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Investments | Finance
Make money and make a difference
With the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit just a month away, new research has found that more than two thirds (70%) of people in Great Britain consider their outlook and lifestyle to be either very or fairly green and ethical.
Retail trading surges on current market volatility
Angus Rigby, Chief Executive Officer, TD Waterhouse comments: "Trades are up another 12% since last week, with buys accounting for 67% of our customers' top ten trades. Yell Group, the international directories company, has climbed up three positions in the buys table to fifth place and made a new entrance - also at fifth place - in the sells table amid recent share price volatility.
iShares investor survey reinforces trends in ETF asset flows
Results from an iShares investor survey shows UK investors believe any economic recovery will be short lived, with the majority of investors positioning their portfolios in preparation for a ‘W' shaped recession.
James Hay adds 50 new funds to SIPP & Wrap platform
Following feedback from advisers, James Hay has now added over 50 new funds to its Wrap and SIPP platforms, including the highly sought after Royal London Cash, Schroders Global Managed Currency, and Standard Life UK Equity Recovery funds, as well as the JP Morgan Strategic Bond. James Hay's combined investment platform now offers over 1,800 funds from 62 leading fund managers.
Barbell strategy key to strong performance for ethical fund
As the National Ethical Investment Week once again shines the spotlight on socially responsible investment vehicles, F&C - a pioneer in this field - is celebrating buoyant year-to-date returns from the F&C Stewardship International Fund, which has enjoyed strong performance during 2009 driven by a barbell strategy of both defensive and cyclical stocks.
CTFs most widely used savings scheme
New figures out suggest that the Child Trust Fund (CTF) is the most successful savings scheme in the UK according to leading CTF provider, The Children's Mutual.
Liquidity to drive WWW-shaped global growth
Comment by Stuart Thomson, economist at Ignis Asset Management: "Hands up those who believe that the UK economy contracted by 0.4% during the third quarter. Apart from a few deluded statisticians at the ONS, there will be few takers, but the torrent of abuse from investment banking economists has been excessive.
Fair Investment Company launches free ISA Guide
Fair Investment Company has launched its free ISA Guide, aimed at helping investors to make the most of the annual tax efficient savings wrapper.
Schroder US Mid Cap fund
Andy Parsons, Advice team manager at The Share Centre, explains how investors wishing to add broader diversification to a US mainstream holding, could benefit from the Schroder US Mid Cap fund.
Earnings surprises should support further gains in Chinese equities
Positive earnings surprises should support further gains in Chinese equities, according to Philip Ehrmann, manager of the £200m Jupiter China Fund.
European investors ignoring upside potential of US equities
Despite the US being the world's leading economy with the largest stock market and also home to many of the world's most prosperous and innovative companies, many European investors remain structurally underweight in US equities. Whereas the MSCI All Companies Index currently has a 42% weighting for US equities, many European clients are failing to manage 10% in their portfolios.
Ascentric assets up 70% to hit the £1 billion mark
Funds on the Ascentric Wrap platform have passed £1bn marking a record year for Ascentric with assets under administration rising by 70% since the start of 2009.
Emerging markets to top performance charts, predict investors
The majority of UK investors believe that emerging markets will continue to be the best performing equity market region over the coming years, according to major consumer research conducted by Ignis Asset Management. Yet alarmingly, a third of investors in the survey admit to having no emerging market exposure at all, while 72% have less than 10% exposure to the sector.
Confident investors banking on gold
The price of gold hit new highs this month, breaking through the $1,050 p/oz mark as a renewed gold rush took hold. Investors are bullish in their outlook, with two fifths (40%) of clients of Barclays Stockbrokers, the UK's largest stockbroker, believing the price of gold will rise.
Confidence amongst active investors at highest since March 06
Latest investor confidence research from the Association of Investment Companies (AIC) suggests that confidence amongst active investors is at its highest in three and a half years. Confidence is also returning amongst the traditionally more cautious general public, who are at their most positive on the stockmarket since AIC records began in 2004. The general public's confidence in the UK housing market has also improved dramatically over the last year, although still has some way to go before it reaches the highs of a few years ago.
New manager of JPMorgan Overseas Investment Trust returns 29%
Since Jeroen Huysinga took over the management of the JPMorgan Overseas Investment Trust one year ago, the Company's share price has returned 28.95% and its NAV has returned 27.15% (from 1 October 2008 to 30 September 2009). The Company's benchmark, the MSCI AC World Index, returned 11.13% over the same period.
Allianz RCM BRIC Stars fund
Andy Parsons, Advice team manager at The Share Centre, explains how investors looking for exposure to Brazil, Russia, India and China as well as other emerging markets, could benefit from the Allianz RCM BRIC Stars fund.
Wealth age just as vital as heart age says AXA Wealth
AXA Wealth is urging people to examine their wealth age as well as their heart age as they approach retirement.
Over 50s could double investment returns with ISA
With over 50s now able to benefit from the new, higher ISA investment limit, Fidelity International says those who take this option could increase their investment returns by age 65 by as much as 126% when compared to an investment held outside an ISA wrapper.
Threadneedle passes £500m AUM on Skandia platforms
Threadneedle today announced that it has passed £500m of assets under management on Skandia's investment platforms.
HSBC Onshore Investment Bond exclusively on Ascentric
HSBC has launched the HSBC Onshore Investment Bond - Ascentric, exclusively on the independent wrap platform.
Legal & General Property acquires Lotus Park in Staines
Legal & General Property announces that it has acquired the freehold interest of Lotus Park, The Causeway, Staines from McKay Securities Plc, for £24.23 million, representing a net initial yield of 8.55%.
L&G Property completes purchase of Cardinal Leisure Park
Legal & General Property announces that it has acquired Cardinal Leisure Park, Commercial Road, Ipswich, on behalf of its Linked Pensions Fund, from PRUPIM for circa £19.4 million, representing a net initial yield of 8.4%.
Barclays Wealth reissues Target Growth Plan
Barclays Wealth is reissuing its Target Growth Plan with a new structure which eliminates the investment's capital-at-risk element if the FTSE 100 rises by a set amount at any point during the investment term.
New Brazilian tax creating short term volatility
The Brazilian Government's introduction of the 2% IOF tax on foreign exchange inflows will create short-term headwinds for both local equities and the Brazilian Real (BRL).
Invesco celebrates 25 years of Global Smaller Companies Fund
Leading fund manager Invesco Perpetual is celebrating the 25-year anniversary of the Invesco Perpetual Global Smaller Companies Fund. Since its launch in 1984, the fund has generated an impressive return of 1773.91% (12.43% annualised) against a sector average of 689.09% (8.61% annualised). An investment of £1,000 in 1984 would now be worth £18,739.
Global Emerging Markets: No longer a niche investment
BlackRock's Daniel Tubbs, fund manager in BlackRock's Global Emerging Markets team, believes that the powerful and resilient growth of emerging markets, and the benefits of a young and growing population becoming steadily wealthier, make global emerging markets an enduringly attractive investment.
Beat the market with just two shares
New research by financial website The Motley Fool - Fool.co.uk reveals that investors could have beaten mundane stock market returns over the last five years with just two shares.
Barclays Wealth reissues three mainstay investments
Barclays Wealth is launching new issues of its Minimum Return Plan, UK Super Tracker and Regular Income Bond.
Standard Life makes first property acquisition in Brazil
Standard Life Investments, one of the largest property investors in Europe, announced that it has made its first direct investment in the Brazilian real estate market with the acquisition of a multi-let office property in Sao Paulo for c.R$15m.
F&C stresses income advantages of investment trusts
At a briefing earlier this week, Peter Hewitt, manager of F&C Managed Portfolio Trust, an investment trust of investment trusts, underlined the advantages for income investors of holding investment trusts in their portfolio.
Over fifties investors positive on outlook for UK stockmarket
With over 50s now enjoying the ability to save up to £10,200 in their ISA, new research from Fidelity International reveals that 54% of over 50s ISA investors with more than £10,000 in savings have a positive outlook on the stock market.
LV= reprices Balanced Consensus Fund
Pensions and investment specialist LV= has repriced its Balanced Consensus Fund from 25bps to 13bps, to help make the ‘default' offering on the various research comparison systems (for example Pensions Profiler and Selectapension) even more competitive for IFAs. The fund is available on the LV= pensions platform.
High yield investors return to riskier credits
Over the first three quarters of 2009 high yield markets have experienced the highest total return in a generation.
The Share Centre: It's time to get back into commercial property
Following news of the first monthly capital growth in commercial property funds for over two years, Sheridan Admans, investment adviser at The Share Centre explains why now could be the right time to buy into commercial property funds and highlights two for consideration.
