On Wednesday 15 March 2023, chancellor Jeremy Hunt presented his spring Budget. Focusing on the government’s aims to halve inflation, reduce public debt, and boost economic growth, Hunt delivered his first official Budget alongside the latest economic and fiscal outlook from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR). “Despite continuing global instability, the OBR report today that inflation in the UK …
All the winners and losers from the 2023 spring Budget
Just six months ago, Kwasi Kwarteng stood up in the House of Commons and delivered his controversial “mini-Budget”. The announcements ultimately brought down the short-lived Truss administration, with current chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, announcing a series of policy measures in November 2022 aimed at calming the markets. Having taken “difficult decisions to deliver stability and sound money”, the chancellor has delivered …
Investment market update: February 2023
Statistics suggest that some of the pressures facing economies, such as high inflation and recession concerns, are starting to ease. However, there is still a risk that economies could fall into a recession in 2023. Read on to find out what influenced the markets in February 2023. As an investor, remember to focus on your long-term goals when making decisions. …
Can you guess the average house price on the most expensive street in the UK?
It’ll come as no surprise that the most expensive UK street to buy a property on is in London. But how much do you think a house on Phillimore Gardens will set you back? According to Halifax, an average property on the tree-lined street of Victorian houses will set you back £22.8 million – 83 times the national average property …
3 useful ways a mortgage broker can help you navigate a market that changes quickly
Mortgage deals have a record low shelf life, and the market is changing quickly. If you’re searching for a new mortgage, it can make it difficult to find the right deal for you. In a situation like this, a mortgage broker can lend support. The average mortgage shelf life has fallen to just 15 days According to a report in …
Explained: The 4 main asset classes that could form part of your portfolio
You may have come across the term “asset class” when reviewing your finances or investing, but what does it mean? And which asset class suits your goals? In finance, asset class is often used to describe a group of investments that are similar and are subject to the same regulations. There are four main asset classes – cash, fixed income, …
5 inaccurate expert predictions that prove why you shouldn’t try to time the market
When you look at investment performance with the benefit of hindsight, you may think you could predict how markets will move. Yet, markets are unpredictable and expert forecasts prove how difficult timing the market is. Every investor has heard the advice “buy low, sell high”. So, it can be tempting to try and guess how investments will perform in the …
Explained: How pension tax relief works and boosts your retirement savings
Tax relief could boost your pension and mean you have more financial freedom in retirement. Yet it’s something that you may overlook when reviewing your pension, as analysis suggests that some workers aren’t claiming their full entitlement. In fact, according to a report in the Telegraph, higher- and additional-rate taxpayers could have missed out on as much as £811 million …
Investment market update: January 2023
Investors should expect further volatility in the markets in 2023, experts suggest. Economies around the world are facing recession due to factors including high inflation and rising interest rates. The International Monetary Fund’s Kristalina Georgieva predicts that a third of the global economy will be in recession this year. The World Bank also has a similar outlook, as it cut …
International Women’s Day: 5 things you could do to improve your long-term financial wellbeing
This year’s theme for International Women’s Day is “inspire inclusion”. While huge strides have been made in improving financial independence for women, there’s still a significant gap. It could harm your overall wellbeing and your options in the future. If you want to take steps to improve your long-term financial security, there are things you can do now. 1. Don’t …