloughs and local and national lockdowns many are facing money worries this winter. If you’re trying to get a mortgage and want to push your property transaction through before the Stamp Duty holiday ends, how do you prove your income – especially if it has temporarily been […]
Wherever you go, you’d be hard pressed to find a house without at least a little bit of clutter. From the kids’ old teddies (well, they might want Ed the Ted for their own children, you see) to receipts from the 1980s (they might take it back after 40 years), attics and basements across the […]
Last week, there was a lot of focus on the Bank of England’s decision to keep interest rates unchanged. This was because they warned that interest rates could go negative in six months’ time. It was reported that the Bank of England has been looking into whether negative rates are even possible to help the […]
Nudge theory was popularized in 2008 by behavioural economist Richard Thaler and legal scholar Cass Sunstein. In simple terms it is about making it easier for people to make a certain decision that is ultimately in their own self-interest. Day-to-dayIn the short term there are some financial nudges you can do to apply nudge theory […]
When Tom and Pete bought their first property together, things couldn’t have been going better. They both had good jobs, were pulling in decent salaries and were excited about spending the rest of their lives together. They chatted about making a Will a few times, but somehow life always got in the way. Until one […]
An Individual Savings Account (ISA) is a tax wrapper for your money. There are two main types available depending on the level of risk you’re prepared to take: Cash ISA Stocks and shares ISA If you’re 16 or older you can have a Cash ISA, whereas Stocks and Shares ISAs are aimed at 18s and […]
Last Week – Key Takeaways Markets: Shares welcome Democrat’s victory in Senate Global shares rose as they focussed on the prospect of further support measures for the US economy rather than the events in Washington DC on Wednesday and the impact of lockdown on the US job market (see US section); The Democrat party won […]
With the first wave of Child Trust Funds maturing this year, there’s a great opportunity to talk to your children about the benefits of saving and investing. If one of your children has recently celebrated their 18th birthday then there’s a good chance they’ll have some money in a Child Trust Fund (CTF), which they […]
Prior to lockdown, over half (51%) of businesses had some form of debt, owing an average of £176,000 each – and yet just 20% used an insurance policy as security. To add to this already significant issue, bank lending to struggling businesses via government-backed COVID-19 loan schemes reached nearly £52bn as of mid-August – meaning […]
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the property market, but latest figures indicate there are positive signs of growth following the introduction of the Stamp Duty holiday. Property searches riseCoinciding with the Stamp Duty cut July was the busiest month so far this year for mortgage searches. The largest rise occurred in […]
The impact of COVID-19 caused extreme stock market volatility, with the average pension fund falling over 15% in Q1. While some of that value may have been regained over the last few months, pension savers remain understandably cautious. In the past, the level of risk to which pension funds were exposed would reduce on the […]
2.6% – the average pension fund is 2.6% lower than at the start of year 1.5 million people over the age of 50 are planning to delay their retirement 15% plan to delay retirement by an average of three years 26% say they plan on working indefinitely The coronavirus pandemic has not been kind to […]
Last Week – Key Takeaways Brexit: Competition and fishing remain sticking points The pound strengthened against the US dollar amid optimism that the UK and the EU would agree a free trade deal before the Brexit transition period ends on 31st December; EU chief negotiator Michel Barnier claimed on Thursday that talks were in their ‘final […]
Your home is likely to be the most expensive purchase you’ll ever make so it’s important to insure it properly. Having the right type of cover in place means your property will be protected for a range of incidents, from burglary to a burst pipe. Buildings insurance explainedBuildings insurance covers the permanent fixtures and fittings […]
Official bodies are warning consumers of an increase in scams designed to prey on people’s coronavirus fears. Statistics from Action Fraud reveal that over £16m was lost to online shopping fraud during lockdown. In some scams consumers purchased goods online that never arrived. Others targeted animal lovers who lost nearly £300k in just two months […]
We have decided to become Corporate Partners of The Wildlife Trust. Giving back is something that is very important to Ewing Associates and each year we try to support different local charities. This year our focus was to make our Financial Planning operation more environmentally friendly and to highlight the importance of sustainability to our […]
Forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) show the economy will contract by 11.3% this year It may take until the end of 2022 for the economy to return to its pre-pandemic size GDP will grow by 5.5% next year, 6.6% in 2022, 2.3% in 2023, 1.7% in 2024 and 1.8% in 2025 The […]
Last Week – Key Takeaways UK: Brexit talks continue as deadline looms UK shares fell and the pound weakened against the US dollar as the UK and EU struggled to agree a free trade deal with the end of the Brexit transition just over two weeks away; Despite direct talks between the Prime Minister Boris […]
Blue Smile is delighted that Ewing Associates has most generously donated to support our work with children in local schools. Blue Smile offers arts-based therapeutic and psychoeducational support to children who might be struggling with their emotional wellbeing or mental health. We offer 1:1 therapy sessions, group work and whole class workshops. Our work enables […]
Last Week – Key Takeaways US: Shares hit record high US shares rallied after Republican and Democrat politicians joined forces to propose a new economic relief package worth just over $900 billion and plans for a slower resumption of production boosted oil prices (see ‘Commodities’ section); However, the number of jobs created by the US […]
Are you engaged with ‘good’ investing? Socially Responsible Investing and Environmental, Social and Governance Investing explained. Social and environmental change is accelerating at pace, with climate change one of the biggest issues facing humanity today. Recent climate protests around the globe have raised awareness and prompted many people to question their personal and corporations’ impact […]