Investors continue to put faith in the FTSE
Last week saw the FTSE 100 strike a 12-month high, bolstered by a strong performance from mining and banking shares, while energy firms performed well as oil prices continued their recent ascent to stand near to 78 US dollars a barrel. Investors have continually capitalised on the market highs of recent weeks, with clients of Barclays Stockbrokers, the UK's largest stockbroker, reaching buy:sell ratios of 55% vs. 45% respectively on Monday and Tuesday.
Newton Asian Income Fund
Andy Parsons, Advice team manager at The Share Centre, explains how investors looking to generate additional income while adding some spice to their portfolio, could benefit from the Newton Asian Income fund.
Barclays Wealth reissues FTSE Generator Bond
Barclays Wealth is reissuing its deposit based FTSE Generator Bond, which offers full capital protection and the prospect of an early maturity, following the debut success of its predecessor.
What a difference £3,000 can make over a decade
Savers over 50 who make use of their extra £3,000 ISA allowance, could see it make a real difference to their savings pot over the next decade, according to Fidelity International.
TD Waterhouse customers add Sainsbury's to the shopping list
Angus Rigby, Chief Executive Officer, TD Waterhouse comments: "Our customers looked to Sainsbury's for a bargain this week, which made a rare appearance in our popular trades tables reaching eighth place in the top ten buys. Customers may have added the supermarket chain to their shopping list after a reported slowdown in sales growth between the first two quarters of the year caused its share price to fall by 3.3% last week. While like-for-like sales were up 5.4% from the same period last year they failed to beat the 7.8% growth recorded for the first quarter. However, shares picked up again after the store announced sales of its non-food ranges were increasing at almost three times the rate of food.
Legal & General Property passes £100 million milestone
Legal & General Property, announces that it has completed over £110 million of acquisitions as part of its major investment drive to take advantage of the market volatility and capture the rare opportunities that are now unfolding.
New Guaranteed Equity Bond from NS&I
NS&I (National Savings and Investments) is launching a new issue of its Guaranteed Equity Bond (GEB) on 13 October 2009. This will offer a potential return that is linked to the FTSE 100 index - up to a maximum of 50%/8.45% AER over the 5-year term - without any risk to investors' capital.
Barclays launches new FTSE 100 structured products
Barclays Stockbrokers, the UK's largest stockbroker, has announced the launch of two new complementary FTSE 100 structured products. The recent rally in global stock markets has undoubtedly been significant, yet investor opinion is divided as to what the future holds for the market over the medium term. While some investors are confident of growth opportunities, more cautious investors may be deterred by the prospect of a market correction or general stock market volatility. To accommodate the sentiment of these different investors, Barclays Stockbrokers has launched two FTSE structured products that are available exclusively until 28 October 2009.
Steady increase in CTF contributions
Monthly parental contributions to Child Trust Funds (CTFs) have increased with an additional 30,000 accounts now receiving direct debit subscriptions - according to the latest quarterly survey conducted by TISA (Tax Incentivised Saving Association).
UK’s first investment trust savings scheme reaches 25th anniversary
For some people it will be the Miners' Strike that most sticks in the mind; for others Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Band Aid or perhaps Michael Jackson's Thriller; while for yet more it will forever be about a book written almost 40 years earlier by George Orwell.
Invesco Perpetual Latin American fund
Andy Parsons, Advice team manager at The Share Centre, explains how investors looking for capital growth by investing in emerging markets could benefit from the Invesco Perpetual Latin American fund.
Barclays Stockbrokers launches BARXdirect
Barclays Stockbrokers has launched BARXdirect, a suite of trading platforms aimed at the rapidly expanding community of sophisticated investors. It offers a range of powerful and cutting-edge tools, allowing clients to invest across many different markets with confidence and control.
F&C ranks No. 1 for customer service
At a Gala ceremony in London (8 October), leading fund manager F&C Investments was crowned with the accolade of operating the UK's top call centre for customer service in the annual Top 50 Call Centres fororganised by Call Centre Focus magazine. The award was the result of the Customer Service Awards biggest ever ‘mystery shopping' exercise conducted on UK call centres, undertaken by market research specialists GfK NOP.
HSBC Global Asset Management MENA fund
HSBC Global Asset Management this week launches the HSBC GIF Middle East and North Africa (MENA) fund.
Convertibles manager moves to balance
Convertible bonds continued their positive momentum during the traditionally quiet summer months, recovering strongly since the lows of October 2008 and the unprecedented sell off of the asset class during the second half of last year.
Expanded toolkit in place for UK Equity Income Fund
Additional flexibility has been approved for the £120 million F&C UK Equity Income Fund as manager Phil Doel seeks to diversify its potential sources of income.
Neptune Funds to be distributed on Skandia platforms
Award-winning fund management boutique Neptune Investment Management ('Neptune') and international investment group Skandia International have collaborated to enable distribution of two Neptune funds via Skandia platforms.
Growth across London Stock Exchange Group's markets
During September, there was month on month growth in trading activity on London Stock Exchange Group's equity, derivatives and fixed income markets.
SWIP UK Advantage Fund achieves S&P AA rating
The SWIP UK Advantage fund has been awarded an AA rating by Standard & Poor's (S&P) Fund Management Ratings.
JPMAM increases dominance in liquidity funds arena
One year after the collapse of Lehman Brothers and 2 years after the start of the credit crisis, J.P. Morgan Asset Management, the world's largest provider of institutional liquidity funds, has continued to see huge flows into its AAA-rated stable net asset value (NAV) funds despite an overall fall in assets across the money market funds industry this year. As a result, J.P. Morgan Asset Management remains the largest international provider of ‘AAA' rated money market funds with a 31% market share of IMMFA-style funds.
Child Trust Fund will save young adults from sea of debt
Leading Child Trust Fund provider The Children's Mutual comments on George Osborne's suggestion to limit the Child Trust Fund to the poorest third of families.
HEXAM funds awarded OBSR rating
HEXAM Capital's Global Emerging Markets funds have just been awarded a prestigious rating by OBSR.
Providers launch Cash ISAs for over 50s just in time
Four providers have launched brand new Cash ISAs for over 50s just in time for today's ISA allowance increase.
Over 50’s ISA allowance - Top up Tuesday
Andrew Hagger of Moneynet.co.uk looks at the cost implications of the ISA changes for over 50's that come in to force today.
Fewer retail funds could improve long-term investing
A new white paper from AXA Wealth reveals fewer fund choices could result in more private investment.
Investors turn to ETFs for emerging markets exposure
Emerging markets have returned to investors' agendas with the traditional BRIC economies, led by China and Brazil, at the forefront of market recovery as the global economy moves out of recession.
Make the most of the ISA opportunity
The new rules for ISAs come into play tomorrow, Fidelity International is urging investors to shake off any misconceived views - both new and old to make the most of the tax breaks available to them:
Don't pay voluntary tax on your savings
With its latest savings initiative, the Government estimates it is going to give away an extra £85 million over the next couple of years or so. For those aged 50 or over, the ‘'Great Tax Giveaway' starts on 6th October 2009, for those aged under 50 the good news is a few months down the road.
Interactive Investor free share trading service
Online stock broker and fund supermarket, Interactive Investor, announced its Portfolio Builder shares service will be free until 30 June 2010.
50 plus ISA investors will capitalise on increased allowances
As new limits on ISAs (Individual Savings Accounts) come into force making them even more attractive vehicles for savings, investors continue to appreciate their importance and intend to maximise this tax benefit, according to Barclays Stockbrokers, the UK's largest stockbroker. With new limits being introduced on 6 October 2009 for over 50s, research has found two thirds (63%) of those eligible, intend to contribute up to the full increased £10,200 limit. Barclays Stockbrokers clients are also confident of the potential returns from equities with two thirds of those planning to increase their allocation to stocks and shares and just 13% planning to increase their cash investments. One in eight are remaining cautious and will invest depending on the volatility of the markets and 9% believe their decision will depend on savings rates.
HSBC launches Eurozone Equity ETF
Listed on the London Stock Exchange, and domiciled in Ireland, the new ETF is designed to replicate the performance of the Dow Jones EURO STOXX 50 Index (total return) covering the 50 largest companies in the Eurozone. The total expense ratio (TER) of the fund is up to 0.15%.
Investec UK Special Situations fund
Sheridan Admans, investment adviser at The Share Centre, explains how investors looking for a combination of income and long-term capital growth could benefit from the Investec UK Special Situations fund.
Over-50s cash ISA launched by Nationwide
Nationwide Building Society has announced details of its new three year Fixed Rate ISA (FRISA) Bond exclusively available for savers aged 50 or over on or before 5 April 2010.
Nationwide offers L&G GEB Issue 12
From Tuesday 6 October 2009, Nationwide Building Society will offer Issue 12 of the Legal & General (L&G) Capital Guaranteed Multi-Index Equity Bond (GEB).
F&C US Smaller Companies Trust trounces benchmark
F&C US Smaller Companies Trust has comprehensively beaten its benchmark in the year to 30 June 2009.
Close Residential Growth Partnership LP
Close Asset Management Limited has launched the Residential Growth Partnership LP (the Fund) which offers investors the opportunity to benefit from a recovery in the residential property market, but uniquely is not principally dependent on a recovery to generate its returns.
Leeds ready for Top-up Tuesday
Leeds Building Society is well prepared for qualifying customers topping up their ISAs next Tuesday following its decision to extend its very popular fixed rate ISA range, including its market leading 5-year paying 4.60%.
Is India now a greater investment opportunity than China?
China has dominated headlines this year, having overtaken Japan as the world's second largest economy but is India poised to outdo them?
Over-50s urged to take advantage of extra ISA allowance
F&C Investments is urging the over-50s with disposable income or savings outside of tax-efficient accounts to take advantage of the extra Individual Savings Account allowance that comes into effect on 5 October.
TD Waterhouse customers to benefit from increased ISA limits
With effect from Tuesday, 6th October, TD Waterhouse is automatically increasing the limit on its stocks and shares Trading ISA and Regular Investment ISA for those customers who will be aged 50 or over before the end of this tax year (5th April 2010). The changes coincide with the increase in ISA limits from £7,200 to £10,200 for the over 50s, which was announced by the Government in this year's budget.
The Children's Mutual wins Best Child Trust Fund Provider Award
Kent-based family finance specialist, The Children's Mutual, has won the Best Child Trust Fund Provider Award from leading financial advice magazine Moneyfacts Investment Life & Pensions for the fourth year in succession.
L&G extend limited offer on allocation terms for Portfolio Bond
Legal & General has extended its current limited offer terms of between 0.5% and 1.0% extra allocation (depending on investment amount) on the Portfolio Bond - Standard Charging Option - to 30 November 2009.
CTF voucherless system set to have positive impact
HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) has released the quarterly statistics for Child Trust Funds (CTFs), revealing the number of CTF accounts opened by parents. The figures show the rate of take-up of CTFs has remained at 70%.
SWIP Property Trust purchases £66m retail park
Scottish Widows Investment Partnership Property Trust (SWIPPT) has purchased Hermiston Gait, Edinburgh's foremost retail park, at a cost of £66 million. The move follows SWIPPT's recent purchase of three prime properties in Leamington Spa, Nottingham and Leicester.
The Share Centre to accept ISA top-ups
The Share Centre has confirmed it will be ready to accept ISA top-ups from investors over the age of 50 from Tuesday 6 October. The stockbroker is also urging investors to make the most of their ISA allowance, given low interest rates.
first direct tops up ISAs for over 50's
From 6 October 2009 eligible savers who are 50 and over in the current tax year will be able take advantage of first direct's new cash e-ISA offer to top up their ISA accounts with the extra £1,500 announced in the Chancellor's Budget this year.
Jelf adds F&C's Lifestyle funds to their range
The Jelf Group is the latest leading independent financial consultancy firm to add all four of F&C's Lifestyle funds to their product range.
Pacific Assets Trust results show NAV total return of 42.4%
Pacific Assets Trust is a diversified investment trust which invests in the Asia Pacific region, excluding Japan and Australasia, and is managed by Peter Dalgliesh at F&C Investments.
Legal & General Capital Guaranteed Bond 14
Legal & General has announced the launch of its latest Capital Guaranteed Bond. The three and a half year term, Capital Guaranteed Bond 14 (CGB14) is available for investment until Friday 6 November 2009.
Nationwide launches Legal & General (L&G) Portfolio Bond
Nationwide has launched a new Legal & General (L&G) Portfolio Bond. The L&G Portfolio Bond has been launched for those who wish to take a regular withdrawal to provide income, something that is becoming increasingly important for those who rely on this income to support their retirement. A number of highly rated funds have also been added to Nationwide's existing fund platform to extend the choice available and enable customers to build income or growth investment portfolios.
Marlborough Special Situations Acc Fund
Andy Parsons, Advice team manager at The Share Centre, explains how investors with an appetite for risk, could benefit from investing in smaller companies through the Marlborough Special Situations fund.
Fear of losing money keeps investors away despite market surge
Around one in four potential investors - equivalent to 11.9 million people - are ruling out equity investments because of a lack of confidence in the stock market or because they don't want to lose more money, new research from Prudential shows.
Defaqto Engage enhanced for CTF market
From the beginning of September, the first children to get Child Trust Fund accounts received additional payments worth at least £250 from the Government as they reached age 7.
Standard Life adds to global fixed income capability
Standard Life Investments, the global fund manager, has enhanced its ability to deliver global credit management with the appointment of Christopher Heckscher as Senior Vice President, US Credit.
iShares launches accumulating fund range
iShares, the world's leading Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) provider, launches nine ETFs on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) including four corporate bond ETFs and five accumulating versions of iShares largest and most successful core equity benchmarks. There are now 129 iShares listed on the LSE and the launch takes the iShares range of fixed income funds to 40 in Europe, the most of any provider in the market.
Over 50’s to invest over £2.8bn in stocks and shares ISAs
Based on a targeted ISA research study Legal & General, the UK's second largest stocks and shares ISA provider, estimates around one million investors age 50 and over will top up under the new ISA rules.
Brits withdraw £11 billion in ISA cash this year
Britons have dipped into £11 billion worth of ISA cash in the last 12 months, according to Abbey Savings, whose research discovered Britons withdrew almost three times as much compared against the previous 12 months.
Global Convertibles fund moves to balanced profile
F&C Global Convertible Bond Fund has moved back to a 'balanced' profile as conditions normalise in the convertibles market.
Fidelity offers investors incentive to review portfolios
Figures from Fidelity International, the UK's leading ISA provider, show that 6 out of 10 investors are currently reviewing their portfolios and a further 28% intend to do so within the next 6 months. Three-quarters of those who have already started their review are looking specifically at their ISA investments and more than a third are reviewing their cash holdings.
NS&I ISA changes for over 50s
NS&I (National Savings and Investments) is increasing the ISA allowance on both its Direct ISA and Cash ISA for its over 50s customers, it has announced today. The revised allowance will come into effect from 6 October 2009. This will enable existing Direct ISA and Cash ISA customers who will be 50 years or over on the 5 April 2010 to deposit up to £5,100 into their ISA in the current tax year. From 6 April 2010 over 400,000 of our Direct ISA and over 231,000 Cash ISA savers will be eligible for the higher allowance.
Leeds Building Society extends ISA range
With only a fortnight to go before anyone born on or before 5th April 1960 can top up their ISA with an additional £1,500 tax free, Leeds Building Society has extended all of its very popular fixed rate ISAs, including its market leading 5-year paying 4.60%.
Over 50s urged to make the most of increased ISA allowance
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Make the most of your ISA allowance
Commenting on the upcoming increase in ISA limits for over 50s, Kevin Mountford, head of banking at moneysupermarket.com said; "ISAs are a great way to save tax free, and the increase in ISA limits will hopefully motivate more and more people to start saving, and encourage those that are already putting cash aside to save even more.
Over 50s unaware of increased ISA allowances
A study launched by Saga reveals that just 5% of over 50s know what the new ISA limits being introduced on 6th October 2009 will be, demonstrating that the Government and the savings and investment industry need to do more to advise people of the increase.
Smaller company celebrations at Standard Life Investments
Leading fund manager, Standard Life Investments, has announced that both its UK Opportunities and its UK Smaller Companies funds have been awarded AA and AAA ratings respectively by ratings agency, Standard & Poor's. 21 out of the company's 30 eligible and actively managed funds have now achieved an A or above rating.
Services sector provides long term boost for Asian equities
Many Asian stock markets could well receive a boost from the nascent services sector as the region's consumers spend more, according to Fidelity International. Countries in the region still have a relatively low ratio of debt to GDP (the Philippines is 68% and Thailand's is 49%), despite a comparatively large US$787bn spend on economic stimulus packages and this puts consumers in a position to consider greater discretionary spend.
HSBC World Selection High Interest Deposit Bond
HSBC is launching a market leading High Interest Deposit Bond as part of its globally diversified World Selection fund offer.
Increased ISA allowance boost for over 50s
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Build up your ISA pot by switching your savings
Savers are being urged to make the most of their ISA allowance; top it up, and then switch accounts to get the best deals available.
Principality over 50s ISA paying 3.80%
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Confidence is back as investors bet on shares
Investors are ditching cash investments in a return to stocks and shares as confidence in equities makes a comeback, according to the latest results from the Virgin Money Investor Intentions Index.