LAST WEEK – KEY TAKEAWAYS Markets: Vaccine developments and Biden victory boost shares Global shares seem set to experience one of their best months on record in November after making further gains amid optimism about a coronavirus vaccine and Joe Biden’s victory in the US presidential election; However, the UK’s economic outlook weighed on domestic […]
At the recent Financial Adviser Service Awards 2020, Omnis Investments were awarded the coveted 5 stars and also topped the list of winners in their category. As a part of Openwork, we have exclusive access to Omnis Investments, which has an exclusive range of funds and strategies across the full risk/return spectrum, managed by leading […]
If you have dependents – people who rely on you financially – then you should have life insurance. In fact, if you have dependents and don’t have life insurance, you are exposing them to grave financial risk. And who would want to do that? Life insurance tends not to feature on ‘to do’ lists because […]
Last Week – Key Takeaways Markets: Vaccine rally loses steam Global shares rallied at the start of the week as Moderna became the second firm to announce a successful trial of a coronavirus vaccine; The markets fluctuated later in the week as the optimism was tempered by concerns about an increase in new infections in […]
Complex tax-efficient investments such as Enterprise Investment Schemes (EIS) and Venture Capital Trusts (VCT) are a consideration for those who may be able to tolerate a high level of investment risk. EIS and VCT are investment vehicles which encourage investment in small, unquoted trading companies in their early stages, who are typically trying to raise […]
If you’re thinking of building your own home, financing the project may be high on your list of priorities. Self-build mortgages are different from normal mortgages. They release funds at stages during the building work, rather than in one lump sum when you complete a property purchase. Some lenders also extend a loan to help […]
Last Week – Key Takeaways Markets: More certain outlook lifts shares Global shares rallied at the start of the week after pharmaceutical firms Pfizer and BioNTech announced a coronavirus vaccine which they have jointly developed proved to be effective in more than 90% of trials; There was further certainty for investors as Joe Biden emerged […]
It’s seems like every day you see another article in a newspaper about millennials ‘killing industries’ in recent times young people were said to have caused the demise of doorbells, napkins and even breakfast cereal. These tales of millennials bring the end to industries often go viral on social media and bring some interesting responses. […]
WRITTEN BY KIRSTY TELLING 21ST OCTOBER 2020 The Bank of…Granny and Grandad? For many younger people struggling to get a foot on the property ladder, the Bank of Mum and Dad is the only option. With rent taking a huge chunk out of their income and the requirement for increasingly onerous deposits, two in five […]
WRITTEN BY DANIEL ROGERS 9TH NOVEMBER 2020 Last Week – Key Takeaways Markets: Shares rally as Biden closes in on White House Global markets rose as Joe Biden, the challenger, edged towards victory in the US presidential election which ended up being much closer than many polls predicted; The Democrats seem likely to remain in […]
WRITTEN BY KIRSTY TELLING 27TH OCTOBER 2020 Buying a home takes careful preparation and planning. As well as finding a property you like, you need to get your finances in good order before lenders review them and assess your ability to make repayments on your loan. Save upDuring the recent lockdown, many lenders pulled their ‘high […]
WRITTEN BY KIRSTY TELLING 28TH OCTOBER 2020 The office of US President carries huge influence all over the world and, as a result, the way the American electorate votes on 3 November will undoubtedly impact financial markets across the globe. US elections are always occasions of great political theatre but the 2020 campaign, played out […]
WRITTEN BY DANIEL ROGERS 02ND NOVEMBER 2020 Last Week – Key Takeaways Markets: New lockdowns concern investors Global shares fell as the number of coronavirus infections in the US and Europe continued to rise, and many European countries were forced to reintroduce lockdown restrictions in an effort to contain the spread; There was further bad […]
WRITTEN BY DANIEL ROGERS 26TH OCTOBER 2020 Last Week – Key Takeaways Brexit: Talks resume between UK and EU The pound strengthened against the US dollar after the EU’s chief negotiator Michel Barnier claimed a free trade deal was within reach if the two sides are prepared to make compromises, and the UK agreed to […]
WRITTEN BY DANIEL ROGERS 19TH OCTOBER 2020 Last Week – Key Takeaways Markets: Shares falter as new infections rise Global shares fell in the middle of the week as the number of coronavirus cases rose in Europe and the US and politicians continued talks over a further round of support for the US economy (see […]
WRITTEN BY KIRSTY TELLING 09TH SEPTEMBER 2020 It’s all too easy for us to put our head in the sand when it comes to thinking about our protection requirements. People tend to find it challenging to engage with the topic as it involves thinking of negative potential scenarios. In reality, this is the reason to […]
WRITTEN BY KIRSTY TELLING 09TH SEPTEMBER 2020 Purchasing a property can be a busy, stressful time and it can seem like there are a million things to remember. Some things however, are more important to remember than others – for example, getting the right insurance in place at the right time. Many people believe that […]
WRITTEN BY KIRSTY TELLING 09TH SEPTEMBER 2020 If you are nearing retirement, you may have been particularly worried about the impact of recent market volatility on your pension assets and perhaps you are reassessing your retirement plans. There are several things to consider if you are planning to retire, which will depend very much on […]
WRITTEN BY KIRSTY TELLING 09TH SEPTEMBER 2020 The world is changing rapidly in a way that nobody could ever have expected, meaning your personal and financial circumstances are likely to have changed. It is important to regularly review all aspects of your finances and that includes reviewing your protection insurance, to make sure your policy […]
WRITTEN BY KIRSTY TELLING – 14TH SEPTEMBER 2020 Recent research shows 1 in 10 UK adults with a pension (and not yet retired) have reduced or stopped pension contributions because of Covid-19. 1 in 10 UK adults have reduced or stopped pension contributions 1 in 4 workers are worried about paying for every day essentials […]
Written by Imogen Lockhart 03rd August 2020 First of all, as the UK and many countries around the world tentatively ease their lockdowns, we hope that you and your family are continuing to stay well and benefiting from the initial steps to get back to normal. The coronavirus pandemic has caused significant volatility in global […]