Over 50s can benefit from ISA limit increases
More than 21 million savers will soon be eligible to benefit from an increased tax free savings allowance. Research from Lloyds Banking Group, however, reveals that two thirds (61 per cent) of over 50s do not understand the approaching ISA changes.
HSBC cash ISA top ups for 50 year olds and over
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Santander Equity Income Fund performance improves
Santander Asset Management UK is celebrating a significant improvement in the performance of its Equity Income Fund.
Standard Life's International Bond reaches £1bn of assets
Standard Life has reached £1bn of assets in its International Bond making Standard Life one of the top five offshore life companies in the UK.
Over 50s urged to maximise new higher ISA allowance
Principality Building Society will be accepting top-ups from over 50s on all its ISA products, including its market-leading Direct three year fixed-rate ISA that pays a guaranteed 4.20% AER.
Schroder Income Maximiser fund
Andy Parsons, Advice team manager at The Share Centre, explains how investors looking for income derived from UK equity markets with the added potential for capital growth, could benefit from the Schroder Income Maximiser fund.
Legal & General Fund Tracker Capital Guaranteed Bond
Legal & General has launched a new style Capital Guaranteed Bond, The Fund Tracker Capital Guaranteed Bond 1 with a choice of two options. Either 100% participation or a set minimum return.
Is the credit crunch behind us now?
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust back in FTSE 250
At the latest quarterly rebalancing of the FTSE 100 index, Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust has returned to the ranks of the FTSE 250 Index after six months among the 100 largest UK listed companies.
Baring Europe Select Trust celebrates 25th anniversary
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Credit unions can help set up Child Trust Fund accounts
Following the official launch of the Child Trust Fund Age Seven Payments at 11 Downing Street (9 September 2009), the Association of British Credit Unions (ABCUL) is advising families that credit unions can offer assistance in setting up and managing Child Trust Fund (CTF) accounts.
Over 50s urged to take advantage of ISA limit increase
Fidelity International is urging the nation's over 50's to take advantage of the most positive change to ISA savings in a decade and shelter an extra £63 billion from the tax man next month.
JP Morgan Natural Resources Fund
Andy Parsons, Advice team manager at The Share Centre, explains how investors looking for long-term growth and exposure to the natural resources sector could benefit from the JP Morgan Natural Resources fund.
Barclays Wealth reissues Target Growth Plan
Barclays Wealth is re-issuing its popular Target Growth Plan following the early closure of the previous issue.
TD Waterhouse online equity trading service in Ireland
TD Waterhouse, one of the UK's leading execution-only brokers, is launching an online equity trading service in Ireland this weekend as it takes its next steps to offering its award-winning online services in other European countries.
St Leger Day gloom for those who ‘sold in May'
Each spring, investors are reminded of the old saying ‘Sell in May and go away, come back on St Leger Day'.
New two-year ISA from Abbey and Bradford & Bingley
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Novia launches Vanguard funds
Novia, the full service wrap provider, has announced that it is now offering Vanguard Investments’ UK and Irish funds on its platform.
TD Waterhouse customers regain focus on banking sector
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Martin Currie hedged share class for North American fund
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Managers team up to bring investment trusts to 30-somethings
Baillie Gifford, Henderson Global Investors and F&C Investments have teamed up to present a roadshow aimed at introducing investment trusts to young professionals considering savings options for their future.
SWIP launches new emerging market funds
Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP) has launched three new emerging market funds which will invest in the top stock picks of its experienced Global Emerging Markets team, driven by in-depth fundamental proprietary research.
ISA transfer and top up could increase income by over £1,160
With little over a month to go before anyone born on or before 5 April 1960 can top up their ISA with an additional £1,500 tax free, Leeds Building Society is gearing up to deal with increased demand.
Child Trust Fund could keep your child debt free through uni
Investing in a Yorkshire Building Society cash Child Trust Fund (CTF) could keep your child debt free through university, according to the building society.
Yorkshire Building Society ready for ISA change
Yorkshire Building Society has pledged that it is ready for the 70% of its customers who are over 50 and will be able to top up their ISA savings when the new limits come into affect in a few weeks time. The Society has also confirmed that all of its ISA savers over 50 will be able to add to their existing accounts, including those with fixed rate ISA accounts.
Over 50's would use extra ISA savings allowance
In a survey to find out whether investors are likely to take up additional ISA allowances from 6 October this year, Legal & General questioned over 400 ISA and unit trust investors, all aged over 50, about the changes to the amount they could invest in a stocks and shares ISA.
Top tips for CTF investors
Any child turning seven in the next few weeks might be hoping for a new scooter, football kit or the latest games console, but as the first beneficiaries of the Child Trust Fund scheme, which went live in 2005, they can also look forward to an extra £250 from the Government from next week.
Russia geared into global economic recovery
Comment by Gareth Morgan, Fund Manager, Emerging Equities, F&C: The confirmation through stronger growth data that the major economies are emerging from recession can only be good news for investors in Russian equities. Dominated by its vast commodities sector, the Russian market is highly geared into global demand and the resurgence of India and China, as well as the return of growth to near neighbours Germany and France, should help significantly boost export revenues. In a climate of improving risk appetite, Russia can therefore be expected to outperform.
Ethical funds struggle in difficult market conditions
Interest in all things ethical has undoubtedly come a long way in a relatively short space of time and the same is true of ethical investment.
Oil demand - have we seen the peak?
David Donora, Head of Commodities at Threadneedle, comments: "Are we experiencing a temporary drop in global crude oil demand or is it possible that we have now seen demand peak for the foreseeable future? Global demand for crude oil peaked at 86.44 mbd (million barrels per day) in the first quarter of 2008 as the price crossed through the psychologically significant US$100/barrel level on its way to US$147/barrel. According to the Energy Information Administration (EIA), demand has declined to 83.35 mbd in the first quarter of 2009, and is projected to average 83.76 mbd for the whole year. The price spike last year was a substantial shock to oil consuming countries, and combined with the deep recessions in those countries has clearly had a material effect on overall oil demand.
Barclays Wealth offers income seekers a six-year solution
Barclays Wealth is extending the investment term of its popular Regular Income Bond to enable balanced investors to secure an attractive rate of interest for six years.
HSBC enters European ETF market
HSBC today announced it will launch, on 25 August 2009, the HSBC FTSE 100 ETF, the bank's first European Exchange Traded Fund (ETF). Listed on the London Stock Exchange, the new ETF (ticker: HUKX) is designed to track the performance of the FTSE 100 index.
Fund in Focus: BlackRock UK Income
Andy Parsons, Advice team manager at The Share Centre, explains how investors looking for an above-average and growing level of income, without sacrificing the potential benefits of long-term capital growth, could benefit from the BlackRock UK Income fund.
L&G's Distribution Fund continues to lead the way
The largest fund in Legal & General's Distribution Fund range, the Linked Life Distribution Fund, was launched on 1 June 1994 and now has over £4.8 billion in assets under management (at 31 July 2009. It aims to generate and distribute stable, rising income and offer good growth prospects. An investment of £50,000 in this fund fifteen years ago would have returned 140 percent growth at 31 July 2009.
HSBC's World Selection Fund reaches £500 million milestone
HSBC's innovative range of investment portfolios, World Selection, has passed the important £500 million milestone within the first 6 months of launch.
YBS sees surge in cash Child Trust Funds
With many savers in recent months having seen their Child Trust Fund (CTF) savings plummet, figures from Yorkshire Building Society show that parents are thinking more carefully about the type of CTF they choose. In the past month alone the Yorkshire has seen a 20% increase in parents opening a Cash Child Trust Fund and with parents whose children were born after 31st August 2002 soon to be the first to share a second £150 million windfall as their children start turning seven in a few weeks' time, Yorkshire Building Society is urging parents to take a closer look at the performance of their chosen fund to date.
HSBC Global Emerging Market Debt funds receive S&P AA Rating
The HSBC GIF GEM Bond and HSBC GIF GEM Local Debt funds have received AA Fund Management ratings from Standard & Poor's.
Investors gain wider access to UK Property Fund
Standard Life Investments, one of the largest property fund managers in Europe, today confirmed that it is making its UK Property Fund available to a wider range of investors as a stand alone investment vehicle.
Friends Provident International embraces volatility
Friends Provident International is launching new investment-linked funds that give investors the opportunity to utilise stock market volatility as part of their investment portfolio.
Family Investments launches new ISA with Post Office
Family Investments, trusted supplier of financial solutions for the family, has partnered with Post Office to launch a new Guaranteed Capital Bond Cash ISA.
SWIP Pan European Smaller Companies Fund ‘A’ rated
Scottish Widows Investment Partnership's (SWIP's) Pan European Smaller Companies fund has been awarded an A rating by Old Broad Street Research (OBSR), a leading qualitative investment research company in the UK retail funds market.
Savvy investors take advantage of FTSE rally
As the FTSE 100 index posted its best monthly performance in six years in July, Barclays Stockbrokers clients are continuing to buy into market strength, suggesting that they believe there is more positive performance to come - average buy:sell ratios for the month were 53:47. Further evidence of this continued optimism is provided by research from Barclays Stockbrokers, which reveals a large majority, nearly two thirds (60%), of investors expressing confidence that the upturn in market conditions is set to continue.
Fund in Focus: Investec Cautious Managed
Sheridan Admans, investment adviser at The Share Centre, explains how investors looking to profit from the investment potential of the stock market, but with reduced risk, could benefit from the Investec Cautious Managed fund.
Cheeseman adds Nevsky Global Emerging Markets fund
F&C's Multi-Manager team have added the Nevsky Global Emerging Markets Fund to their Lifestyle Growth portfolio and both the Multi-Manager Growth and Balanced fund of fund products.
Henderson's Herald Fund enters UK market
Henderson Global Investors, announces that its pan-European retail property fund, Herald, has acquired the Stanley Green Retail Park in Wilmslow, Manchester, from Aviva Investors for £35.6 million, representing a net initial yield of 7%.
Use of index tracking funds set to expand
Index tracking funds are set to become more popular in coming years, according to research conducted by HSBC Global Asset Management. The survey found that 95% of financial advisers would either significantly or moderately increase their exposure to index tracking funds over the coming three years.
F&C Commercial Property Trust outperforms benchmark
F&C Commercial Property Trust (FCPT) has followed up a benchmark-beating first half of 2009 with its first property acquisition since launch in March 2005.
Active Management key in current bond market says SWIP
The ongoing weak economy and the low interest rate environment in the UK provide a supportive backdrop for shorter-dated gilts according to SWIP.
A new film on Exchange Traded Funds
iShares, the world's leading Exchange Traded Fund provider, has produced the market's latest film on ETFs, providing an introduction into how the products work and how they can be used by all types of investor.
Nationwide offers Legal & General GEB
From Monday 10 August Nationwide Building Society will offer a new Legal & General (L&G) Capital Guaranteed Multi-Index Equity Bond (GEB) with the potential for stock market linked growth of up to 55% of the original investment at the end of six years. If the maximum potential growth is achieved this is equivalent to 7.57% AER. The GEB comes with a capital guarantee that ensures no matter how the markets perform, customers will still receive their original capital back if held to the end of the six year fixed term.
£200 cashback ISA transfer offer from Interactive Investor
Online stockbroker and fund supermarket Interactive Investor is offering up to £200 cashback on all ISA transfers onto its platform until the end of September.
Barclays Wealth reissues Defined Returns Plan
Barclays Wealth is reissuing its popular Defined Returns Plan (Capital Protected) with three investment options for cautious investors seeking fixed returns and full capital protection.
High debt levels suggest prolonged WWW-shaped recovery
Stuart Thomson, economist at Ignis Asset Management, comments: "The preliminary Q2 GDP report was better than we had expected and out of line with the aggregate hours data, which has been a better predictor of final GDP than the preliminary data over the past few quarters. We expect this pattern to continue. However, downward revisions to the preliminary Q2 data next month are likely to coincide with upward revisions to Q3 estimates. These are currently too low and can be accounted for by auto inventories alone. Upward revisions to Q3 estimates should be accompanied by another revision to the 2010 outlook, raising consensus expectations to 3-4%. This should be the last increase in the near-term, confirming from an economic perspective that the recovery has been discounted.
Leeds launches best buy 5 Year Fixed Rate ISA at 4.60%
Leeds Building Society has launched a market leading 5 Year Fixed Rate ISA paying 4.60% interest tax-free. Furthermore, unlike many offers on the market, this product allows savers to transfer in all of their ISA subscriptions from previous years' plus any interest accrued.
Fidelity extends interest rate offer for ISA Cash Park
Fidelity International has decided to extend the raised interest rate payable to investors holding cash in its popular ISA Cash Park . The rate will continue at 0.2% above the Bank of England base rate.
Strong pound may harm overseas investment returns
New research by Interactive Investor shows that in 2009 those invested in an American fund, based on the performance of the S&P, may, despite a 9.3 percent market return year-to-date, actually have lost over 5 percent.
TD Waterhouse offers £75 cashback on ISA transfers
TD Waterhouse is offering a £75 cashback to investors who transfer their ISA plan from another provider before the end of August. It is available to both new and existing customers transferring Stocks-and-Shares ISAs and/or Cash ISAs from another provider into a TD Waterhouse Trading ISA.
Opportunities in emerging market government bonds
As the debate surrounding whether investors should continue to invest in UK Government Bonds continues, Mark Pearce, Fixed Income and Alternatives Investment Specialist at Threadneedle, believes there are still attractive opportunities for investors in government bonds in emerging markets.
Bank shares are still a good buy
After the great banking bail out and despite economic uncertainty, banking shares are still viewed as a good buy according to six out ten private investors polled by financial website The Motley Fool - Fool.co.uk.
Tide turns as investor cash begins flowing back into FTSE
Investor confidence in equities seems to be improving, with stock market investors having an average of £28,000 invested in the markets today, compared with just £24,000 in December 2008, according to the fourth Investor Outlook report from Lloyds TSB Wealth Management.
Barclays Wealth reissues Target Growth Plan
Barclays Wealth is reissuing its Target Growth Plan for investors seeking to gain an attractive fixed return even if the FTSE 100 delivers negligible or negative growth over the next five years.
Investment trust pays dividends 4.1% above base rate
Investors seeking income should look to well established investment trusts say J.P. Morgan Asset Management.
Zurich launches new Global Protected Profits Fund
Building on the success of its existing Protected Profits Funds range, Zurich has launched a new Global Protected Profits fund aimed at cautious and moderately cautious investors investing for the medium to long term.
Standard Life strengthens distribution links in Germany
Standard Life Investments, the global fund manager, has announced that its Luxembourg-domiciled SICAV fund range is now available to key intermediaries in Germany via Moventum's fund platform.
Europe offers a once-in-a-generation buying opportunity
Continental Europe currently offers the best buying opportunity in at least a generation, and is the best placed equity market to benefit from a US-led recovery, says Barry Norris, partner at European equity boutique Argonaut Capital.
Leeds helps savers maximise tax-free returns
Leeds Building Society has announced that it will accept the additional £1,500 tax free cash allowance, announced by the Chancellor, Alistair Darling, in his budget, which is available to anyone born on or before 6 April 1960.
A growth fund with the freedom to discover hidden gems
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
How over-50s can make the most of new ISA limit
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Nationwide increases rates on fixed rate ISA bonds
Nationwide Building Society today announces details of a new range of competitive Fixed Rate ISA Bonds, which all offer a guaranteed interest rate for savers looking to take advantage of their annual tax-efficient allowance.
Bond sentiment improves
Sentiment in UK corporate bond markets has continued to improve over the past few months, according to Rebecca Seabrook, manager of F&C's Ethical Bond Fund.
Two further JPMAM funds added to Selestia
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Co-op launches new fund to IFAs
The Co-operative Asset Management has announced the launch of its Corporate Bond unit trust onto IFA platforms and the appointment of a new manager to run the fund.
Inflation drop good news for equities, says F&C
For the first time since September 2007, the Consumer Prices Index (CPI) for June came in at 1.8%, below the upper end of the Monetary Policy Committee's (MPC) target range of 1-2%. In contrast, core inflation remained stable at 1.6%.
Opportunities in China emerge as economy recovers
The positive macro data released by the Chinese authorities today underlines the strengths of China's economic management, according to Philip Ehrmann, manager of the Jupiter China Fund.
Climate Opportunities fund employs ‘green stimulus' theme
As governments around the world work to meet the challenges of a global economic recession, they may be tempted to sideline expensive climate change initiatives. However, ‘green stimulus' is forming a significant part of fiscal stimulus packages, with US Congress earmarking a reported $100bn of its $900bn-plus stimulus package specifically for environmental issues.
India's ‘pro-growth' budget
Last week the Indian government unveiled its annual budget, which outlined their focus on domestic growth.
F&C Stewardship funds awarded ‘A' rating
The ethically screened Stewardship Growth and Stewardship Income funds, managed by F&C, have each been awarded new "A" ratings from Standard and Poor's Fund Research following the appointment of Catherine Stanley as lead manager on 1 June 2009.
Gartmore SICAV Latin American Fund awarded ‘AAA' rating
Gartmore is pleased to announce that the Gartmore SICAV Latin American Fund has been upgraded to the highest ‘AAA' Fund Management Rating by Standard & Poor's (S&P), one of the world's leading providers of qualitative, forward-looking fund management research reports.
City backs Prince's charity with first Invest & Give Fund
Twelve of the best known brands from the UK's fund management industry have partnered with a charity to create a new way to give to charity without the donor feeling like they have made a financial sacrifice.
Opportunities in US insurance stocks
F&C US Smaller Companies investment trust manager Robert Siddles has been building the trust's position in non-life insurance underwriters, in a defensive move that seems vindicated by a bout of jitters in the US stockmarkets over the past week, which has seen 5% wiped off the value of the S&P 500 index.
Wealth managers put faith in Emerging Market Equities
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Quantitative easing impact on economy still not evident
Three months after the Bank of England announced its quantitative easing programme, its effects on the real economy are yet to be seen.
High yield investors reap rewards of market rally
Investors with exposure to high yield bonds have reaped the rewards of the recent market rally, with the sector outperforming equities during the first half of 2009; whilst the Merrill Lynch Global High Yield Index returned 29.5% during this period, the MSCI World Index returned 6.8%.
Providers to check before increasing ISA subscriptions
TISA - Tax Incentivised Savings Association - is advising members to obtain prior confirmation from customers who will benefit from the higher ISA subscription limit from 6 October before continuing or ‘re-starting' direct debit payments.
SWIP Property Trust re-enters commercial property market
Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP) has recently purchased three new properties for the SWIP Property Trust's portfolio, following its identification of some excellent buying opportunities in the uncertain commercial market.
Threadneedle July investment strategy 2009
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Legal & General launches Capital Protected Index Plan 1
Legal & General's latest product in its capital protected investment range, Capital Protected Index Plan 1 (CPIP1) is launched to independent financial advisers on 13 July 2009 and will be available for investment up until 4 September 2009.
10 reasons to consider European smaller companies
Ian Ormiston, manager of the Ignis European Smaller Companies Fund, gives 10 reasons to consider European smaller companies: "UK smaller company funds have long been the default choice for UK investors seeking exposure to dynamic and fast growing firms. But factors increasingly point towards Continental Europe as a better environment in which to invest in companies with outstanding growth potential."
Barclays reissues Minimum Return Plan
Barclays Wealth has improved the balance of its Minimum Return Plan protected investment, as investors seek higher yielding alternatives to deposit accounts in the low interest rate environment.
Barclays reissues UK and US Super Tracker strategies
Barclays Wealth is reissuing the US and UK versions of its Super Tracker investment strategy. The two Super Trackers, which both launch on 7 July, are designed to offer investors enhanced upside from the US and UK stock markets through leveraged exposure to either the FTSE 100 or S&P 500. They are aimed at those investors who believe the nascent recoveries across both sides of the Atlantic will be followed by a prolonged period of minimal growth.
A flexible fund for volatile times
Many equity funds find it difficult to maintain the value of their clients' assets during long periods of market volatility. Andy Parsons, Advice team manager at The Share Centre, explains why he believes the Blackrock Absolute Alpha fund could just be flexible enough to steer its way through a choppy market.
Investors do not believe stock market recovery is imminent
One in two investors do not believe the recent stock market recovery is sustainable. A survey by popular financial website The Motley Fool - Fool.co.uk - reveals that cynics outnumber optimists by two to one.
T. Bailey Equity Income Fund yields 7%
Investment boutique T. Bailey is delighted to announce the distribution of a 7% yield to its Equity Income fund investors, representing an impressive 155% of the current yield of the FTSE All-Share Index.
European ETF turnover rises by 120%
A European, industry-wide ETF trading report from iShares, the world's leading Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) provider, shows a 120% rise in European ETF turnover in the 12 months to 30 April 2009. As a proportion of total trading activity, ETFs have risen from 2.8% to 10.8%, during the same period, while trading volumes for underlying equities and futures have declined significantly.
Ignis' Ewing optimistic on US equities
There are encouraging signs for US equities over the coming months but investor caution is advised as the market enters a consolidation phase following a near 40% rally from its lows in early March, according to Ignis Asset Management.
CTFs benefit from lump sum contributions
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
AXA Isle of Man launches new Autobalancing Fund
AXA Isle of Man has worked closely with The Royal Bank of Scotland plc (‘RBS') to develop a new fund - The ‘AXA IOM Autobalancing Fund' (‘The Fund') - which is exclusively available through AXA Isle of Man offshore bonds.
US market recovering but expect some bumps along the way
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Tracker investors still wasting money on high fees
Analysis by Fidelity International, UK ISA provider, shows that retail investors in UK tracker funds could save themselves around £45 million in total charges each year if other providers followed Fidelity's example of lowering fees.
HSBC launches new onshore investment bond
In a significant new venture for the IFA market, HSBC has launched an innovative investment bond with open architecture investment choice. The Onshore Investment Bond offers whole of market choice with almost 2000 funds - OIECs and Unit Trusts - from over 100 fund managers.
Fidelity adds retail share class to Institutional Europe ex-UK Fund
Fidelity International is adding a new retail share class to its successful Institutional Europe ex-UK Fund. The share class, which is branded Europe Long Term Growth, launches on 1 July 2009 and provides investors with access to companies in Europe outside the UK that have attractive valuations, durable business models, clear competitive advantages and the possibility of growing earnings over the longer term.
JPMAM launch multi-asset income fund
With interest rates at historic lows, there has never there been more discussion around the search for yield and with this in mind, J.P. Morgan Asset Management have launched the JPM Multi-Asset Income OEIC with a target yield of 1 month GBP LIBOR +2.5% gross. However, under current conditions, a yield of 7 to 8%, or approximately 6% over 3 month LIBOR is expected.
New Guaranteed Equity Bond from NS&I
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
AXA expands Elevate offshore investment funds range
AXA Distribution Services has added 145 new offshore investment funds from 12 international fund management groups to the Elevate wrap platform.
HSBC slashes charges across index tracking range
HSBC Global Asset Management is to cut the annual management charge across its UK-based index tracking fund range to 0.25%.
The Share Centre launches Platinum 120 Funds range
Retail stockbroker The Share Centre, has launched its Platinum 120 funds range in order to help investors identify the funds with the best long-term prospects and strong management. Customers who invest in a Platinum 120 fund will benefit from no purchase commission on all funds and no initial charge on almost 80%.
Growth in ETF trading as investors' confidence remains high
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
SVM UK 100 Select Fund up 8.0% in May
In May SVM UK100 Select Fund returned 8.0% compared to 4.7% for the FTSE 100 index. The fund has returned 9.6% in the first five months of 2009 compared to just 1.9% for the FTSE 100 index.
Newcastle launches five year fixed rate ISA
Newcastle Building Society is climbing to the top of the Moneyfacts.co.uk Fixed Rate ISA best buy table with the launch of its latest ISA, giving savers the chance to invest a minimum of £1 with a 5.00% Gross/AER annual return over five years.
The £100 billion begging bowl
As banks continue to restrict the availability of easy credit, new analysis by financial website The Motley Fool - Fool.co.uk reveals the market sectors that are most likely to ask shareholders for more money through rights issues, placings or open offers. Since the start of 2008, companies have begged shareholders for more than £100 billion.
Vodafone calls time on banking sector's stranglehold
Angus Rigby, Chief Executive Officer, TD Waterhouse comments: "Our customers have been in ‘buy' mode again this week, with almost two buys for every share sold. However, the most interesting development appeared in this week's sells table. Vodafone broke the banks' stranglehold of the top three positions as its sell trades soared above RBS and Barclays to reach second place this week. Overall, the world's largest mobile phone company by revenues accounted for a fifth (19%) of the top ten sells as customers looked to take advantage of the telecom giant's huge share price hike last week.
Gartmore shines in latest Extel Fund Awards
Gartmore was among the prominent names in this year's Thomson Reuters Extel awards, the leading benchmark for excellence in investment banking.
Dividends to rise over the next year
Nick Mcleod-Clarke, Fund Manager of BlackRock's UK Income Fund: "Savers relying on company dividends, as a source of income, may feel as if they have suffered a severe 'haircut' recently, as a stream of banks and other household names have cut their payouts. However, although the hair may have been re-styled, savers should take some comfort that it hasn't stopped growing.
Threadneedle: Outlook for Asian Equities
Jan de Bruijn, Asia Equity Fund Manager, Threadneedle UK: The market has seen a return of risk appetite from Asian investors, resulting in the MSCI Asia Pacific ex-Japan Index rising by 14.4% in May, the third consecutive double-digit rise. However, Jan de Bruijn, Asia Equity Fund Manager for Threadneedle UK, who is visiting Asia this week, has some more cautious opinions on the outlook for the region.
Ignis: Death of deflation greatly exaggerated
Stuart Thomson, economist at Ignis Asset Management, comments: “Mark Twain is credited with the quotation: "reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated." The same may be said of deflation. Media interest is a great reverse indicator and news that the number of references to deflation in the last month has fallen to 19, the lowest monthly total since last September (the fateful month of Lehman's collapse) is bad news for the inflationistas. Inflation is seductive since if offers governments a relatively painless method to reduce their debt burden and over-indebted consumers and corporates of their future burden by penalising savings. However, Japan's internet-style depression, characterised as a www-shaped economic performance - or less charitably as an endless series of false dawns - is the product of the authorities' failure to drive up inflation expectations, and was caused by the lack of income to grow during the period. The charts below show earnings, consumer price inflation and the household savings rate in Japan from 1990 and illustrate the income deficit.
SVM UK Absolute Alpha Fund update
In May, SVM UK Absolute Alpha Fund returned 1.4% and it has returned 4.1% since its launch on 11 March 2009. The fund has grown to £15.1m and is now available through the Selestia Investment Solutions platform.
AXA Winterthur enhances Tailored Selection range
The AXA Sterling Corporate Bond Fund is now available through AXA Winterthur Wealth Management's Tailored Selection, enhancing the choice of fixed interest funds accessible to investors.
Ignis: Portfolio repositioning to reap significant rewards
David Clark, manager of the Ignis Asset Management UK Smaller Companies Fund, believes a recent repositioning of the portfolio will reap significant rewards in the second half of 2009.
Investing in the stock market just got cheaper
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Investment Clock model moves into the Recovery stage
The Investment Clock model has moved from Reflation into equity-friendly Recovery for the first time since early 2007, according to Trevor Greetham, manager of the Fidelity Multi Asset Strategic Fund.
HEXAM fund awarded S&P AA rating
HEXAM Capital's Global Emerging Markets fund has been awarded a prestigious ‘AA' fund management rating by Standard & Poor's.
A black day for investment fund managers
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Gartmore's Ben Wallace cautious about market prospects
UK equities advanced for a third consecutive month in May, with sectors sensitive to economic expectations, such as autos and banks, performing well. However, Ben Wallace, manager of the new Gartmore UK Absolute Return Fund, is cautious about the ability of some cyclical stocks to build on their recent gains through the summer.
Short term caution needed after huge bounce in equities
Paul Niven, Head of Asset Allocation at F&C: Risk and cyclically sensitive assets such as equities, credit and commodities have enjoyed a strong recovery during the second quarter of the year as fears of systemic failure in the financial system have been replaced by the hope that economic recovery is imminent and that the global recession is close to an end.
Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust retains blue-chip ranking
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Confidence returns as advisers back shares
Confidence in equity investments has dramatically revived in the past three months with 79% of IFAs advising clients to invest in UK shares over the next three months compared with just 57% in February when the FTSE-100 was heading down, according to the latest results from the Virgin Money Investor Intentions Index.
Threadneedle June investment strategy 2009
Sarah Arkle, Chief Investment Officer at Threadneedle, comments on investment strategy for June: Bonds -While the fundamentals for gilts remain positive in terms of the poor economic background, the technicals are negative given the sheer scale of governance issuance and the risk of a downgrade to the UK's AAA rating. Last month, S&P lowered its medium-term outlook from stable to negative. We continue to be most constructive on the credit markets and remain overweight in both investment grade and high yield corporate bonds. Although the fundamentals are still poor the technicals have improved, with strong demand for both asset classes. Valuations for investment grade are close to the best in 100 years and more than compensate for historic default risk, while last month the strong performance of high yield eclipsed most other areas. Emerging market bonds have continued to perform well, buoyed by the rebound in risk appetite. Overall, we retain a preference for risk assets over government bonds.
Commercial property may again come to the fore, says Ignis
Commercial property may again come to the fore if inflationary pressures emerge in the wider economy, says George Shaw, manager of the Ignis UK Property Fund.
IMA reviews impact of credit crunch on authorised funds
The Investment Management Association (IMA) has published a report on how the credit crunch has impacted UK authorised funds.
Gartmore finds ‘gems' in adverse sectors
Gervais Williams, Gartmore's Head of UK Smaller Companies and manager of the Gartmore Growth Opportunities investment trust and UK & Irish Smaller Companies OEIC, says that investors have been returning to company specifics in the small-caps sector and finding the realities very different to popular perception.
Banking and mining stocks drive trading activity
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Ignis: Next stage of Euro rally to favour defensives over cyclical
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Top cash ISAs start to disappear
Andrew Hagger of Moneynet.co.uk comments on some of the key changes seen in the cash ISA market this week.
M&G marks 40th anniversary of the M&G Recovery Fund
M&G Investments is this month celebrating the 40th anniversary of the £3.1 billion M&G Recovery Fund, its flagship UK equity product.
These stocks have got talent
Britain may have talent and diversity but so does the stock market. Popular financial website The Motley Fool - Fool.co.uk has scoured the stock market to unearth five shares that have the potential to deliver big profits in the coming years.
International trading peaks - commission free purchases
Recent market and currency conditions have led to more investors than ever looking outside the UK for investment opportunities, according to Halifax Share dealing (HSDL), a leading UK international dealing execution only broker.
Ethical investment achieves quarter of a century milestone
This week sees a significant milestone reached for the asset management industry, as ethical investment notches-up a twenty-five year track record of development and growth since the launch of the Stewardship Growth Fund, the first such fund in Europe, on 1 June 1984.
Inflation fears fuel demand for commodities
The massive demand for commodity assets since the beginning of the year has been driven by investors' efforts to hedge against inflation according to Marius Botha, Deputy Manager of the Threadneedle Commodities Crescendo Hedge Fund.
Investment in infrastructure key to long term growth in Asia
The majority of government stimulus packages across Asia are aimed at infrastructure development that will contribute to the rapid rise of the consumer and middle classes and further strengthen the long term outlook for Asian equities, Fidelity International said today.
Brits determined to make profit without compromising principles
Twenty-five years on since the launch of Stewardship Brits continue to rate the importance of ethical investment, according to new research from Friends Provident.
HSBC offers world selection High Interest Deposit Bond
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Ignis International HEXAM Emerging Europe Fund outstrips peers
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Gartmore's European team cautiously optimistic
The tide is beginning to turn. For many investors it is time to look on the brighter side of things following what has been the worst recession in living memory say Roger Guy and Guillaume Rambourg, managers of the European Selected Opportunities, SICAV Continental European and European Absolute Return Funds. According to the managers, the recent uptick in key surveys such as the ISM non-manufacturing number and IFO surveys, as well as the SAAR number (annualised vehicle sales in the US), supports the view that the worst may well be behind us. Even the most bearish strategists anticipate that most economies will begin to rebound later this year.
TD Waterhouse customers snap up cut-price shares
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Indexed linked vehicles attract investors anticipating inflation volatility ahead
Standard Life Investments, one of the largest fixed income managers in the UK, celebrates the fifth anniversary of its £280m Global Index Linked Bond Fund with the news that it has attracted over 17% of the company's £184m Q1 2009 mutual fund net sales.
Architas Dynamic Fund celebrates 5th anniversary
An asset allocation overhaul has seen the Dynamic Fund enjoy first quartile performance since Caspar Rock took over its management in July 2006. Overall portfolio risk has also benefited from Caspar's strategies - the fund now ranks in the second quartile within the Active Managed sector in terms of volatility over one year.
Threadneedle: Outlook for oil following OPEC Conference
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Multi Asset Strategic Fund shifts back overweight equities
Trevor Greetham, portfolio manager of Fidelity's Multi-Asset Strategic Fund, has increased the fund's equity weighting to a small overweight, having been significantly underweight the asset class since Q3 2007.
Scottish Widows launches two new Multi-Manager funds
Scottish Widows is to add two new Multi-Manager funds to its core range of pensions funds. The Scottish Widows Multi-Manager Diversity Fund and Scottish Widows Multi-Manager Select Boutiques Fund, managed by Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP), will be available from 26 May.
Rensburg sets course with all UK equity focus
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Rensburg pursues UK equity only strategy
Rensburg Fund Management's decision to concentrate solely on UK equity investment has been reinforced by the agreement of the sale of its fixed interest capability to Gartmore Fund Managers Limited (Gartmore).
Leading indicators point to a recovery in Continental Europe
Olly Russ, manager of the top-quartile Ignis Argonaut European Income Fund, explains why current conditions favour Continental European equity income stocks.
UK fund managers predict bottom of market and pile into FTSE
UK Fund Managers are planning to increase their personal investments in UK shares to benefit from an expected upturn in the markets, according to a new study from Lloyds TSB UK Private Banking.
Brits invest in themselves
New research from Sainsbury's Loans reveals that there are currently just four lenders, of which it is one, offering an APR of less than 8% on unsecured loans on loan amounts between £5,000 and £15,000.
Interest rates to remain low, volatility high and deflation a real risk
Government bonds will remain a major investment theme in the current economic environment as the extent of the global slowdown will continue to fuel the need for substantially lower interest rates, says Head of Government Bonds for Threadneedle, Quentin Fitzsimmons.
HEXAM and Argonaut funds added to Sesame panel
The Ignis HEXAM Global Emerging Markets Fund and the Ignis Argonaut European Income Fund have been approved by Sesame, the UK's leading IFA network and support services provider.
TD Waterhouse customers stay focused on banking and insurance
Angus Rigby, Chief Executive Officer, TD Waterhouse comments: "Growing confidence in the markets' recent rally continued to drive high volumes of trading this week.
Can market timing beat a sensible long-term investment strategy?
F&C: Despite all their technical wizardry and financial expertise, investors love a good old-fashioned adage.
Ethical investors to rise by 18 per cent in 2009
New research from The Co-operative Investments reveals that 18 per cent more people intend to invest ethically this year, confirming the financial crisis will lead to growth in green investments.
Shareholder engagement on the increase but more to be done
The Investment Management Association (IMA) has published its fifth Fund Managers' Engagement Survey, looking at how fund managers engage with the companies in which they invest.
Best buy ISA pays the equivalent of 6.67%
Leeds Building Society's market leading 5 Year Fixed Rate ISA, which pays the equivalent of 6.67% for higher rate tax payers and 5% for basic rate tax payers, is proving popular with customers looking to maximise their tax free returns.
Confident on India's long term growth
Hugh Young, managing director of Aberdeen Asset Management Asia, comments: "The key feature of the decisive victory in the Indian elections for the Congress Party-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) is that it will not have to rely on the Communist Party-led alliance, which held back much needed reforms in the past five years, to form a government. Although it is still 10 short of the 272 seats it needs for an overall parliamentary majority, the UPA will easily pick these up from minor parties and independent legislators, unlike in 2004 when it only won 218 seats and had to court the support of the left. The decisive result offers hope that economic and governance reforms will now move forward, although the huge budget deficit will continue to present a major challenge, with public opposition to subsidy cuts remaining strong. But the easing of foreign restrictions in the areas of banking, insurance and pensions now seems more likely, as does the privatisation of selected state-owned enterprises.
Is Multi-Manager Changing?
Multi-Manager funds may be turning into a different kind of vehicle because of the condition of the markets, says Defaqto's Fraser Donaldson.
Regular investing versus lump sum investments
Whilst the FTSE All Share posted one of its best monthly returns in the last twenty five years in April, it's nevertheless been a torrid year for investors.
Ignis boosts European presence with Allfunds deal
Ignis Asset Management's international fund range will be made available through leading European platform Allfunds Bank from the end of April. The move will provide institutional and professional fund investors across Europe with further access to Ignis' proprietary funds as well as those from Ignis' joint venture boutiques - Argonaut (European equities), Cartesian (UK equities), HEXAM (global emerging markets) and Maia (multi-manager).
Newcastle has ISAs all wrapped up
Newcastle Building Society is helping savers to get even more out of their tax free cash ISA allowance by enabling customers to consolidate their money across a number of cash ISAs this tax year.
F&C Investment Trust retains award for Best Report & Accounts
Foreign & Colonial Investment Trust (FCIT) last night picked up a prestigious award from the Association of Investment Companies for the second year running.
Marsico: ‘Stress tests' relieve tension
The findings of the "stress tests" - a ‘what if' exercise conducted to see if US banks have sufficient capital to cope should the recession worsen - is likely to prove supportive of equity markets and signal a turning point, according to John Benson, a VP at Marsico Capital Management, sub-advisers to Gartmore. The results - largely within expectations - revealed that ten of the largest 19 banks in the US need a combined $74.6 billion (£50 billion) of extra funds to boost their cash reserves. "The "stress tests" should go some way to removing the uncertainty that has beset the US banking sector by providing assurance that banks would have the capital to handle further losses," noted John. The assessment of the financial conditions of the 19 largest bank holding companies was conducted by the Federal Reserve and other federal banking supervisory agencies.
Surge in retail share trading continues
Angus Rigby, Chief Executive Officer, TD Waterhouse comments: "TD Waterhouse customers vastly increased their purchasing activity this week, with over twice as many stocks bought than sold. Overall we saw a 26% increase in trading activity, with an 82% increase in the number of shares bought compared to last week.
F&C REIT seeks up to £300m for UK commercial property fund
F&C REIT, the major property asset management business formed by the merger of F&C Asset Management's property division and REIT Asset Management last year, has today revealed details of its first fund launch.
IMA calls for reform of sterling corporate bond market
Following publication of an IMA-commissioned report, The Impact of the Credit Crunch on the Sterling Corporate Bond Market, the IMA has today published a position paper urging further action by regulators and market participants on reforms to promote a well functioning sterling corporate bond market.
Barclays launches 3 year FTSE 100 Supertracker Investment Note
As confidence in the FTSE continues to gain momentum,, Barclays Stockbrokers has launched a 3 Year FTSE 100 Supertracker Investment Note to provide investors with the opportunity to gear any returns from the FTSE 100 up to a maximum return of 50%. With a three year term, the Note is designed for those investors who believe that whilst stability may be on the horizon, there is still a long road to market recovery and so want to gear their returns to potentially rebuild their portfolios as quickly as possible.
Cash child trust fund returns outshining stakeholder
The latest survey by Moneyfacts has revealed the extent to which cash child trust funds (CTF) have delivered superior returns to those from the Government's preferred option for parents - stakeholder accounts - since the scheme was launched four years ago.
SWIP: Opportunities in Latin America for the long-term investor
Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP) believes that despite the global economic slowdown, the Latin American economies offer exciting long-term opportunities for investors.
Zurich launches new offshore bond
Zurich has launched a new International Portfolio Bond (IPB), aimed at high net worth UK residents. Produced and underwritten by Zurich's Irish business, IPB is an offshore investment proposition that allows customers to benefit from greater investment flexibility this proposition provides, compared to onshore investment bonds.
Best buy ISA pays eight times Bank Base Rate
Leeds Building Society has launched a market leading 5 Year Fixed Rate ISA paying 4.00% interest tax free, which is eight times more than the Bank of England base rate following the decision to leave the rate unchanged at 0.50% last week.
Parents positive about saving for their children’s futures
As we enter the 12th Positive Parenting Week, leading Child Trust Fund provider, The Children's Mutual, is highlighting the great steps that many parents and families in the UK are already taking towards saving for their children's futures.
Investors maintain faith in equities over the long-term
UK investors remain committed to equities over the long-term, according to latest research by the Investment Management Association (IMA). This remains the case despite retail investors diversifying their holdings more over recent years.
Barclays Wealth launches five-year fixed rate bond
Barclays Wealth is launching a five-year Fixed Rate Bond for investors seeking to lock-in a high level of income without putting their original capital at risk.
China increases imports of core commodities
Chinese imports of industrial metals such as copper, zinc, and aluminium have increased sharply in 2009. This appears to be the result of an increase in real demand, as the effects of the government's US$ 585 billion fiscal stimulus package feed through to the economy, combined with re-stocking and strategic buying to replenish state reserves.
Look before you leap into high-yielding shares
Income-strapped investors will have their work cut out for them next year. Analysis by financial website The Motley Fool - Fool.co.uk reveals that as many as nine FTSE 100 companies are pencilled in to lift dividend payouts by 20% in 2009. But in most cases this is not due to the strength of their businesses but favourable exchange rates instead.
Best buy ISA pays seven times bank base rate
Leeds Building Society has consistently delivered a range of highly competitive fixed rate ISA products including its best buy 5-year product, paying 3.50%, and its 2 and 3-year ISAs paying 3.15% and 3.25% respectively. Furthermore, unlike many other providers, each product allows savers to transfer in all of their ISA subscriptions from previous years' plus any interest accrued, unlimited access to 25% of the amount invested at any time, without notice or penalty, and have a minimum opening balance of only £1.
Threadneedle launches Credit Opportunities Fund
Threadneedle has expanded its Absolute Return range, with the launch of the Threadneedle Credit Opportunities Fund, to be managed by Head of High Yield, Barrie Whitman. Working closely with Barrie on the Fund's management is high yield fund manager Roman Gaiser and investment grade credit fund manager Alasdair Ross. The Fund is authorised for distribution in the UK and will be registered in the coming months for distribution in Europe.
Barclays Wealth reissues Super Tracker with new S&P 500 option
Barclays Wealth is reissuing its popular Super Tracker with a new additional option for investors seeking to accelerate future gains from the US stock market.